eSwatini (Swaziland) has received another drive in its food tourism sector, with a traditional food initiative by Mantenga Lodge.

The lodge, which is located in Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven), has been calling on its local chefs to bring some of their favourite home-cooked recipes and dishes, that they make at home and enjoy eating with their families, to the kitchens of the lodge. The team then uses these flavours, adapted for both local and international guests, to create a menu of traditional foods eaten by Swazis, which guests can now experience.

The brainchild of the lodge’s managing director, Robert Jupp, the initiative is now being driven by resident head chef Thulani Dlamini. As many local, fresh ingredients as possible are sourced from local farmers to aid in sustaining local business; while a comprehensive recycling system has also been put in place at the lodge, whereby all useable leftovers are donated to a local charity.

Swazi cuisine is relatively unknown internationally, creating an excellent opportunity for local culinary industry players to entice tourists to the country to experience the unique flavours of eSwatini.