Christ Embassy hosts Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition

Christ Embassy Church in Belvedere, Harare hosted the second edition of Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition today, bringing together 28 contestants from communities, youths and persons with disabilities to celebrate Zimbabwe’s traditional cuisine and promote gastronomy and religious tourism initiatives.

The competition was held under the visionary initiative of the Tourism Patron, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, which seeks to preserve Zimbabwe’s heritage through gastronomy and religious tourism. Contestants showcased a variety of indigenous dishes and beverages that reflected Zimbabwe’s culinary traditions and cultural identity.

Traditional meals prepared during the event included chihombiro chinedovi, gwatakwata, mbwire-mbwire, mutakura and brown rice sadza. Participants also presented local beverages such as mahewu, masvusvu and Makoni tea as part of the cultural exhibition.

The event highlighted the growing role of churches in tourism development, community empowerment and cultural preservation. Organisers said such initiatives also help strengthen tourism value chains within communities while encouraging entrepreneurship based on authentic Zimbabwean products and traditions.

The competition drew participants from different social groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, reflecting efforts to promote inclusivity in tourism and cultural programmes. The event also created a platform for communities to showcase local knowledge and indigenous cooking methods passed down through generations.

Speaking during the event, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, said tourism remains a key pillar towards achieving His Excellency President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of attaining an upper middle-income economy.

Hon Rwodzi said the tourism sector continues to contribute towards Agenda 2063, the National Development Strategy 2 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind.

She applauded the leadership of the Tourism Patron, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for championing transformative gastronomy and religious tourism programmes that are reconnecting Zimbabweans with their heritage while strengthening family and community values.

Hon Rwodzi also called for a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach in advancing tourism growth across the country. She urged Zimbabweans to take pride in indigenous food and culture, adding that Zimbabwe continues to showcase its traditional cuisine at international tourism fairs as part of efforts to market authentic Zimbabwean experiences to the world.

The event also demonstrated the growing importance of gastronomy tourism as a tool for promoting cultural pride, healthy lifestyles and authentic tourism experiences. Organisers said traditional food initiatives continue to create opportunities for communities while preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Through competitions such as Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition, stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector continue to encourage the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems and traditional cooking practices. The programme also supports efforts to position Zimbabwe as a destination that offers authentic cultural and culinary tourism experiences.

The colourful event at Christ Embassy Church in Belvedere ended with contestants displaying their traditional dishes and beverages as guests and officials interacted with participants and community members.