DAR ES SALAAM: FOOD vendors have said creativity in the culinary sector is a powerful asset that can substantially boost food business customer base and profitability.
With nearly three decades in the food industry, Ms Irene Masatu, food vendor (Mama Lishe) at Mwananyamala in Dar es Salaam, has built a loyal following by infusing creativity into her dishes.
“By offering unique dishes, I have appealed to customers’ curiosity and loyalty,” she stated at the recent Coca-Cola Food Festival in Dar es Salaam.
She said innovative dishes allow chefs to command higher prices, as customers often associate creativity with quality and exclusivity.
Ms Masatu’s journey as a chef didn’t begin in a culinary school, nor was it sparked by formal training. Instead, her skills were developed at home under the guidance of her husband.
“I didn’t go to college to learn cooking. My husband taught me,” she said.
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Recently, Ms Masatu has had the opportunity to showcase her skills on a larger stage, thanks to the Coca-Cola Food Festival, which highlights Tanzania’s rich culinary diversity.
Food vending can help improve the livelihoods of women and families. More than 70 per cent of food vendors say that their income from street vending helps improve their standard of living.
Another food vendor, who took part in the recent Food Fest, Ms Hajira Mafasi, emphasised the importance of promoting traditional culinary practices to attract tourists.
“By showcasing our unique flavours and culinary heritage,” she said, “we can position our communities as desirable destinations for visitors seeking authentic and new experiences.”
