<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Due to several Italian colonies being set up in Africa, mainly in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya and Somalia (except the northern part, which was under British rule), there is a considerable amount of Italian influence on the cuisines of these nations . </P> <P> Italy's legacy from the days when Libya was invaded by Italy can be seen in the popularity of pasta on its menus, particularly Sharba, a highly spiced Libyan soup . Bazin, a local specialty, is a hard paste, made from barley, salt and water, and one of the most popular meals in the Libyan cuisine is Batata mubatana (filled potato). It consists of fried potato pieces filled with spiced minced meat and covered with egg and breadcrumbs . </P> <P> All major cities and towns in South Africa have substantial populations of Italians . There are "Italian Clubs" in all main cities and they have had a significant influence on the cuisine of this country . Italian foods, like ham and cheeses, are imported and some also made locally, and every city has a popular Italian restaurant or two, as well as Pizzerias . Pastas are popular and is eaten more and more by South Africans . The production of good quality olive oil is on the rise in South Africa, especially in the drier south - western parts where there is a more Mediterranean - type of rainfall pattern . Some oils have even won top international awards . </P>

What is a specialty dish of southern italy