Ep 1. Tanzania

In season 4 episode 1 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern explores Tanzania, a country located in East Africa known for its unique cuisine. Throughout the episode, Zimmern delves into the diverse range of foods available within Tanzania while experiencing its rich cultural offerings.

The episode begins with Zimmern traveling to the city of Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, where he samples a traditional breakfast called vitumbua. This dish consists of small, fried pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, served alongside a spicy tomato dipping sauce. Zimmern then heads to a local market, where he tastes several unique fruits and vegetables, including jackfruit and the baobab fruit.

Next, Zimmern travels to the coastal city of Bagamoyo, where he experiences the local tradition of curing fish in the sun. Here, he tastes the notoriously pungent fish dish called dagaa, which is made from small dried sardines and can often be overpowering in flavor. Zimmern then visits a local village where he tries a dish called pilau, which is a rice and meat dish typically flavored with cloves and cardamom.

Moving on, Zimmern heads to the town of Arusha, where he explores the Maasai market, a bustling marketplace filled with unique ingredients and spices. Here, he tries a traditional soup called supu ya mchuzi, which is made with goat meat and vegetables and is a popular dish amongst the Maasai people.

From there, Zimmern heads to the Serengeti, an expansive national park known for its diverse wildlife. Here, he experiences a traditional Maasai meal, which consists of grilled goat, maize porridge, and bitter tea. He also samples a traditional dish called nyama choma, which is grilled meat often eaten as a snack in Tanzania. Zimmern tries several types of meat, including beef, goat, chicken, and even zebra.

The episode ends with Zimmern back in Dar es Salaam, where he experiences one last unique dish – a spicy seafood stew called zanzibar zarangi. This dish is made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and a variety of seafood, including shrimp and crab.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern highlights the various influences on Tanzanian cuisine, including Arabic, Indian, and Chinese flavors. He also explores the country's rich cultural traditions, including its history of trade and migration.

Overall, season 4 episode 1 of Bizarre Foods offers a unique and insightful look into the diverse foods and cultures of Tanzania. Through Andrew Zimmern's adventurous palate, viewers are transported to a land filled with unexpected flavors and culinary experiences.