Zanzibar Food: 12 of the Best Zanzibar Meals You Must Try
If you're tired of the same old burger and fries and looking to step up your culinary game, Zanzibar should be on your radar.
My go-to? Mishkaki – these skewers redefine the whole barbecue game. Juicy, spiced-up perfection on a stick. Intrigued? Stick around.
Zanzibar, with its rich history and diverse culture, serves up some unforgettable meals you just have to try. I don’t care if you’re traveling to Zanzibar yourself, or heading to an African restaurant in your city.
After over 4 decades in Zanzibar, here are the top 15 undisputable meals you must try.
1. Zanzibar Pizza
Zanzibar Pizza is not your typical Italian fare. It's a local twist on a global favorite, resembling a thin, crispy crepe stuffed with a variety of fillings.
Whether you prefer savory with minced meat and veggies or sweet with banana and chocolate, Zanzibar Pizza caters to all taste buds.
Zanzibar Pizza's roots are embedded in the island's street food culture, influenced by Swahili, Indian, and Arabian flavors. It's a delicious fusion that has stood the test of time.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Minced meat or your choice of sweet filling
- Onions, tomatoes, and cilantro
- Spices: curry powder, chili flakes
Directions:
1. Roll out the pizza dough.
2. Add minced meat or sweet filling, along with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
3. Sprinkle spices like curry powder and chili flakes.
4. Fold the dough over the filling and cook until crispy.
Ingredients Insight: The beauty of Zanzibar Pizza lies in its versatility. Local vendors get creative with fillings, ensuring there's a combination to suit every palate.
For the best Zanzibar Pizza, head to Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town. Local vendors showcase their culinary skills right before your eyes.
Trying out food on the streets is one of the best things to do in Zanzibar when you visit.
2. Mishkaki
Mishkaki takes skewered meat to a whole new level. This Zanzibari version of kebabs features marinated beef or chicken, grilled to perfection. It's a carnivore's dream come true, with each bite offering a burst of smoky, spicy goodness.
Mishkaki's popularity in Zanzibar is a testament to the island's love for grilled meat. It's a street food staple, loved by locals and visitors alike.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Cubed meat (beef or chicken)
- Yogurt
- Garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices
- Lemon juice
Directions:
1. Marinate cubed meat in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, ginger, spices, and lemon juice.
2. Skewer the marinated meat.
3. Grill until the meat is tender and has a smoky flavor.
Ingredients Insight: The secret to Mishkaki's success is in the marinade. The blend of yogurt, spices, and citrus creates a flavorful profile that sets it apart.
Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town is a Mishkaki haven. The aroma of grilled meat wafts through the air, inviting you to savor this local delicacy.
3. Urojo Soup
Urojo Soup is one of East Africa’s top foods, combining a medley of ingredients to create a spicy and vibrant dish. Featuring gram flour, tamarind pulp, coconut milk, potatoes, lentils, and various veggies, this soup is a sensory rollercoaster.
Urojo Soup has its roots in the Indian and Swahili culinary influences in Zanzibar. It's a comfort food that warms the soul.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Gram flour
- Tamarind pulp
- Coconut milk
- Potatoes, lentils, and veggies
- A mix of spices
Directions:
1. Mix gram flour, tamarind pulp, coconut milk, and spices to form a base.
2. Add potatoes, lentils, and veggies to the mixture.
3. Simmer until the soup reaches the desired consistency.
Ingredients Insight: Urojo Soup's complexity lies in the variety of ingredients. Each component contributes to the rich, spicy flavor profile.
For the best Urojo Soup experience, head to Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town or head to any of Pemba Island’s top resorts, such as the Gecko Nature Lodge or the Manta Resort
Street vendors here also serve up steaming bowls of this spicy delight.
4. Zanzibar Chocolate
Zanzibar Chocolate is a testament to the island's sweet side. Made from locally grown cocoa beans, this chocolate is a decadent treat that rivals any international brand.
Zanzibar's chocolate scene is a recent development, but it's gaining traction fast. The island's commitment to quality cocoa beans has put it on the global chocolate map.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Zanzibar cocoa beans
- Sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Roast Zanzibar cocoa beans until they release their rich flavor.
2. Grind the roasted beans to obtain cocoa mass.
3. Mix cocoa mass with sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Refine and conch the mixture until smooth.
Ingredients Insight: Zanzibar's unique climate and soil contribute to the exceptional quality of its cocoa beans, making Zanzibar Chocolate stand out.
For a sweet Zanzibar Chocolate fix, head to The Chocolate House in Stone Town. They craft irresistible chocolates using the finest local ingredients.
5. Octopus Curry
This dish brings the ocean to your plate, featuring tender octopus cooked in a rich and aromatic curry sauce. Octopus Curry reflects Zanzibar's maritime history, where seafood has been a staple for centuries. The combination of local spices and ocean bounty makes it a true Zanzibari classic.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Fresh octopus
- Coconut milk
- Tomatoes, onions, and garlic
- Zanzibar curry spices
- Coriander leaves for garnish
Directions:
1. Clean and chop the fresh octopus into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until golden brown.
3. Add tomatoes and cook until they break down.
4. Stir in Zanzibar curry spices and coconut milk.
5. Add the octopus and simmer until tender.
6. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve over rice.
Ingredients Insight: Freshness is key with Octopus Curry. Locals often source their octopus from the morning catch, ensuring the flavors of the sea are at their peak.
For an authentic Octopus Curry experience, check out Emerson Spice in Stone Town. This historical rooftop restaurant offers a mesmerizing setting to savor this oceanic delight. If you’re in Pemba Island, get the best of the Octopus Curry at the Gecko Nature Lodge Restaurant.
Enjoying the food so far? Why not Visit Zanzibar this year to experience the food firsthand?
6. Biryani and Pilau
When it comes to comfort food with a kick, Biryani and Pilau take center stage. These rice-based dishes are a marriage of aromatic spices, tender meat, and fragrant rice. Biryani and Pilau arrived in Zanzibar through Indian and Persian traders. Today, they're a testament to the island's rich tapestry of flavors.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Basmati rice
- Chicken or beef
- Yogurt and tomatoes
- Aromatic spices (cumin, cardamom, cinnamon)
- Saffron or turmeric for color
Directions:
1. Cook the meat with yogurt and tomatoes until tender.
2. Parboil the rice and layer it with the meat in a pot.
3. Infuse the layers with aromatic spices.
4. Add saffron or turmeric for color.
5. Steam until the rice is fluffy, and the flavors meld together.
Ingredients Insight: The secret to a perfect Biryani or Pilau lies in the spice blend. Zanzibar's unique mix of Indian, Persian, and local influences creates a symphony of flavors.
For a Biryani and Pilau feast, head to Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town. This local spot masters the art of rice-based dishes.
7. Mandazi
Mandazi, the unsung hero of Zanzibar's street food scene, is a deep-fried dough pastry. It's a simple yet satisfying snack enjoyed any time of day.
Mandazi's roots trace back to the Swahili coastal communities, where it became a beloved staple. Today, it's a symbol of Zanzibar's diverse culinary heritage.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Coconut milk
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Cardamom for flavor
Directions:
1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cardamom.
2. Add coconut milk and knead into a soft dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
4. Deep fry until golden brown.
5. Dust with sugar and serve.
Ingredients Insight: Coconut milk adds a tropical twist to Mandazi, making it a delightful treat with a hint of Zanzibar's coastal charm.
For a Mandazi fix, visit Darajani Market in Stone Town. Local vendors here serve up these golden delights with a side of authenticity.
8. Chips Mayai
For a taste of Zanzibar's street food simplicity, Chips Mayai is your go-to. It’s a fan-favorite breakfast in Zanzibar made from eggs and potatoe chips. This dish elevates the humble omelet by adding a layer of crispy french fries.
Chips Mayai emerged as a quick and affordable meal for locals. Its popularity has grown, making it a must-try for visitors exploring Zanzibar's street food scene.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Potatoes for fries
- Eggs
- Onions and tomatoes
- Oil for frying
Directions
1. Fry the potatoes until golden brown.
2. Beat eggs and mix with chopped onions and tomatoes.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the fries.
4. Flip until both sides are cooked.
5. Serve hot.
Ingredients Insight: Chips Mayai's charm lies in its uncomplicated ingredients. Locally sourced potatoes and eggs bring a homey touch to this street food favorite.
For the best Chips Mayai, head to Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town. Street vendors here create this quick and delicious dish for hungry passersby.
9. Seafood Platter
The Seafood Platter is a maritime feast that showcases the bounty of the Indian Ocean on a single plate. It's an assortment of grilled fish, prawns, calamari, and lobster – a seafood lover's paradise.
Seafood Platters have been a traditional part of Zanzibari cuisine, reflecting the island's reliance on the ocean for sustenance.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Assorted seafood (fish, prawns, calamari, lobster)
- Lemon and garlic for marination
- Olive oil
- Zanzibar spices
Directions:
1. Marinate seafood in a mix of lemon, garlic, and Zanzibar spices.
2. Grill until each piece is cooked to perfection.
3. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Ingredients Insight: Freshness is key in a Seafood Platter. Local catches ensure a taste of the ocean in every bite, while Zanzibar spices add a burst of flavor.
Favorite Restaurants: For an unbeatable Seafood Platter, visit Gecko Nature Lodge on Pemba Island – A tranquil spot offering a delightful Seafood Platter.
10. Spiced Tuna Steak
The Spiced Tuna Steak is a straightforward dish that lets the quality of the fish shine. It's a thick cut of tuna, seared to perfection and seasoned with a blend of Zanzibar spices – a bold and savory delight.
While tuna has been a staple in Zanzibar for centuries, the spiced preparation reflects a more recent culinary evolution, showcasing the influence of local spices.
Food like this is what makes Zanzibar one of the best islands in Africa to visit.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Tuna steak
- Zanzibar spices (coriander, cumin, paprika)
- Olive oil
- Lime for garnish
Directions:
1. Rub tuna steak with Zanzibar spices.
2. Sear in a hot pan with olive oil until the edges are crispy.
3. Garnish with lime before serving.
Ingredients Insight: The star of Spiced Tuna Steak is the tuna itself. Opt for the freshest catch available and let the Zanzibar spice blend enhance the natural flavors.
Head to Emerson Spice in Stone Town for a Spiced Tuna Steak that packs a punch. The historic setting adds to the overall dining experience.
Savoring a Spiced Tuna Steak at Emerson Spice is a testament to simplicity done right. The blend of spices and the freshness of the tuna create a memorable meal.
11. Coconut Crab Curry
Coconut Crab Curry is a taste of Zanzibar's coastal abundance. It features succulent crab cooked in a rich coconut milk curry, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.
Coconut Crab Curry draws from the island's rich coastal traditions, where coconut and seafood have long been culinary companions.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Fresh crab
- Coconut milk
- Onions, tomatoes, and garlic
- Zanzibar curry spices
Directions
1. Clean and prepare the fresh crab.
2. Cook onions, tomatoes, and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add Zanzibar curry spices and coconut milk.
4. Simmer the crab until cooked through.
Ingredients Insight: The key to a flavorful Coconut Crab Curry lies in using fresh crab and balancing the richness of coconut milk with Zanzibar spices.
Visit The Swahili House Restaurant in Stone Town for an authentic Coconut Crab Curry experience. The historic setting adds a touch of charm to the meal.
Indulging in Coconut Crab Curry at The Swahili House is like a journey through Zanzibar's coastal flavors. The creamy curry and tender crab create a dish worth savoring.
12. Mkate wa Kuku
Mkate wa Kuku is a Zanzibari take on a chicken sandwich but with a local twist. It features spiced chicken encased in a fluffy, bread-like exterior – a handheld delight.
Mkate wa Kuku has its roots in the street food culture of the Islands of Zanzibar, where locals have perfected the art of handheld, flavorful snacks.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces
- Zanzibar spices
- Flour and baking powder
- Yogurt
Directions
1. Marinate chicken pieces in Zanzibar spices and yogurt.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to create a soft dough.
3. Encase the marinated chicken in the dough.
4. Bake until golden brown.
Ingredients Insight:Mkate wa Kuku's uniqueness lies in the combination of spiced chicken and the soft, bread-like exterior. Zanzibar spices elevate the flavor profile.
For a satisfying Mkate wa Kuku, head to the Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town. This local spot masters the art of street food.
Mkate wa Kuku is the ultimate street food experience. Grabbing a warm piece from Lukmaan and savoring it on the go is an authentic taste of Zanzibari street cuisine.
FAQs About Zanzibari and Tanzanian Cuisine
What food do you eat in Zanzibar?
Zanzibari cuisine is a flavorful blend of Swahili, Indian, and Arabian influences. Common dishes include Zanzibar Pizza, Mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), Urojo Soup, Coconut Crab Curry, and Spiced Tuna Steak.
What fruit is Zanzibar known for?
Zanzibar is renowned for its delicious and aromatic spices rather than a specific fruit. However, the island is a major producer of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, contributing to its nickname, "The Spice Island."
What is Tanzania's most famous food?
Tanzania's most famous food is Ugali, a staple made from maize flour and water, often served with a variety of stews, meats, or vegetables. It is a widely consumed dish across the country.
Is food in Zanzibar spicy?
Yes, Zanzibari cuisine tends to be spicy. Local dishes often feature a mix of Zanzibar spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and chili, which add a kick to the flavor profile. However, spice levels can vary based on personal preferences.
What are 5 traditional foods in Tanzania?
Traditional Tanzanian foods include:
Ugali: A maize porridge or stiff dough served with various accompaniments.
Nyama Choma: Grilled meat, often served with a side of vegetables.
Mandazi: Deep-fried dough pastries, a popular snack.
Pilau: Flavored rice, typically prepared with spices and meat.
Wali na Maharage: Rice and beans, a common and hearty dish.
What is the national dish of Zanzibar?
While Zanzibar doesn't have an official national dish, one of its iconic dishes is "Pweza wa nazi," which is octopus cooked in coconut milk. Another notable mention is the Seafood Platter, showcasing the rich maritime offerings of the Indian Ocean.
Final thoughts
If you’re going for a scuba diving adventure in Zanzibar, a spice tour experience, or a tour of the historic stone town, Zanzibar food is one sure thing that’ll stick with you for the rest of your life.
We’ve shared our top 12 Zanzibar foods that should delight your stomach. Let us know which ones you’ve tried.
