Zimbabwean Foods and Groceries in the UK: Where to Find Sadza, Covo, Matemba, and Other Staples

One of the most persistent challenges for Zimbabweans in the UK is sourcing the foods that define home. Whether it is the comforting weight of sadza at the end of a long day, the sharp bitterness of covo, or the distinctive smell of matemba frying in a pan, these are not just ingredients — they are connections to family, identity, and memory. The good news is that the UK's thriving African grocery network, combined with growing online options, means most Zimbabwean staples are accessible, even outside London. **Sadza and Mealie Meal** The foundation of Zimbabwean cuisine, sadza is made from finely milled white maize meal. In the UK, the brands most commonly found in Zimbabwean households are Roller Meal and Gloria, though these are often packaged and imported under various African grocery labels. White maize meal is widely stocked in African and Caribbean supermarkets across the UK. In London, areas such as Peckham, Brixton, Dalston, and Tottenham have dedicated African grocery shops that stock 5kg and 10kg bags. Outside London, cities including Birmingham (Handsworth and Lozells), Manchester (Moss Side and Longsight), Leicester, Sheffield, and Bristol have African grocery stores carrying maize meal. It is worth noting that South African brands such as Iwisa and No. 1 Maize Meal are widely available and produce a sadza comparable to Zimbabwean roller meal, and these are often more consistently stocked. **Covo and Rape (African Leafy Greens)** Covo (a type of collard green) and rape are sold either fresh or frozen in many African grocery shops. Fresh covo can be harder to source consistently, but frozen versions — often labelled simply as African greens or collard greens — are available in most African supermarkets. Some Caribbean shops also stock similar varieties. Rape, as consumed in Zimbabwe, is closely related to what UK supermarkets sell as curly kale or spring greens, which serve as reasonable substitutes. **Matemba (Dried Kapenta)** Matemba, the small dried kapenta fish from Lake Kariba and Lake Tanganyika, is one of the most searched-for Zimbabwean ingredients in the UK. It is available in African grocery shops, often labelled as kapenta, dagaa, or matemba depending on the shop owner's regional background. Look for it in sealed packets, usually alongside other dried fish. Brixton Market and Peckham in South London are reliable sources. Some online African grocery retailers also stock it. Store in a cool, dry place or freeze to extend shelf life. **Dried and Fermented Products** Mufushwa (dried vegetables) and nyimo (bambara nuts) can occasionally be found in African shops, though availability varies. Shoppers who travel back to Zimbabwe or have family visiting frequently bring these back as they are difficult to source reliably. Biltong is far more accessible, with South African biltong shops now present across major UK cities and online retailers such as Biltong SA shipping nationwide. **Online African Grocery Retailers** For those outside major cities, online shopping has become an increasingly practical route. Websites such as Africart, Afro Caribbean Foods Online, and various Amazon third-party sellers stock maize meal, dried fish, tinned goods, and African sauces. Search terms like "African groceries UK delivery" will surface several options. Delivery times and product availability vary, so it is worth checking reviews before ordering perishable or frozen items. **Supermarket Substitutes** For everyday cooking, UK supermarkets offer workable substitutes. Polenta or masa harina (found in Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose) can approximate sadza in texture though not in flavour. Curly kale, spring greens, or Swiss chard substitute for covo and rape. Tinned pilchards or mackerel can be used in place of matemba when the dried fish is unavailable. **Community Networks** Zimbabwean community groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, and platforms like Nextdoor are often the fastest way to find out which local shop has recently restocked a hard-to-find item, or to connect with someone who is visiting Zimbabwe and can bring back specific products. These informal networks remain one of the most reliable resources for diaspora food sourcing in the UK.