Post date: May 30, 2011 2:57:39 PM
Nineteen countries, including Ivory Coast, Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria and South Africa showcase various delicacies to raise funds for charity.
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA (MAY 29, 2011) REUTERS - Residents of Lusaka were treated to a gastronomic feast on Sunday (May 29) at Zambia's fourth international food fair.
Ivory Coast, Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria, Malawi and South Africa were among the countries to send chefs to the fair, showcasing the very best of their national cuisine.
The event, organised by Zambia's Diplomatic Spouses Association raises money for local charities.
One of the most popular stands this year was the stand for Kenya, where Ruth Chegulet, the wife to Kenya's envoy to Zambia, spent the day pressing passers by to taste
regional rice and meat dishes.
"One very interesting thing that we found even the Americans have a dish from Kenya which they are displaying as their own and we are really proud of that because it is from Kenya that we have the American president so we have a lot to offer people not just food but more than that," Chegulet said.
A few tables away the wife to Botswana's deputy high commissioner Suzie Montsho cooked up a special dish of beef - Botswana's second biggest foreign exchange earner.
Meanwhile on the Malawi stall, it was all about fish.
"Typically from Lake Malawi is the tastiest fish you have ever come across, so as you are seeing it everybody is after our stand because of our fish," said Lexa Amos a secretary at the Malawian High Commissioner.
Arts and crafts were also on sale at the fair, which was ended with a raffle for charity.
Organisers said the high number of visitors suggested this year's fair was the most successful yet.
"One of our main aims is to raise money for charity in Zambia. We have found that over the last four years that the international food fair has been a huge success," said Marie Cotter, Chair of the Diplomatic Spouses association.
Money from ticket sales will go to a range of charities supporting care in the community in and around Lusuka.