Bulawayo lauded for embracing traditional Zimbabwean cuisine

THE final leg of the 2024 provincial Traditional Cookout Competition was held in Bulawayo yesterday, with the grand finale set to be held in Manicaland province in July.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbra Rwodzi, who was the guest of honour at the event held at a local college lauded the province for its fervent embrace of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.

The competition showcased a remarkable display of creativity and innovation across all three categories that saw professional chefs, students and community participants, vying for a position in the national finals.

Each category brought innovative dishes and techniques to the table, highlighting the depth and diversity of Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage.

“Bulawayo is a province that we trust so much when it comes to issues to do with gastronomy tourism, why I say so is because we witnessed tourists being served traditional foods during ZITF and it gives us pleasure as an industry to witness such because it shows us that these people are proud of their heritage,” she said.

Minister Rwodzi commended the competition’s role in promoting gastronomy tourism, a rapidly growing sector and commended the role the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa is playing in increasing the country’s prominence in the global tourism sector.

“Tourists are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences, and our traditional cuisine offers a delicious gateway to understanding Zimbabwean heritage,” she said.

“Tourists visit Italy and France for culinary experiences and we want to replicate the same in Zimbabwe. Our First Lady who is our patron is playing a vital role in promoting destination Zimbabwe and gastronomy tourism, an initiative that she is passionate about that has opened so many opportunities for our country,” said Minister Rwodzi.

The success of the provincial Amai’s Traditional Cookout competitions paves the way for Zimbabwe to host the prestigious United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Africa Gastronomy extravaganza to be held in Victoria Falls.

During the competitions professional chefs stunned audiences with their exquisite mastery of traditional recipes.

Their creations not only delighted the taste buds but also served as a testament to the culinary heritage of Bulawayo province.

In the professional chefs category Benevolence Kasambira from Rainbow Hotel landed third place, while Kwazinkosi Mthethwa from Holiday Inn landed second place.

Nunurai Sigauke from Cresta Churchill clinched the first place.

The student category added a refreshing touch to the competition, as budding chefs from culinary schools and institutions demonstrated their passion and dedication to traditional cuisine.

Their youthful energy and eagerness to experiment with flavours brought about innovative and modern interpretations of age-old recipes, captivating the judges.

Judith Sithole from the United College of Education came third with Simingenkosi Dube from Bulawayo Polytechnic managing second place. Dineo Ndlovu from Bulawayo Polytechnic emerged winner in the provincial finals.

The community category, a true example of grassroots culinary talent, showcased the untapped potential present within local households.

Participants from diverse backgrounds and generations presented dishes that have been passed down through generations, keeping the essence of tradition alive.

The community category celebrated the authenticity and simplicity of local cuisine.

Mzilikazi suburb dominated the community category, as the suburb’s Sikhanyiso Manyathela and Thokozile Moyo clinched second and third place respectively.

Nothisa Mpofu from Bulawayo Central emerged the winner in the category.