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Chipsi mayai

Chipsi Mayai (Swahili for "chips and eggs"), also known as zege, is the most popular street food found all over Tanzania. The dish was invented in the streets of Dar es Salaam. In its most basic form, chipsi mayai is a simple potato-egg omelette. It is available in all regions of Tanzania, from the most remote villages to large towns. Food stands both indoors and on streets make them to order. It is the unofficial national dish of the country.

An illustration of the kind of dish. There is no photo of this recipe yet.

Ingredients

Makes
3
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, for garnish

Ingredients for 3 servings (1.1 kg) · the original recipe

Method

  1. 1

    Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin fries.

  2. 2

    Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot.

    Stovetop
  3. 3

    Fry the potatoes until golden brown and crispy.

    Stovetop
  4. 4

    Remove the fries and drain on paper towels.

  5. 5

    In a bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.

  6. 6

    Add salt and black pepper.

  7. 7

    Stir in the onion, tomato, and chili if using.

  8. 8

    Add the fried chips to the beaten eggs and mix gently.

  9. 9

    Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

    Stovetop
  10. 10

    Pour the egg and chips mixture into the pan.

  11. 11

    Cook for 3–5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.

  12. 12

    Carefully flip the omelette using a plate or lid.

  13. 13

    Cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes.

  14. 14

    Remove from the heat when fully cooked.

  15. 15

    Garnish with fresh coriander.

  16. 16

    Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.

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