Southern Africa · Street food
Maputi (Puffed Corn Kernels)
Crunchy, lightly oiled puffed white maize seasoned with fine salt, capturing the signature aroma of Zimbabwean streets.
The story
Across every bustling bus rank from Mbare in Harare to Renkini in Bulawayo, maputi is Zimbabwe's quintessential daily snack. Prepared commercially in pressurised, cast-iron rotating gun puffers heated over gas or glowing coals, the sudden release of pressure yields a distinct, loud boom followed by billowing clouds of steam. Traditionally, home cooks replicate this addictive treat in a heavy, preheated dry pressure pot or heavy skillet to achieve that hallmark dense, nutty crunch.
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