Christ Embassy Church | Religious Tourism Edition of Amai’s Traditional Cook-Out Competition
Christ Embassy Church | Religious Tourism Edition of Amai’s Traditional Cook-Out Competition
May 11, 2026
A colorful fusion of Faith, Culture and Indigenous flavors lit up Christ Embassy Church in Belvedere, Harare on Saturday 9 May 2026 as the Church hosted the second edition of Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition following the visionary initiative by the Tourism Patron Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, aimed at preserving Zimbabwe’s Heritage through Gastronomy and Religious Tourism. The vibrant competition brought together 28 contestants drawn from Communities, Youths and Persons with Disabilities, who proudly showcased Zimbabwe’s rich Culinary Identity through authentic traditional dishes such as chihombiro chinedovi, gwatakwata, mbwire-mbwire, mutakura and brown rice sadza, alongside local beverages including mahewu, masvusvu and Makoni tea. The event reflected the growing role of Churches in Tourism development, Community Empowerment and Cultural Preservation, while promoting Entrepreneurship anchored in authenticity and strengthening Tourism value chains within Communities. Through such initiatives Gastronomy Tourism continues to emerge as a powerful vehicle for promoting Zimbabwe’s Cultural pride, healthy lifestyles and authentic Tourist experiences.
Officiating at the event, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi said Tourism remains a key pillar towards the attainment of His Excellency President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of achieving an upper middle-income economy, while contributing to Agenda 2063, the National Development Strategy 2 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through Inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind. She applauded the leadership of the Tourism Patron for championing transformative Gastronomy and Religious Tourism programmes that are reconnecting Zimbabweans with their Heritage and strengthening family and community values. Hon Rwodzi further called for a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach in advancing Tourism Growth, urging Zimbabweans to take pride in their indigenous food and culture, which the country continues to showcase at International Tourism fairs as part of efforts to market authentic Zimbabwean experiences to the world.
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