Groceries I’m glad I brought for rural Congo
Where I lived in the jungle was so remote, you could list the 48 “mostly and sometimes available” food items — things like sugar, salt, and milk powder — on one spreadsheet. Thankfully, where we live now has a lot more options and there is also a road to the capital where we can get stocked up (hurrah!). Still, here is my trusty shopping list I use when I am home or when overseas visitors thoughtfully offer to bring things for us from home.
What you choose to pack depends entirely on your palate and what’s locally available, but this is our family’s list after years of trial and error. Personally, I think it’s criminal not to max out your luggage allowance, which is why I’ve been known to take my weighing scale to the supermarket the night before I fly back to the mission field.
How I Choose What to Pack
My criteria are simple:
- Helps me cook from scratch
- Doesn’t require refrigeration
- Has a long shelf life
- Is light for its size but stretches a long way
Dried Herbs, Spices & Flavour Boosters
- Curry powder, garam masala, cumin, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, oregano, paprika, bay leaves
- Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg
- Ground ginger (we get ginger here, but it’s spindle-thin, covered in dirt, and there’s barely anything left after peeling!)
- Refill pouches instead of bulky bottles — they save both space and money
Baking & Sweet Treats
- Cocoa powder and chocolate chips (brownies, muffins, pancakes… or an emergency hot chocolate fix)
- Baking soda, baking powder, and active dry yeast — also brilliant for cleaning, deodorising, and even making “cockroach cookies” to send pests to cockroach heaven
- Vanilla, almond, and maple essence to make maple syrup
- Single-serve dessert sauces like toffee, butterscotch, or chocolate for a treat
- Sprinkles — because they are fun and turn every moment into a special celebration! Don’t forget birthday candles! We also use cake toppers eg that says happy birthday for easy cake decoration
Sauces & Condiments
- Coconut cream powder (curries, desserts, ice cream substitute)
- Cream-based sauce packets (alfredo, pesto, parma rosa, carbonara). Tomato sauce is easier to make whereas cream based sauce is harder with no butter or cream around
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, dried wakame seaweed and dried Chinese and shiitake mushrooms (may not be for everyone, but we like it!). The Chinese in me also brings a lot of dried Chinese soup pack — one pack in my thermal cooker lasts our family the whole week. I just love it and makes me feel more connected to my roots.
- Ranch dressing powder (for salad dressing, dips, or pizza sauce). Note: Humidity turns large tubs into bricks, so get single packs instead.
Proteins & Cheeses
- Salmon pouches (lighter than cans; perfect for salads, pasta, sandwiches, or fried rice)
- Non-refrigerated hard cheeses (parmesan, romano) or wax-coated cheeses (we have seen them in Continental Europe)
- Shelf-stable pepperoni, sausage, or smoked bacon strips
Snacks & Quick Add-Ins
- Nuts: pecans, walnuts, almonds (for baking, trail mix, salad)
- Dried fruits: raisins, blueberries (for muffins, granola, pancakes)
- Favourite snacks, e.g. popcorn kernels and emergency chocolate — because morale matters!
Miscellaneous
- Parchment paper – you can also get reusable silicone mats and reusable non-stick liners
- Kettle and iron descaler (because jungle water is hard on appliances)
- Stain remover
- Toiletries (see blog post about things to bring — deodorant, sunscreen, insect repellant, shampoo bar) and feminine products
These groceries are our way of bringing a little bit of the familiar into the unfamiliar. It’s amazing how a few humble ingredients tucked into a suitcase can transform a meal, and even a mood! 🙂