Rural Zambia prefers indigenous cuisine, mainly comprising of cassava, maize, vegetables and beef. Suburban Zambia dishes up a mix of both; you will find a variety of cuisine on the menu apart from the local food, ranging from Chinese, Indian, French to Thai food.

Zambia’s staple food is maize that is consumed in many ways. Roasted and boiled, fried and pounded or simply boiled. "Nsima", or steamed cornmeal, with a sauce made of fish, meat or vegetables poured over it is the most popular Zambian meal. This is eaten for lunch or dinner and not for breakfast. Vegetables consumed in plenty include onion and potato.