Chinese cuisine is becoming an increasingly popular choice in Tanzania, with the mouthwatering flavors enticing both locals and visitors alike and helping build bridges for cross-cultural exchanges through people's palates.
The emergence of Chinese flavors appearing on dinner tables and restaurants throughout the east African country comes as more Chinese natives are making the long journey and setting up businesses far from home.
Among them is Han Baoming, a culinary trailblazer who took a leap of faith just a year ago, leaving his homeland to infuse Tanzania with the essence of Chinese cuisine. He is now serving as a chef in a Halal Restaurant in Dar es salaam, the largest city in east Africa.
"Most people love soup noodles and [skewers] and special Chinese rice. Every day we have so many customers. Tanzanian customers, Chinese customers, American customers and [people] from many countries come here," said Han.
From delicately crafted dumplings to Chinese-inspired fast food, the restaurants here serve a variety of dishes made of fresh ingredients, drawing in droves of discerning diners.
In addition to the tasty food, many customers are also attracted to enjoy a feast of flavors at an affordable price.
Along with serving up traditional classics, these Chinese restaurants are also offering dishes that incorporate local ingredients, with the chefs increasingly using locally-sourced products and flavors to create exciting new culinary blends that are more appealing to customers
"They provide us with a wide variety of food options. Whether I go on my own or with my bosses, going to different restaurants makes us really happy. It's very good," said Mohammad Seif, a local customer.