Tanzania
Zanzibari cuisine reflects the island's history as a spice trade hub and crossroads of cultures. Influences from African, Arab, Indian, and Persian culinary traditions feature in the widespread use of spices, coconut milk, fresh seafood, and various rice preparations.
Omani sultans introduced elaborate cooking methods, while Indian traders brought new spices and vegetarian dishes. African communities contributed staple ingredients and cooking techniques.
Offers the widest variety of eateries, from bustling street food stalls to fine dining establishments.
Fishing villages specialize in incredibly fresh seafood, often grilled directly on the beach.
Most dishes appear island-wide, with local variations in preparation and ingredients.
Not a traditional pizza, but a savory or sweet pancake-like dish, often fried on a griddle. Savory versions contain minced meat, egg, onion, and pepper. Sweet versions feature banana, chocolate, or mango.
Best found at Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town.
Skewered and grilled meat (beef, chicken, or fish) marinated in a blend of local spices. A popular street food.
Found at Forodhani Gardens and other local grills.
A hearty, flavorful soup or stew with a yellow base (turmeric and coconut milk) containing crispy potato, cassava, meat skewers, a boiled egg, and a spicy chutney. A full meal in a bowl.
Found at local eateries in Stone Town, especially street food vendors.
Fresh octopus cooked in a rich, creamy coconut milk and spice curry (Octopus Curry), or a simpler stew (Pweza wa nazi). A true taste of the island's seafood bounty.
Coastal restaurants, especially in seafood-focused areas like Nungwi or Paje.
Abundant and delicious fresh fruit juices (mango, passion fruit, lime, pineapple). Try local ginger beer, cardamom coffee, or spiced tea (Chai Maziwa), often served with milk.
Locally brewed beers like Safari Lager, Kilimanjaro Lager, and Tusker are available. Imported beers are also found. Alcohol appears in tourist areas and licensed establishments; it is less common in local areas due to religious customs.
The Rock Restaurant (Michamvi Pingwe): Iconic restaurant on a rock in the ocean, serving fresh seafood. Reservations needed. Emerson Spice Tea House Restaurant (Stone Town): Rooftop with sunset views and Swahili fusion cuisine. Many luxury resorts also offer high-end dining.
Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town): Popular for authentic local dishes in a casual setting. Offers a wide selection of Zanzibari food at fair prices. Many guesthouses and smaller hotels in beach areas also have good mid-range restaurants.
Forodhani Gardens (Stone Town): Most famous street food hub. Offers an affordable and lively dining experience. Local "hoteli": Small, unpretentious eateries with staple dishes. Darajani Market (Stone Town): Street food stalls during the day.
The main market for fresh produce, spices, fish, and meat. Not a food hall for prepared meals, but for buying fresh ingredients.
Authentic local commerce.
An evening food market where you buy prepared meals. Be cautious with hygiene when choosing vendors.
Lively, social atmosphere at dusk.
International cuisine appears mainly in Stone Town and at larger resorts. Italian, Indian, and some European cuisines are common, reflecting Zanzibar's diverse tourist base.
From pasta to curries, a range of global tastes satisfies various palates beyond local fare. Resort restaurants often feature international menus. Stone Town has independent international eateries. Explore different culinary traditions.
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so most meat served follows halal guidelines.
Halal certification is widely adhered to in local eateries.
Kosher options are extremely limited. Self-catering or relying on vegetarian/vegan options may be the best approach for kosher food.
Specialized kosher restaurants do not exist on the island.
Use translation apps or phrasebooks to communicate your needs clearly to restaurant staff.
For severe allergies, packing some essential snacks from home is a sound approach.
Several guesthouses and tour operators in Stone Town and beach areas host Swahili cooking classes. These often begin with a visit to a local market for fresh ingredients.
Guided walking tours focusing on street food and local eateries in Stone Town are popular. These tours offer views into the island's food culture and history.
No major regular food festivals solely dedicate to cuisine. Food is an integral part of all cultural and religious celebrations on the island.
During Eid al-Fitr, specific sweet dishes and richer meals feature as part of the celebrations.
Mango season, typically late in the year, brings an abundance of fresh, juicy mangoes everywhere.
Durian also appears seasonally for adventurous eaters.
A unique open-air evening dining experience where vendors set up stalls selling fresh seafood, kebabs, and Zanzibari pizza.
Dining on an isolated rock in the ocean, offering a memorable setting and beautiful views.
Restaurants with panoramic views over the historic city, especially beautiful at sunset.
Taste the local flavors and embrace the slow pace of island dining.
