Swahili cuisine is influenced by African, Middle Eastern and Indian foods and is very spicy. Rice is the staple food. Dishes are often cooked in coconut milk and served with meat, bean or vegetable stews. Meals incorporate locally available vegetables and fruits and spices. Fish is also central to the diet. Chicken and goat meat are popular for holiday meals. Sweet tea with milk (Chai) or Strong Coffee (Kahawa) is served several times a day.Swahili is spoken by an estimated 50 million people, Kiswahili (Kisswah-HEE-lee, sometimes referred to as Swahili). It is the official language of Tanzania and Kenya and is used extensively in Uganda and the eastern provinces of Zaire.