Zimbabwe’s rich culinary traditions are taking centre stage this Africa Month as Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) rolls out a nationwide celebration of indigenous cuisine, culture and hospitality aimed at reconnecting people with the country’s heritage through food.
From the earthy aroma of sadza rezviyo to the slow-cooked tenderness of mazondo and oxtail, Zimbabwean cuisine is increasingly being recognised as more than just sustenance, but as a living archive of identity, resilience and community.
At the heart of the celebrations is the weekly traditional food experience hosted every Wednesday at Harvest Garden Restaurant at Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre, where guests are treated to a carefully curated menu inspired by Zimbabwe’s ancestral kitchens.
For many locals, the experience evokes memories of family gatherings and rural homesteads, while for international visitors it offers a deeper cultural immersion into Zimbabwean life beyond wildlife and tourist attractions.
The menus feature traditional favourites including rich mazondo, tender oxtail, open-fire ribs, lamb, zvinyenze, road runner chicken stews, mutakura, sadza rezviyo, mhunga, mufushwa and hodzeko.
In a statement, RTG said the initiative seeks to celebrate and preserve Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage while promoting cultural tourism.
“Zimbabwean culture runs deeper than the wildlife and waterfalls that draw most visitors. Food tells stories and remains at the centre of our identity, unity and hospitality,” the group said.
“As we celebrate Africa Month, we are witnessing a renaissance where people are reconnecting with foundational flavours not merely as nostalgic meals, but as part of a premium hospitality experience.”
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RTG noted that many traditional Zimbabwean dishes are rooted in sustainable agricultural practices that predate modern global food trends.
“It is a culinary celebration that honours ancestral wisdom through the use of drought-resistant grains, organic ingredients and free-range proteins long before sustainability and superfoods became global trends,” reads part of the statement.
The hospitality giant will further mark Africa Day on May 25 with a nationwide culinary celebration across its hotel portfolio, featuring buffet-style traditional meals, African music performances and cultural activities.
Participating hotels include Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre, New Ambassador Hotel, Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre, Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, A'Zambezi River Lodge and Montclair Resort and Conference.
According to RTG, guests attending the Africa Day celebrations will enjoy traditional welcome drinks such as maheu and chibuku, while those dressed in African attire stand a chance to win prizes during the festivities.
“The celebration is designed to promote Zimbabwean culture and cuisine while creating memorable hospitality experiences rooted in African identity,” RTG said.
Lunch sittings will run from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, while dinner service will be available from 6:30pm to 10pm.
Reservations remain open subject to availability.
Beyond hotel operations, RTG also owns Heritage Expeditions Africa and Gateway Stream, while maintaining a regional sales and marketing office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
