The food in Madagascar greatly reflects the country’s beautifully immense cultural diversity. Malagasy culture and food have East African, Arab, and Indonesian influences due to centuries of trading and migration throughout the region, as well as French influence due to the country’s history of colonization. Typical meals in Madagascar are relatively simple, including rice, one main meat dish, and vegetables, its diverse flavors provide travelers with a spectacular culinary experience. Continue reading to discover some of Madagascar’s most popular dishes!

Meat Dishes

Romazava

Romazava is a Madagascar’s national dish. Though it is typically made with beef, it can also be feature of variety of different types of meat. The meat is braised for several hours so that it falls completely off the bone, and it is served with tomato, garlic, green onions, garlic, and stewed greens. It is often served over rice.

Foza sy hena-kisoa

Foza sy hena-kisoa is a famous Malagasy seafood platter which includes a remarkable fusion of stir-fried pork, crab, and lobster. The meat is typically seasoned with ginger and lime juice and is served simply over a bed of rice.

Fried Rice

Malagasy-syle fried rice is a staple in Madagascar. The rice is fried with a plethora of vegetables, including carrots, corn, bok choy, onions, and eggs. It can also include pieces of shrimp or slices of pork. Mixed together, the fried rice has an amazing array of flavors and spices.

Sambusa

Sambusa are delicious snack foods in Madagascar. Much like the Indian samosa, sambusa is a small fried pocket filled with ground beef and potatoes, mixed with a variety of delectable spices!

Vegetarian Dishes

Ravitoto

Ravitoto is a vegetarian staple in Madagascar. Though the name may sound exotic, ravitoto is relatively simple: it consists of mashed cassava leaves and is typically made with coconut milk and spices. Ravitoto can also be made into a meat dish by including stewed pork.

Lasary

Outside of the city, Lasary is a typical vegetarian dish that may include a variety of different vegetables, including carrots, cabbage, green beans, and onions. These vegetables are simply seasoned with a small amount of vinaigrette. However, in the city, lasary signifies something different altogether: it generally connotes condiments of pickled or stewed vegetables.

Rice

When traveling to Madagascar, it is impossible to ignore the importance of rice to the local culture and food traditions. Rice typically serves as the center of every meal, served with side dishes of meat and a variety of vegetables. So, no matter what other dishes you try, get ready to eat your fill of rice on your visit to this beautiful and incredible country!

Which dish are you most excited to try in Madagascar? Let us know in the comments below!

Post written by Grace Klopp