Harare,  (New Ziana) -The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry will this week hold provincial traditional cookout competitions as part of efforts to promote Zimbabwean cuisine and cultural heritage.

In a post on its X handle on Tuesday, the Ministry said the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions, which started with an opening ceremony at the Belvedere Teachers College in Harare on March 19, are now moving to the provinces.

Winners from Harare province were given a chance to hone their skills in Matabeleland South last Tuesday, a week after the event at Belvedere.

On Wednesday, Masvingo province will hold its event at the Masvingo Polytechnic College, the following day competitions will take place in Bulawayo at the United College of Education and in Matabeleland South at the San Community Village, the Ministry said.

The traditional cookout competition, which has already gained national importance, brings together professional chefs, tertiary students, and community members to showcase traditional cooking skills.

It has significantly grown to embracing inclusivity notably through the participation of men and people with disability in the community category, with winners from the provincial events competing at the national level in a final showdown to be held in May this year.

The competition is aimed at encouraging the preservation of indigenous dishes while promoting gastronomy tourism under the theme Experience Zimbabwe.

New Ziana