Jifunze Kiswahili

Meaning of “Kibao cha Mbuzi” (in the Kitchen)

In Swahili, “kibao cha mbuzi” literally means “goat’s board.”But in everyday use, it refers to a wooden coconut grater — a traditional kitchen tool found in many Swahili homes along the East African coast (Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar, and the islands).

Description The kibao cha mbuzi is made from a flat wooden board with a metal grater (a serrated metal blade) fixed on one end.

When in use:The person sits astride the board (as if riding a goat  hence the name “mbuzi”).A half coconut is then rubbed or scraped on the sharp edge of the metal blade to produce grated coconut (locally called tui la nazi when mixed with water to make coconut milk).

Origin and Cultural Use The tool originates from the Swahili coast, where coconut (nazi) is a staple ingredient in traditional dishes such as wali wa nazi (coconut rice), samaki wa kupaka (grilled fish with coconut sauce), and maharage ya nazi (beans cooked in coconut milk).Because coconuts are used daily, the kibao cha mbuzi became an essential kitchen tool in Swahili households   passed down for generations.

Example Sentences

1. Mama anakuna nazi kwa kutumia kibao cha mbuzi.

→ Mother is grating coconut using a kibao cha mbuzi.

2. Kibao cha mbuzi ni kifaa cha jadi cha kupikia katika Pwani ya Afrika Mashariki.

→ The kibao cha mbuzi is a traditional cooking tool used on the East African coast.

Summary

Swahili Term      English Meaning               Use

Kibao cha mbuzi               Traditional coconut grater            Used to grate coconuts in the kitchen

Origin    Swahili coastal culture (Tanzania, Kenya)               Resembles sitting on a goat, hence the name