Zanzibar’s cooking reflects centuries of trade. African ingredients meet Arab, Indian and Persian spices, with plenty of coconut, fresh seafood and the island’s own cloves, cinnamon and cardamom.
Dishes to try
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Pilau | Rice cooked with whole spices and meat or fish |
| Biryani | Layered rice and spiced meat, from Indian and Omani influence |
| Pweza wa nazi | Octopus curry in coconut milk |
| Samaki wa kupaka | Grilled fish in a spiced coconut sauce |
| Urojo | The “Zanzibar mix”: a tangy soup with fritters, potato, egg and chutneys |
| Mishkaki | Grilled meat skewers |
| Chapati and mandazi | Flatbread and lightly sweet fried dough |
| Mkate wa ufuta | Sesame bread, often eaten at breakfast |
| Kaimati | Small fried dumplings in syrup |
Forodhani Gardens
Every evening, stalls on Stone Town’s waterfront grill lobster, prawns, squid and fish, and make Zanzibar pizza, a folded griddle pancake with savoury or sweet fillings. Agree the price before ordering. Read about Stone Town.
Drinks
- Spiced tea and coffee: chai with cardamom or ginger, and strong black coffee (kahawa) poured from brass pots in Stone Town.
- Fresh juices: sugarcane pressed with lime and ginger, passion fruit, mango.
- Coconut water straight from the nut.
Alcohol is available in hotels and tourist restaurants, but less so in local places, as the island is mostly Muslim.
Fruit
Look for mangoes, jackfruit, rambutan, star fruit and many kinds of banana. A spice tour usually includes a tasting.
Tips
- During Ramadan, many local restaurants close during the day.
- Eat with your right hand when eating by hand.
Read about Tanzanian food on the mainland.
Frequently asked questions
Spiced rice dishes like pilau and biryani, seafood in coconut sauce, urojo and Zanzibar pizza.
A tangy Zanzibar street soup with fritters, potato, egg and chutneys, also called Zanzibar mix.
Yes, in hotels and tourist restaurants, but less in local places, as most of the island is Muslim.
