Romazava
Often eaten: Usually for lunch or dinner
Known for: All regions
Everyday meal
Photo: Lemurbaby at English Wikipedia (CC BY 3.0)
3 dishes to discover
Food of Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa. It's known for its unique wildlife and rich cultural heritage. The food in Madagascar is a delicious mix of influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Rice is a staple, and many dishes are made with fresh ingredients and spices. Let's explore some popular foods from this amazing island nation!
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Madagascar, many meals include rice, which is a staple food. Fresh vegetables, meats, and spices from local gardens or markets make meals tasty and diverse. Eating together is important and it’s a time for families and friends to connect and enjoy each other’s company.
Eating Etiquette
It’s polite in Madagascar to wait for the oldest person to start eating before you do. People often eat with their right hand when not using forks or spoons, and it's important to only take food that you can finish to avoid waste.
When People Eat It
Koba
Often eaten: A snack or dessert, especially during festivals
Known for: Central Madagascar
Festivals
Ravitoto
Often eaten: Typically for lunch or dinner
Known for: Rural areas
Everyday meal
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
RomazavaRomazava
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Beef chunks
- 4 cups (250 g)Leafy greens (spinach/mustard)
- 2 tomatoesTomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, 1 tbspOnion and ginger
- 2 clovesGarlic
- to serveCooked rice
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to brown the beef in a pot with the onion, garlic, and ginger.
- 2Add the tomatoes and cook until soft.
- 3Pour in about 4 cups of water and simmer for 45 minutes, until the beef is tender.
- 4Stir in the leafy greens.
- 5Cook for 10 more minutes until the greens are soft.
- 6Serve this national soup of Madagascar over rice.
KobaKoba
Makes 8 slicesIngredients
- 1 cup (140 g)Peanuts, ground
- 1 cup (160 g)Rice flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g)Brown sugar
- 2 bananasBanana, mashed
- for wrappingBanana leaves
How to Make It
- 1Mix the ground peanuts, rice flour, brown sugar, and mashed banana into a thick paste.
- 2Spread the paste onto a piece of banana leaf.
- 3Roll it up into a tight log and tie it closed.
- 4Ask a grown-up to simmer the wrapped log in water for about 2 hours.
- 5Let it cool, then unwrap it.
- 6Slice into rounds — a sweet Malagasy peanut treat.
RavitotoRavitoto
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Pork or beef chunks
- 4 cups (250 g)Cassava leaves (or spinach), chopped
- 2 cloves, 1 tbspGarlic and ginger
- 1 onionOnion
- 2 tbspOil
- to serveCooked rice
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to brown the pork in a pot with the onion, garlic, and ginger.
- 2Add a splash of water and simmer until the meat is tender.
- 3Stir in the finely chopped greens.
- 4Cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
- 5Season with a little salt.
- 6Serve with rice — a much-loved dish in Madagascar.
Vocabulary
Madagascar's love for rice is a lot like many Asian countries, but the flavors and ingredients tell their own unique Malagasy story.