A tangy, creamy and spicy soup also known as Zanzibar Mix, is a popular street food. This specialty combines potatoes in curry soup, crispy bhajias, boiled eggs, kachori (fried chickpea balls), and garnished with cassava flakes and chutney.
Do you have meat and bananas on hand? If so, you're all set to make ndizi na nyama - a flavorful stew combining both ingredients. Using unripe plantains adds a tender and delicious element to this unique stew..
A traditional rice dish of Zanzibar, thanks to its Swahili and Arab history. Pilau is cooked with flavored spices, vegetables, and meat, giving it its characteristic brown color. The blend of flavors, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, creates a unique aroma that perfectly complements the tender meat, presenting a delicate and fragrant experience.
Mishkaki stands out as a renowned BBQ meat delicacy in East Africa. This dish involves marinating small meat pieces, skewering them, and grilling until they reach a tender texture. Mishkaki comes in various forms, including Cow meat (Mishaki ya nyama), Chicken meat (Mishkaki ya Kuku), and Goat (Mishkaki ya mbuzi)
A beloved street food of the archipelago. Unlike traditional Italian pizza, Zanzibar pizza is more like a stuffed pancake or folded crepe. It features a thin dough filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, cheese, and even chocolate for sweet versions, then folded and cooked on a griddle until crispy.
Ugali, a staple in East African and Tanzanian is a dense, starchy side dish made from maize flour (cornmeal). It's cooked by gradually adding the flour to boiling water and stirring until it forms a thick, smooth paste. Ugali is typically served with meat or vegetable stews and eaten by hand, often used to scoop up the accompanying dishes.
In Zanzibar, the dish known as Vipopoo or Vitobwesha, crafted from cassava flour, is a local favorite, particularly during Ramadan. These special little dumplings in sweet spiced coconut milk consists of a yummy, gooey interface where the apples meet the pastry in apple pies.
Ndizi Mbeechi, a banana pudding variant from Zanzibar, gets its name from the Swahili term for overripe bananas. However, these aren't just any bananas; they're delectably sweet plantains.
As Zanzibar is known as the 'Spice Island,' it's no surprise that spices make their way into desserts too. Spice cake is a moist, flavorful cake infused with a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This cake is particularly beloved for its embodiment of Zanzibar's spice heritage and rich flavors.
Maandazi (or Mandazi) emerges as a delicate, airy, and immensely delectable African bread, securing its position at the apex of culinary delights. Renowned as one of Kenya's ubiquitous sweet treats, it often draws comparisons to the esteemed doughnut.
Kaimati stands as an iconic delicacy along the East African coast, particularly cherished in locales like Mombasa and Zanzibar. This delectable snack is crafted from a blend of plain flour, baking powder, water, and yeast, forming small balls that are fried to perfection.
Vitumbua (with the singular form being kitumbua) is a delightful confection resembling a doughnut or pancake, characterized by a gently crisped exterior and an irresistibly soft, fluffy centre that seems to dissolve on the tongue.
This beverage is not only delicious and refreshing, but it also offers significant health benefits. It acts as a hydrating agent, replenishing the body with energy, carbohydrates, and protein.
In Kiswahili, tamarind is known as `ukwaju` and it's a popular ingredient in Zanzibar. Tamarind can be used in a variety of dishes, but is primarily known as a primary ingredient in tamarind juice.
Discovering this delightful smoothie is a rewarding quest; it's a uniquely flavored date fruit blend with a sweet twist. This concoction is the perfect energizing drink for summer!
Zanzibar is famous for its pristine beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, but it is also renowned for its spice farms and Swahili cuisine. From the narrow alleys of Stone Town Zanzibar to the beachfront seafood grills, visitors can experience an incredible variety of flavors influenced by African, Arab, and Indian traditions.
Zanzibar offers a mix of beachfront restaurants, street food markets, and fine dining experiences. Some top places to eat include: The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar – A world-famous restaurant on a rock in the ocean; Lukmaan Restaurant – Best for authentic Swahili cuisine in Stone Town Zanzibar; Emerson Spice – Rooftop dining with amazing sunset views; Beach House Zanzibar – Seafood with a view of the Indian Ocean.
Visitors must try these iconic Zanzibar dishes: Zanzibar biryani – A flavorful spiced rice dish; Octopus curry – A signature seafood dish in Zanzibar; Urojo soup – A tangy Zanzibar street food specialty; Mishkaki – Swahili-style grilled meat skewers; Mandazi – Sweet, fluffy Swahili doughnuts.
The best seafood restaurants include: The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar – A must-visit dining spot; Cape Town Fish Market – Fresh seafood with ocean views; Zanzibar Serena Inn – Fine dining with traditional Swahili flavors; Kendwa Rocks – Beachfront seafood grills and live music.
Stone Town Zanzibar is a food lover's paradise. Top dishes to try include: Zanzibar pilau – A fragrant rice dish spiced with cloves and cinnamon; Zanzibar pizza – A famous savory street food snack; Samaki wa kupaka – Fish in coconut curry sauce; Fresh tropical fruits – Mango, pineapple, jackfruit, and durian.
Yes! Zanzibar is often called "Spice Island" due to its centuries-old spice farms. Visitors can take spice tours to see and taste: Cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg; Turmeric and black pepper; Exotic fruits like jackfruit and starfruit. Spice farm tours are a must for anyone who wants to learn about Zanzibar's spice trade history.
For the perfect oceanfront dining experience, visit: The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar – Iconic dining on a rock in the sea; Kendwa Rocks – Seafood BBQs right on the beach; Upendo Beach Club – Luxury dining with sunset views; The Beach House Zanzibar – Authentic Swahili flavors by the ocean.
The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar is one of the most popular dining spots on the island. To book: Reserve online in advance, especially during peak season; Plan a boat ride if visiting at high tide; Enjoy signature cocktails and fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
