Are you a food lover planning to visit Zanzibar? This guide is for you. Zanzibar offers a unique mix of flavours influenced by African, Arabic, Indian, and European cuisines.
From rich, spiced rice dishes to delicious street snacks and fresh seafood, the island’s food scene is an adventure of its own. Here, you will discover the best foods to try during your holiday and experience the true taste of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar, located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, is famous for its white sandy beaches and clear ocean waters. But did you know it is also known as the “Spice Island”? This is because of the many spices grown here, which make the local food special and tasty.
If you are visiting this beautiful island, then exploring its food is a must. Let’s explore the most delicious and famous dishes you need to try in Zanzibar.
List of Zanzibar Foods
Zanzibar’s cuisine is a unique blend of African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences. The rich history of trade and culture has shaped the island’s food into something truly special. From flavorful rice dishes to delicious street snacks, here are some must-try foods when visiting Zanzibar.
Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
Urojo, also called Zanzibar Mix, is a popular dish you should try. It is like a soup with small pieces of boiled potatoes, cassava chips, bajias (fried chickpea balls), mashed potatoes, grilled meat pieces (mishkaki), and boiled eggs.
It is spiced up with hot chilli and coconut chutneys. If you are a vegetarian, then you can ask for Urojo without the meat.
Pilau
Pilau is a common dish in many Asian countries and parts of East Africa. In Zanzibar, it is a favourite among locals and is also served in many hotels and resorts.
It is made with rice mixed with meat (like chicken, beef, or goat), potatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices. The mix of spices gives Pilau a wonderful aroma. People in Zanzibar mostly cook this dish for special occasions like weddings, holidays, or when guests visit.
Mishkaki
Mishkaki is a popular East African BBQ meat snack. It consists of small pieces of marinated meat (like beef, chicken, or goat) that are skewered and grilled until tender.
In Zanzibar, the marinade includes spices like ginger, cumin, garlic, and fresh chilli, giving it a unique taste. You can find Mishkaki in many tourist spots across the islands.
Zanzibar Pizza
Zanzibar Pizza is a well-loved street food that is different from the Italian pizza you might know. It is made by stretching dough thin and filling it with various ingredients like meat (chicken, beef, or seafood), an egg, vegetables, and sometimes cheese.
The dough is folded over the filling and fried until crispy. You can also find sweet versions with fillings like Nutella and bananas. A great place to try Zanzibar Pizza is at the Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town.
Zanzibar Biryani
Zanzibar biryani is another rice dish that is popular in Zanzibar. It is made by layering spiced rice with marinated meat (like chicken, beef, or fish) and cooking it together.
The dish is flavoured with spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, which gives it a rich taste. Biryani is mostly served during special events and can be found in many local restaurants.
Octopus Curry
Seafood is a big part of the local diet. Octopus curry is a favorite dish, where tender pieces of octopus are cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with spices like turmeric, curry powder, and garlic. This flavorful dish is usually enjoyed with rice or chapati (a type of flatbread).
Mandazi
Mandazi is a popular snack in Zanzibar. It is a type of fried bread that is slightly sweet and flavoured with coconut milk and cardamom. Mandazi is mostly enjoyed with tea or coffee and can be found in markets and street stalls across the islands.
Maharage ya Nazi
Maharage ya Nazi is a comforting dish made with red kidney beans cooked in rich coconut milk. The beans are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and mild spices, which gives them a creamy and flavorful taste. This dish is usually served with rice or chapati and is a favourite among locals.
Ugali wa Muhogo
Ugali wa Muhogo is a traditional cassava porridge. It is made by boiling cassava flour in water until it becomes thick and smooth. This dish is a staple in many East African countries and is usually eaten with stews, vegetables, or grilled meats.
Mkate wa Boflo
Mkate wa Boflo is a soft, fluffy bread commonly found in Zanzibar. It is slightly sweet and has a smooth texture, making it perfect for pairing with tea or dipping into rich stews and curries.
The bread is made using simple ingredients like wheat flour, sugar, yeast, and milk, giving it a mildly sweet and buttery taste. Boflo is often sold in local bakeries and street stalls and is a popular choice for breakfast or as an accompaniment to hearty meals.
Vitumbua
Vitumbua are small, fluffy rice cakes that are slightly sweet and often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item. They have a crispy outer layer and a soft inside, made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. You can find them at street food stalls across Zanzibar.
Ufuta (Sesame Brittle)
Ufuta is a delicious sesame brittle made from toasted sesame seeds and caramelized sugar. It has a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavour. It is a perfect snack or dessert after a meal.
Chips Mayai
Chips Mayai is a popular Tanzanian dish that has also become a favourite in Zanzibar. It is a unique combination of French fries (chips) cooked into an omelette. The fries are poured into a pan with whisked eggs which creates a delicious and filling meal often served with tomato sauce or chili.
Wali wa Nazi
Wali wa Nazi is coconut rice, a common side dish in Zanzibar. The rice is cooked in coconut milk, which gives it a rich, creamy flavour. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetable curries.
Seafood BBQ
Zanzibar is famous for its fresh seafood, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is through a seafood BBQ. Restaurants and street vendors serve a variety of grilled seafood, including lobster, prawns, squid, and fish, all seasoned with local spices. It is a must-try for seafood lovers visiting the island.
Sugarcane Juice
To quench your thirst, try fresh sugarcane juice. Vendors press sugarcane stalks to extract the sweet juice, which mostly adds a splash of lime or ginger for extra flavour. It is a refreshing drink, especially on a hot day.
Where to Find the Most Famous Food in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is a food lover’s paradise with delicious local dishes available in different parts of the island. Whether you want to try authentic street food, enjoy a seafood feast, or experience a fine-dining meal with Zanzibari flavours, there are plenty of places to explore.
Here are some of the best spots to find the most famous food in Zanzibar:
Forodhani Night Market (Stone Town)
This is the best place to experience Zanzibar’s street food scene. Every evening, local people gather at Forodhani Gardens to serve a variety of delicious dishes. You can try Zanzibar Pizza, Mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), seafood BBQ, Urojo (Zanzibar mix), sugarcane juice, and many other local favourites.
Lukmaan Restaurant (Stone Town)
It is one of the most famous restaurants in Zanzibar and is also known for its authentic Swahili food. Here, you can try Biryani, Pilau, Maharage ya Nazi (coconut beans), Wali wa Nazi (coconut rice), and Mandazi. The restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike for its fresh, home-style meals at affordable prices.
The Rock Restaurant (Pingwe Beach)
If you want a unique dining experience, then visit The Rock, a restaurant built on a rock in the middle of the ocean. It offers fresh seafood dishes like octopus curry, grilled lobster, prawn skewers, and seafood platters. The view and atmosphere make it one of the most iconic dining spots in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Coffee House (Stone Town)
A great place to enjoy Swahili breakfast and traditional coffee. You can try Vitumbua (sweet rice cakes), Mkate wa Boflo (soft bread), and Ufuta (sesame brittle) with a cup of spiced Zanzibari coffee.
Street Food Stalls (Across Zanzibar)
Many street vendors sell Chips Mayai (fries omelette), Vitumbua, Ugali wa Muhogo (cassava porridge), and sugarcane juice in different parts of the island. You can find these vendors near markets, beaches, and busy streets.
Emerson Spice (Stone Town)
If you want a fine dining experience with traditional Zanzibari flavours, then Emerson Spice is a great choice. They serve multi-course Swahili meals with dishes like spiced rice, seafood, and coconut-based curries.
Local Fishermen’s BBQ (Kendwa & Nungwi Beaches)
If you are a seafood lover, then visit the northern beaches of Zanzibar, such as Nungwi and Kendwa, where local fishermen grill fresh fish, squid, prawns, and octopus right on the beach.
Final Verdict
Zanzibar’s food is a delightful mix of flavours influenced by its history and the many cultures that have visited the islands. From spicy rice dishes to sweet treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, when you visit Zanzibar, be sure to try these dishes and experience the rich culinary traditions of Spice Island.
FAQs
What is the most famous food in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is famous for dishes like Zanzibar Mix (Urojo), Biryani, Pilau, and Zanzibar Pizza.
Where can I try these foods in Zanzibar?
You can find them at street food markets, local restaurants, and beachside BBQ spots.
Is Zanzibar food spicy?
Yes, many dishes use local spices, but you can request milder versions if you prefer less heat.