Chambo (a tilapia endemic to Lake Malawi) is the lake's signature fish and the standard restaurant order in Nkhata Bay. Grilled whole over charcoal, served with chips or nsima and a tomato-and-onion relish, it is the cheapest good meal in town and what you should eat at least once. Most lodges and beachfront bars offer it; the price varies with the size of the fish but it is rarely expensive.
Population pressure on chambo has been serious in recent years and the fish from the very north of the lake (Karonga side) are often a better, more sustainable choice. Local cooks know the difference; ask where the fish on tonight's menu was caught.