Meet
Marissa
The very first time Marissa visited her husband William’s modest hut, she fell in love with the beautiful and delicious meal prepared by Shida (her mother in law). Shida’s wonderful cooking, care and hospitality was something Marissa could never forget. So when William and she decided to move back to Tanzania (from the US), she wanted travelers to experience what she did when she first visited. Marissa describes her mother in law, Shida as an incredible woman, with an ear to ear smile, who simply loves to cook and share food with others. Marissa wants everyone visiting Moshi to be able to experience what she does being American – being part of a beautiful Tanzanian family, understanding how the food is sourced and cooked and sharing a home-cooked meal together! Shida is excited to share more about her beautiful culture, introduce you the extended family (grandma, daughter, cousins, etc.) and feed you in her simple home, as her own! Marissa hosts with her husband William and his family. On days that Marissa is not available, her husband William will be your host.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal:
(1-10 guests)
Begin your journey in Tanzania with an unforgettable cultural experience in Shida’s village—a small community in Moshi known for its traditional mud houses. This visit offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture, food, and way of life, setting the perfect tone for your Tanzanian adventure. In Shida’s humble home, you'll be welcomed by her family, including Marissa and William, for an authentic meal shared outdoors on small benches. The meal centers around Ugali, a traditional cornmeal dish that is eaten communally. Each person takes a piece of the main cake, rolls it into a ball, and uses it as a spoon to scoop up flavorful stews and vegetables. It’s a warm and intimate way to bond over food. A few other dishes that you may try are local fruits (mango, avocado), uji (a local porridge made from a mix of millet, corn, peanuts and wheat, served hot in a teacup with a pinch of sugar), mtori (beef and green banana stew) and rice with spiced beans. Many of these dishes are prepared using fresh coconut milk, simmered over a wood fire, lending them a distinct, smoky flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
After your meal, enjoy a small cup of kawaha (Tanzanian coffee) alongside kashata (peanut brittle), a beloved treat enjoyed by locals. This ritual is a daily tradition, often shared by men as they leave their shops in town. Finally, conclude your experience by sharing a local brew with Shida’s family in a cozy mud hut. It’s a relaxed and authentic way to soak in the warmth of Tanzanian hospitality while connecting with the local community. This cultural experience in Moshi not only introduces you to traditional Tanzanian cuisine but also offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with the local way of life in a family-centered setting.
Cooking experience:
(1-10 guests)
Join a hands-on, one-hour cooking class in Moshi for an immersive culinary experience that connects you with local traditions and flavors. Under the guidance of Shida, you'll learn to prepare fresh coconut milk using a traditional tool called a 'buzi'—a small wooden seat with a sharp grinder that shaves the coconut meat. This fresh coconut milk is essential for creating flavorful vegetable and stew dishes, giving you a taste of authentic Tanzanian home cooking. Next, you'll master the art of making Ugali, a staple Tanzanian dish made from cornmeal and often served alongside sautéed vegetables. Ugali is deceptively simple yet labor-intensive, making it a true culinary treat to learn. Shida, who loves cooking this dish for her family, will share her tips and techniques to perfect this essential part of Tanzanian cuisine. This unique cooking class in Moshi is a fantastic way to connect with local culture, learn traditional recipes, and enjoy a delicious meal that you've crafted yourself!
Market visit:
(1-6 guests)
Your culinary adventure in Moshi begins with a visit to the vibrant local market guided by William, where you'll be introduced to a wide variety of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. As you stroll through the market, you'll learn about the key ingredients used in traditional Tanzanian cooking, gaining insight into how they are selected and prepared for dishes like Ugali, mtori, and more. William will guide you to some of his favorite vendor stalls, where you'll pick up fresh ingredients for your hands-on cooking class with Shida (if you've selected the cooking class option). Once your shopping is done, you’ll make your way back to Shida's home, either by a leisurely 20-minute walk or by tuk-tuk, to begin your cooking and/or meal experience. There, you'll transform your market finds into a delicious meal, guided by Shida’s expertise. This market visit, paired with your cooking class, offers an immersive experience into the heart of Tanzanian food culture, making it a memorable and authentic part of your journey in Moshi.
Notes:
Shida does not speak any English so her son, William and/or her daughter in law, Marissa will be there to interpret. Shida makes her own beer! It is basically fermented grain porridge. It will be included in your meal; however it is not advised to consume a ton of this stuff. If you would like local beer (pasteurized and bottled) instead, there will be an additional cost. Please click on the alcohol button in your booking form to opt for local beer, at an additional cost.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and halal meals can be provided, if informed in advance. Please note only if you select the market + cooking + meal option will you visit Shida's home after your market tour for a cooking class and home cooked meal.
Languages spoken:
English, Kiswahili
Sample menu
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.
It was a great experience! The host felt like a long lost friend and we were catching up. She was refreshing to say the least. Honestly I loved everything. I loved the fact that the host house is near the city center. I also loved that she allowed me to help in the kitchen. I got to learn a few things I did not know. What is great about this host is that her house is truly welcoming and I got to interact with her family. Her grandmother was great when it came to talking about the traditions and nothing beats good company and great food! Hands down the best meat stew I have ever had.
Christine, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
Traveler reviews
This whole experience was amazing. William picked my husband and I up from our lodge and took us through the local market to pick up some ingredients before travelling to his Mum's house where we started cooking with his Mum, Marissa and his family. We learnt how to make banana stew and local beef curry, including making coconut milk from scratch. We felt incredibly welcomed into their family and learnt a lot about their family, local cooking style and Tanzania. This was a memorable experience and I would recommend to anyone travelling to Moshi.
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Julie S
September 19, 2022
This experience was a perfect way to wrap up our Tanzania trip! William (a local Tanzanian and Marissa’s husband) picked us up and took us through the market where he showed us local ingredients and let us try fruits and other items. He then took us to his mother’s house where we helped her prepare a delicious traditional Tanzanian meal!! Did I mention it was delicious?? We also for to try her home brewed banana beer as we cooked! I would absolutely do this again!! Thank you for a wonderful time!!
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Rachel_B
June 09, 2022
William and his son picked us up from our hotel and brought us to the market to try many foods like peas, sardines, tamarind, fruits and more. It was a great way to see how the people of Moshi live. Then he brought us to his mothers house where we met Marissa and her girls. We had appetizers and then the kids took off to play. We got to learn the process of coconut milk, ugali, beef stew and more. Taught how to use ugali when you eat, dessert, and kids placed jelly bean boozle that we brought from USA. Highly recommended activity to do when in Moshi.
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val0rih
September 06, 2021
Amazing authentic cooking experience!! This was an incredibly welcoming and awesome experience from the start! William (Marissa’s husband) met us at a local coffee shop to drive us to his mother’s home in a village right near downtown Moshi. His mother welcomed us into her home with lots of other family members and neighbors. We felt like family too! We had made suggestions about types of foods that we wanted to learn about and they were incredibly accommodating. It was a wonderful hands on experience and really fun to learn how to make foods that we had already been eating (and love) in Tanzania. We also enjoyed spending time with Marissa and William’s two adorable children and other family members. We were also very impressed that they were able to easily accommodate a severe food allergy without hesitation. If you are looking for a unique, authentic experience, look no further. You found it! This experience will go above and beyond!
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Eaohubbard
February 24, 2020
This was an incredibly welcoming and awesome experience from the start! William (Marissa’s husband) met us at a local coffee shop to drive us to his mother’s home in a village right near downtown Moshi. His mother welcomed us into her home with lots of other family members and neighbors. We felt like family too! We had made suggestions about types of foods that we wanted to learn about and they were incredibly accommodating. It was a wonderful hands on experience and really fun to learn how to make foods that we had already been eating (and love) in Tanzania. We also enjoyed spending time with Marissa and William’s two adorable children and other family members. We were also very impressed that they were able to easily accommodate a severe food allergy without hesitation. If you are looking for a unique, authentic experience, look no further. You found it! This experience will go above and beyond!
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Elizabeth
February 24, 2020
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