Dar Es Salaam Region Tanzania Travel Guide
Dar es Salaam's food reflects centuries of trade, migration, and interaction along the East African coast. Its flavors come from Swahili, Arabic, Indian, German, and British colonial history, creating an unique taste profile.
This blend provides a different culinary experience compared to different parts of Africa, possessing a strong coastal influence resulting in spicier and richer coconut milk dishes.
Dar es Salaam, as a cosmopolitan city, has a blended cuisine. The strong coastal influence means dishes often incorporate more spice and coconut milk than inland Tanzanian regions.
The morning meal is light (tea/coffee with bread, chapati, mandazi) from 7 AM. Lunch is often the main meal (12-2 PM). The evening meal is generally lighter (from 7 PM). Street food is available all day and evening.
It is customary to dine with your right hand, especially traditional dishes. Hand washing before and after meals is polite.
Stiff cornmeal porridge, served with chargrilled fish, meat stew, or green vegetables. Find this in nearly all local restaurants (migahawa).
A staple dish in Tanzania.
Fragrant rice created with spices (cardamom, cloves, cumin), often with beef or chicken. A rich, aromatic flavor.
Popular in local eateries and homes.
Grilled meat (goat or beef), seasoned and slow-roasted over coals. A popular social meal found in specialized joints.
A collective favorite.
Fresh fruit juices (mango, pineapple), Stoney Tangawizi (ginger beer), spiced chai (tea with milk), and local coffee.
Vitumbua (rice coconut doughnuts) and Kashata (coconut/peanut brittle).
Found mainly in upscale hotels (e.g., The Grill Room at Hyatt Regency, The Dining Room at Serena Lodging) and in Masaki/Oysterbay.
Abundant throughout Dar es Salaam, notably in Masaki, Oysterbay, and Mikocheni. Examples are The Slipway restaurants, City Garden, and Samaki Samaki.
Local restaurants (migahawa) offer traditional Tanzanian meals at low costs. Experience authentic local life and flavors.
A vast bazaar with fresh produce, spices, and prepared-to-eat food stalls.
A busy hub of area trade.
Witness the early morning fish auction and enjoy freshly barbecued or fried fish nearby.
A true local experience.
Several authentic Italian restaurants, like Mediterraneo.
Numerous excellent options due to historical ties.
Chinese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines.
Turkish, West Asian, and other African cuisines.
Most meat served in local restaurants is halal, considering the significant Muslim population.
Widely available.
Kosher options are very limited. Travelers with strict kosher dietary needs may need to self-cater or bring specific foods.
Limited options.
Online resources and expat forums sometimes provide recommendations for dietary-specific dining.
For severe allergies or strict dietary needs, self-self-catering or staying at accommodations with kitchens are the safest approaches.
Some boutique hotels or specialized tour operators offer Swahili cooking classes.
Tours focusing on street food or market experiences (e.g., Kariakoo, Kivukoni Seafood Market) can be arranged with local guides.
Less common within Dar es Salaam city. Some peri-urban farms may be accessible for specific interest groups.
Occasional food festivals or culinary events happen throughout the year. Local advertising or social media usually announce these.
Check local listings for dates.
These happenings often feature a variety of local and dishes from across the globe, sometimes with cooking demonstrations and competitions.
A chance to taste a range of flavors.
Dining prices vary significantly, from very inexpensive street food to high-end fine dining. Set a budget and explore options.
Restaurants are busiest during lunch (1-2 PM) and dinner (7-9 PM). Reservations are advised for fine dining, especially on weekends.
Lots of mid-priced-range to high-end establishments offer Wireless internet-Fi, outdoor seating, and sometimes live entertainment.
