Ndagala anyone?

Ordering from a lunch menu in French is a slightly daunting task, if you don’t read or speak French. When the writer starts to throw in local words, it is even more challenging. The dish title was “Plate Tanganyika,” and the line underneath read Ndagala. When my host asked what it was for me, the response came back fish, even though we later discovered the waiter could barely speak French. Since we were at a lunch/sandwich type of place, there were not a lot of non-wheat options for me besides salad, so I said, "Ok let’s try the fish and chips" (fries for Americans).

When the plate arrived, we were both surprised, if not a little shocked.
Ndagala is the local word for what could best be described as a larger than life, fresh water anchovy (and they were slightly breaded too). Well, I ordered them, so I may as well try to eat them. My first response, not too bad! It tastes a little like a cross between a French fry, potato chip and some crisp drippings from a mild flavored meat. Add a little mayonnaise and wala, they just go right down. It was a fully deep fried meal.

I offered some to my host and he politely declined. Afterwards he said he would have sent them back. He is not that adventurous with his food. First time for everything and maybe a last.