Southern Africa · Street food
Ishwa (Toasted Winged Termites with Salt)
Crisp, naturally nutty winged alates dry-toasted with fine sea salt into Mashonaland's prized rainy season delicacy.
The story
Emergent during the first heavy convective rains across Mashonaland, Ishwa are gathered by twilight as winged reproductive termites take flight from subterranean mounds. Relished as an irresistible street snack or seasonal relish, they represent an ancient foraging calendar deeply rooted in Shona culture. Technically, these alates are so rich in polyunsaturated lipids that adding cooking oil is entirely unnecessary; dry-toasting gently coaxes out their internal fat to create a delicate, micro-crisp exterior and rich savory flavor.
Unlock the full recipe
Members get every recipe from all 54 nations, the AI Chef, hands-free Voice Chef and their own cookbook. Seven days free, then £4.99 a month. Cancel any time.
Cook this next
Gwenya (Pan-Roasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds)
Crispy, crackling, pan-roasted whole pumpkin seeds seasoned with wood-ash sea salt and fiery peri-peri.
Matemba (Deep-Fried Crispy Dried Kapenta)
Golden, crunchy freshwater kapenta fish fried with aromatic garlic, onion, and chili for an irresistible high-calcium lake snack.
Mhandire (Roasted Dried Maize and Peanut Medley)
Toasted flint maize kernels and blistering red-skin peanuts tossed in seasoned brine for a satisfying, nutty Zimbabwean trail crunch.
Bota Rine Dovi (Sour Maize Porridge with Peanut Butter)
Silky, tangy fermented white maize porridge enriched with stone-ground peanut paste and sweetened with raw cane sugar.