Zanzibar Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It
Zanzibar is a culinary melting pot where African, Arab, Indian, and European influences meet. From fragrant curries to ocean-fresh seafood, the island’s cuisine is as colorful as its history. This food guide explores what to eat and where to enjoy the best of Zanzibari cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes
1. Zanzibar Pizza
Don’t let the name fool you, it’s more like a stuffed crepe than Italian pizza. Made fresh at the Forodhani Night Market, it’s filled with your choice of meat, veggies, egg, and cheese, then pan-fried.
2. Octopus Curry
A creamy coconut curry with tender octopus, served with rice or chapati. Found in both street stalls and fine-dining restaurants. Try it at Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town for a local favorite.
3. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
This spicy soup with fritters, potatoes, mango, and chutney is a popular street food. A must-try for adventurous foodies, best found at local market stalls.
4. Biryani & Pilau
Rice dishes infused with cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Often served during holidays and weddings, you can try it at traditional Swahili restaurants or during a Nasroyal Safari-led food tour.
5. Fresh Seafood Grill
Barracuda, prawns, lobster, you name it, Zanzibar grills it. Head to The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi for a unique experience, or try beachside BBQs in Nungwi.
Best Food Experiences
Forodhani Night Market (Stone Town)
Every evening, locals set up food stalls near the harbor. It’s the perfect place to try multiple dishes at once. Go with a guide from Nasroyal Safari to avoid tourist traps and learn about the dishes.
Lukmaan & Passing Show (Stone Town)
Local institutions where you can try everything from grilled fish to chapati and tamarind juice in a no-frills setting.
Tea Houses & Rooftop Restaurants
For a more refined experience, head to rooftop eateries like Emerson Spice or Upendo House, where you can enjoy traditional dishes with stunning views of Stone Town.
Spice Tours & Cooking Classes
Want to dive deeper? Book a spice tour or Swahili cooking class with Nasroyal Safari. You’ll visit local farms and learn how cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon end up in your curry.
Travel Tip:
Zanzibar’s food is best enjoyed when you know the story behind each dish. That’s why Nasroyal Safari offers guided culinary tours to help you savor not just the flavors, but the history and people behind them.
Contact Nasroyal Safari: [email protected]
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