Eswatini Food Guide: What to Eat, Where to Go, & Local Dishes to Try

Eswatini might be small, but its food scene is full of surprises. This Eswatini food guide covers everything you need to know about what to eat and where to find it. From traditional dishes to modern twists, there's so much to explore for the foodies out there.

Food is a big part of the culture here. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at a local market or sitting down for a home-cooked meal, the flavors are rich, simple, and rooted in tradition.

In this guide, we’ll show you some of the must-try local dishes, where to eat across the country, and a few tips to help you enjoy eating your way around this underrated kingdom.

Eswatini Food Guide: a Dive into Swazi Cuisine

Eswatini might not be the first place that comes to mind for foodies, but that’s part of what makes it so special. It was a destination that honestly really surprised us with how great their food & drink scene was!

This first part of our Eswatini food guide will show you just how diverse and hearty Swazi cuisine really is. From traditional meals passed down for generations to trendy restaurants, there’s a lot to indulge in here.

Whether you're looking for simple and flavorful dishes or looking to have a boujee brunch on a budget, we've got you covered. Expect big portions, bold flavors, and warm hospitality everywhere you go.

 What is the Traditional Food of Eswatini?

Traditional Swazi food is simple, filling, and made from ingredients that are easy to grow or raise locally. A typical meal includes a starchy base, like maize meal (sidvudvu or liphalishi), paired with vegetables, beans, and meat.

You’ll see a lot of dishes cooked over open fires, especially in rural areas. Think slow-cooked stews and grilled meats, similar to the food you'll find in South Africa. Beef and chicken are the most common proteins, and they’re usually served with pap (a maize porridge) or rice.

Root vegetables like sweet potatoes and pumpkin are also staples. Nothing fancy, but incredibly satisfying. Despite having simple ingredients, the food has a ton of flavor due to spices used in the dishes.

 What is the National Dish of Eswatini?

The national dish of Eswatini is Karoo roast ostrich steak, and if you get the chance to try it, take it! Ostrich is the only bird with red meat, and it'll probably be one of the best steaks of your life.

 Foods to Try in Eswatini

If you’re visiting for the first time, here are a few dishes to look out for:

• Umncweba: Dried and cured meat that is similar to South African biltong
• Umgcwembe: Traditional grilled meat dishes
• Chakalaka: Vegetable relish with tomatoes and seasonings 
• Sishwala: Thick maize porridge (also known as pap) 
• Samp: Dried maize kernals that have been pounded
• Sidvudvu: Pumpkin mixed with maize meal, usually served as a soft porridge
• Tjwala: Traditional homemade beer (more on that below)
• Emasi: Fermented milk, often eaten with pap or on its own
• Stewed chicken or goat: Slow-cooked with vegetables and local spices
• Braai: South African–inspired BBQ, popular at gatherings and roadside stops- Eswatini even has a giant weekend festival called "Eswatini Biggest Braai", where locals gather and barbecue together all day!

Eswatini Food Guide: Things to Know About Eating & Drinking in Swaziland

Dining in Eswatini is generally laid-back. Meals are often shared, and hospitality is a big deal—if you’re invited to eat with locals, it’s a sign of respect.

In this next part of our Eswatini food guide we're going to share some more info about the dining scene in general- from prices of meals to local drinks to look out for.

 How Much is a Meal Out in Eswatini?

Eating out in Eswatini is not just enjoyable, but it's actually surprisingly affordable, especially compared to neighboring countries. 

A basic meal at a local spot can cost as little as E40 to E80 (about $2 to $4 USD). In bigger towns or more trendy restaurants, you might pay around E100 to E200 per person for a full meal. That’s still a bargain if you’re coming from Europe or North America!

Portions are really generous, and even at the fanciest establishments we left full and happy without spending a fortune. 

Here are some sample menus from restaurants we went to in Eswatini:

How Much is a Coffee in Eswatini?

Coffee in Eswatini is pretty cheap. A regular cup from a café will cost you about E20 to E30 (roughly $1 to $1.50 USD). You’ll find decent coffee in bigger towns like Mbabane and Ezulwini, but outside of those areas, expect instant coffee more often than not.

We did find a few places that had an espresso machine! Summerfield Botanical Gardens, Bom Dia, and the Velvet Monkey (all of which we'll talk more about later in our Eswatini food guide) all served cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso-based beverages.

 What are the Traditional Drinks of Swazi?

Swazi people have a few traditional drinks that are part of daily life and celebrations. One of the most well-known is emasi, which is both a food and a drink, depending on how it’s served.

You’ll also come across tjwala, a homemade fermented brew usually made from maize or sorghum. It’s low in alcohol and often brewed in large batches for ceremonies or social gatherings.

Then there’s buganu, or marula beer, made from the fruit of the marula tree. It’s seasonal and often consumed during festivals.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

What is the National Drink of Eswatini?

Buganu is arguably the national drink of Eswatini. It’s not just a beverage- it’s actually tied to culture and tradition. 

Every year, there’s even a Buganu Festival celebrating the marula harvest, where people gather to drink, sing, and dance. If you're visiting between February and April, you might get a chance to try fresh buganu straight from the source!

Unfortunately we didn't get to try it while visiting, but we'll update this whenever we get to have a taste.

What is the Local Beer in Swaziland?

The local beer in Swaziland is Sibebe Lager, which is locally brewed and named after the iconic Sibebe Rock. Castle Lager is also really common, although it's from South Africa.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Eswatini?

The water in Eswatini is perfectly safe to drink, and we were also really thrilled to be able to get free glasses of water out in restaurants.

Do You Tip in Restaurants in Eswatini?

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s appreciated and pretty typical when eating out. Around 10% is standard at restaurants in cities or tourist areas, and is better given in cash.

Eswatini Food Guide: The Best Bars & Restaurants

The final part of our Eswatini food guide is to point out some of our favorite places to eat and drink around the country! While we of course couldn't try everything, there are certainly some dining (and drinking) experiences worth mentioning from our 1 week in this incredible country.

Something to note is that you shouldn't expect elaborate menus in most restaurants, especially outside the cities. The focus is more on freshness and simplicity. That being said, we did find some really amazing restaurants that had elevated menus and trendy venues to share with you!

Our Favorite Bars & Restaurants in Eswatini

While Eswatini isn’t packed with fancy dining options, there are some real gems when it comes to bars and restaurants. You’ll find a good mix of local favorites and international flavors, especially in the main towns.

Whether you’re in the mood for tasty local food or a boujee brunch on a budget, we've got you covered! Here are a few of our favorite restaurants and bars that we visited around the country:

Maguga View Point Restaurant

Looking for tasty food with a view? Maguga View Point Restaurant overlooks the Maguga Dam, and serves a really delicious impala plate!

Summerfield Botanical Gardens

This was hands-down our favorite dining experience in Eswatini. Summerfield Botanical Gardens are a resort worth staying at on its own, but their restaurant truly stands out from the rest.

With a elegant decor and exclusive dining areas, we were scared to see the menu at Summerfield. The plates were not only affordable, but they offered a modern twist and were well plated, making us feel like we were dining in luxury without the crazy price tag.

If you're looking for something truly special (although a bit more pricey), Summerfield has special menus for lunch on the last Sunday of each month!

Ramblas Restaurant

Want a cozy restaurant with just some really good food? Ramblas Restaurant is a great option for having local dishes in Eswatini in a comfortable setting, situated right in the capital.

The menu has everything from burgers and ribs to pasta dishes and steaks. We loved the lentil soup (which was a special) and the oxtail.

If you're working and traveling, something to keep in mind is that the Wifi is a code giving you just 150mb of data. 

Solanis

Looking for a fun night out? Located in Mbabane, Solanis was one of our favorite bars in Eswatini. It had great music, affordable drinks, and just a great vibe from all of the locals partying on the weekend.

The Velvet Monkey

This is one of the trendiest restaurants in Eswatini! It has both indoor and outdoor seating, great music, and some tasty international dish options. It was a whole vibe when we went for lunch, and is definitely a place you'll want to bring your camera for!

 Bom Dia Restaurant & Bakery

Situated just before the Mantenga Nature Reserve, Bom Dia is a Portuguese-inspired bakery perfect for stopping for coffee or grabbing breakfast.

The Smoke and Grill

Also located just outside of Mantenga Nature Reserve you'll find a few restaurants to choose from. We followed the smell of the grill, and it was one of the best choice we could have made- Fede swears this is one of the best barbecue chicken meals he's ever had! (It really was amazing).

Buckswood Hilltops

Looking for a cute hidden gem to grab a bite? Buckswood Hilltops was an adorable place we stumbled upon. It had cute cats roaming around, pretty decor, and beautiful views of the landscapes surrounding it. 

Unfortunately they weren't serving food as we visited very early, but we definitely recommend at least stopping and trying it out for the atmosphere alone. If you do end going, please let us know so we hopefully can vouch for the food too!

Simunye Club

Have plans to visit some of the incredible game reserves in Eswatini? Just down the road from Hlane, and on the way to Mbuluzi Game Reserve is an excellent country club that has a great menu. 

Another reason we loved Simunye was the service- the servers were all so friendly, and they even brought the internet router outside for us so that we could enjoy nice weather and stay connected for work! 

 Restaurant Chains That Never Fail

We are ALL about eating local, and you truly won't be disappointed while eating in Eswatini. However, if you're looking for more international options, or a comfortable place with some Wifi, then here are a couple of spots you can rely on.

Mugg & Bean

This chain can be found all over Southern Africa- it has a variety of international options to choose from, and is open breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Whether you're looking for some avocado toast to start your day, a hearty pasta dish for lunch, or a meat-filled dinner, Mugg & Bean is a safe choice for having lots of choices and a good cup of coffee with Wifi.

Nando's

If you're going to be in Manzini, you'll notice there aren't a ton of options. We were passing through and found Nando's- a chicken chain from England that truly is delicious, fast, and a safe bet if you're looking for something a bit more familiar.

So are you eat your way around one of our favorite countries? We hope our Eswatini food guide helps you enjoy all the flavors that this incredible destination has to offer.

Want to learn more about Eswatini? We have a lot of other Eswatini travel guides, as well as other Africa travel guides coming up each week, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of the latest updates!

Ready to book your trip to the incredible country of Eswatini? We're here to help! Now Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services helping you find the most affordable flights and some of the most unique places to stay! Not only that, but we're creating really exciting group trips to South Africa and Eswatini soon!

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