Zimbabwean Food Shopping in the UK: Finding Sadza, Covo, Kapenta, and More

One of the most persistent challenges for Zimbabweans settling in the UK is finding the foods that define home. The taste of sadza, the bitterness of covo, the pungent richness of kapenta — these are not merely preferences but anchors of identity and comfort. Fortunately, a well-established network of African and Caribbean grocery shops, online suppliers, and community-led markets makes it possible to source most Zimbabwean staples without too much difficulty. **Sadza and Mealie Meal** Sadza is made from finely ground white maize meal, and the closest equivalent widely available in the UK is roller meal or white maize flour sold under brands such as Roller Meal, Starfoods, or the South African brand Mieliemeel. African grocery shops in cities with large Zimbabwean communities — including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Coventry — typically stock at least one or two maize meal options. Look for bags labelled 'white maize meal' or 'fine white cornmeal' rather than yellow cornmeal, which produces a different texture and flavour. Zimbabweans often find that South African brands available in the UK produce sadza closest in texture to what they know from home. Brands such as Iwisa and Mphokgo are widely stocked and work well. **Covo, Rape, and African Leafy Greens** Covo (a variety of kale) and rape are among the most searched-for vegetables by Zimbabweans in the UK. These are not typically sold in mainstream supermarkets, but African and Caribbean grocery shops usually stock them fresh, particularly in areas with high African populations. Brixton Market in London is one of the most reliable sources. Ridley Road Market in Dalston, East London, also carries a wide range of African vegetables regularly. In Birmingham, the Bullring outdoor markets and shops along Soho Road in Handsworth carry fresh covo and rape. Where fresh greens are unavailable, some shops stock dried or frozen versions. Frozen sukuma wiki (a close relative) can sometimes substitute. **Kapenta and Matemba** Dried kapenta (small lake fish) and matemba are available from most African grocery shops, usually sold in plastic bags by weight or in sealed packets. Quality varies, so Zimbabwean community members often recommend sourcing from shops with high turnover to ensure freshness. Online retailers such as Afrika Foods, Afro Caribbean Foods UK, and various sellers on Amazon also stock kapenta. The smell during cooking can be strong, so flat-dwellers may wish to plan accordingly. **Peanut Butter (Dovi) and Groundnuts** The thick, unsweetened groundnut paste used for dovi sauce differs significantly from commercial UK peanut butter. Many African shops sell 100% groundnut paste without added sugar or palm oil. Brands from South Africa or Nigeria are commonly available. Whole raw groundnuts for roasting are also found in African markets and some South Asian grocery shops. **Muriwo, Nyemba, and Dried Goods** Dried blackeyed beans (nyemba), sugar beans, and dried vegetables are available from African grocery shops and some online suppliers. Muriwo unedovi (pumpkin leaves with peanut butter) requires fresh pumpkin leaves, which are harder to find but occasionally appear at African market stalls, particularly in summer months. **Where to Shop** Major African grocery chains and independent shops worth knowing include Peckham and Brixton in South London, which have the highest concentration of African food retail in the country. Online, retailers such as AfroBazaar, My Sassi Shop, and various Amazon Marketplace sellers ship Zimbabwean and southern African products across the UK. Zimbabwean community Facebook groups — including those specific to cities — often share real-time tips on where to find specific items, seasonal availability, and new suppliers. **Tips for Diaspora Shoppers** Buying in bulk significantly reduces cost per unit, and maize meal in particular stores well in sealed containers. Shopping early in the week at markets increases the chance of fresh stock. Joining local Zimbabwean WhatsApp groups is one of the most practical ways to find out which shops have recently received stock of harder-to-find items. Some community members also organise informal bulk orders from wholesale suppliers, which is worth asking about through church groups and community associations.