A Guide to Zanzibar's Most Delicious Local Dishes

Zanzibar—a name that evokes visions of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and the gentle sway of palm trees. But for those of us who have had the pleasure of visiting this enchanting island off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is more than just a tropical paradise. It’s a place where the air is thick with the scent of exotic spices, where the streets are alive with the sounds of bustling markets, and where every meal tells a story of the island’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. Join me on a culinary journey through Zanzibar, where we’ll explore the island’s most iconic dishes, discover where to find them, and uncover the flavors that make this island so unique.

Urojo Soup: Zanzibar’s Street Food Staple

If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of Stone Town, you’ve likely encountered the mouthwatering aroma of urojo soup wafting through the air. Known affectionately as "Zanzibar mix," urojo is a beloved street food that perfectly captures the island’s culinary diversity. The first time I tried urojo, I was instantly hooked. The soup is a vibrant yellow, thickened with flour and spiced with turmeric, giving it a rich, warm color. It’s served with a mix of toppings, including crispy fritters, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, coconut chutney, and sometimes even a splash of hot sauce. The flavors are bold, complex, and incredibly satisfying—a true reflection of Zanzibar’s melting pot of cultures.

I remember standing at a small food stall, watching the vendor ladle the soup into a bowl, then quickly pile on the toppings. The combination of textures and flavors was unlike anything I’d ever experienced—creamy, spicy, tangy, and crunchy all at once. It’s the kind of dish that you crave long after you’ve left the island, a perfect representation of Zanzibar’s vibrant street food scene.

Where to Eat Urojo Soup in Zanzibar:

• Forodhani Gardens
  Location: Stone Town
  A lively night market where you can find some of the best urojo soup in Zanzibar. The atmosphere is electric, with vendors preparing fresh dishes right in front of you.
• Passing Show Hotel
  Location: Stone Town
  A local favorite, this modest eatery serves up a fantastic urojo soup that’s packed with flavor and authenticity.
• Zanzibar Coffee House
  Location: Stone Town
  Known for its cozy ambiance and traditional dishes, Zanzibar Coffee House offers a delicious and hearty version of urojo soup.

Biryani: A Taste of Zanzibar’s Indian Heritage

Biryani is a dish that needs little introduction. This aromatic rice dish, which has its roots in Indian cuisine, has been embraced by Zanzibaris and is now a staple at celebrations and family gatherings. The first time I had Zanzibari biryani, I was struck by how different it was from the versions I’d tried elsewhere. The rice was fragrant with the scent of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, and the meat—whether chicken, beef, or goat—was tender and infused with spices.

What sets Zanzibari biryani apart is the use of local spices and a unique method of preparation that involves layering the rice and meat, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dish is often served with a side of tangy tomato chutney, which adds a burst of acidity that perfectly complements the richness of the biryani. It’s a dish that reflects Zanzibar’s deep connection to the Indian Ocean trade routes, which brought not only goods but also culinary traditions to the island.

Where to Eat Biryani in Zanzibar:

• Lukmaan Restaurant
  Location: Stone Town
  A beloved local spot, Lukmaan is famous for its Zanzibari biryani, served in generous portions with a side of tomato chutney.
• House of Spices
  Location: Stone Town
  This charming restaurant offers a refined take on traditional dishes, including a flavorful biryani that’s perfect for a leisurely meal.
• Emerson Spice Hotel
  Location: Stone Town
  For a more upscale experience, the rooftop restaurant at Emerson Spice Hotel serves an exquisite biryani with stunning views of Stone Town.

Zanzibar Pizza: A Delightful Street Food Fusion

One of the most surprising—and delightful—discoveries I made in Zanzibar was the local version of pizza. But this isn’t your typical pizza; Zanzibar pizza is a unique street food creation that’s more like a savory, stuffed pancake. The first time I tried it was at the Forodhani Gardens night market, where the vendors skillfully prepare these little parcels of goodness right in front of you.

Zanzibar pizza starts with a thin layer of dough, which is filled with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, egg, and sometimes cheese, then folded into a square and fried on a hot griddle. The result is a crispy, golden exterior with a deliciously savory filling. There are also sweet versions, filled with ingredients like Nutella, bananas, and mangoes, making it a versatile treat that can satisfy both savory and sweet cravings.

What I love about Zanzibar pizza is its fusion of flavors—it’s a perfect example of how the island’s diverse influences come together to create something entirely unique and utterly delicious.

Where to Eat Zanzibar Pizza:

• Forodhani Gardens
  Location: Stone Town
  The best place to try Zanzibar pizza is at the Forodhani Gardens night market, where you can watch the vendors create these tasty treats right before your eyes.
• The Silk Route
  Location: Stone Town
  This popular restaurant offers a slightly more refined version of Zanzibar pizza, along with other traditional dishes.
• Upendo Beach Zanzibar
  Location: Michamvi, Zanzibar
  Enjoy a more upscale version of Zanzibar pizza at this beachfront restaurant, where you can dine with your toes in the sand.

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Octopus Curry: A Taste of the Sea

Zanzibar’s location in the Indian Ocean means that seafood is a central part of the local diet, and one of the most popular dishes is octopus curry. The first time I tasted this dish, I was at a small, family-run restaurant by the beach. The octopus was tender, the curry sauce was rich and fragrant with coconut milk and spices, and the whole dish was bursting with flavor.

Octopus curry is a dish that perfectly showcases the bounty of Zanzibar’s waters, combined with the island’s love of spices. The octopus is usually simmered until tender in a sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of local spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The addition of coconut milk gives the curry a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet, briny flavor of the octopus.

For me, this dish is a taste of Zanzibar’s connection to the sea and its rich culinary traditions. It’s a must-try for any seafood lover visiting the island.

Where to Eat Octopus Curry in Zanzibar:

• The Rock Restaurant
  Location: Michamvi, Zanzibar
  Located on a rock in the ocean, this iconic restaurant offers a stunning view along with its delicious octopus curry.
• Mama Africa Restaurant
  Location: Stone Town
  A cozy, local spot where you can enjoy a traditional octopus curry that’s packed with flavor.
• Essque Zalu Zanzibar
  Location: Nungwi, Zanzibar
  For a more upscale dining experience, try the octopus curry at this luxurious resort’s restaurant, where the focus is on fresh, local ingredients.

Pilau: A Fragrant Feast

No exploration of Zanzibar’s cuisine would be complete without mentioning pilau, a fragrant rice dish that’s a staple at celebrations and special occasions. Pilau is similar to biryani but is cooked in one pot, with the rice absorbing all the rich flavors of the spices and meat. The first time I had pilau was at a wedding in Zanzibar, and I was struck by how the dish brought everyone together, the aroma filling the air and creating a sense of anticipation.

What makes Zanzibari pilau special is the use of a spice blend that typically includes cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. The dish often includes meat such as chicken or beef, but there are also vegetarian versions that are equally delicious. The rice is fluffy and aromatic, each grain infused with the warmth of the spices, and the dish is usually served with a side of kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad that adds a bright, tangy contrast.

Pilau is more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of community and celebration in Zanzibar, a reminder of the island’s rich cultural heritage and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Where to Eat Pilau in Zanzibar:

• Lukmaan Restaurant
  Location: Stone Town
  Lukmaan is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, known for its flavorful pilau that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
• Zanzibar Serena Hotel
  Location: Stone Town
  For a more upscale experience, the restaurant at Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers a refined version of pilau with a stunning view of the ocean.
• Stone Town Café
  Location: Stone Town
  A charming café in the heart of Stone Town, serving a delicious pilau that’s full of authentic flavors.

Mishkaki: Zanzibar’s Irresistible Grilled Skewers

If there’s one dish that perfectly embodies the street food culture of Zanzibar, it’s mishkaki. These flavorful grilled meat skewers are a popular snack or light meal that you can find sizzling on grills across the island, particularly in the evenings. The first time I encountered mishkaki, I was wandering through Stone Town as the sun was setting. The smell of marinated meat cooking over an open flame was irresistible, and I knew I had to try it.

Miszkaki is typically made from beef, chicken, or fish, marinated in a mixture of spices, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. The skewers are then grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a slightly smoky flavor. They’re often served with a side of fresh kachumbari or a tangy chili sauce, making them a deliciously satisfying treat that’s easy to enjoy on the go.

For me, mishkaki is one of those simple pleasures that you can’t miss when visiting Zanzibar. It’s street food at its best—affordable, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Where to Eat Mishkaki in Zanzibar:

• Forodhani Gardens
  Location: Stone Town
  The night market here is famous for its street food, including some of the best mishkaki on the island.
• Lukmaan Restaurant
  Location: Stone Town
  This popular local eatery serves a fantastic mishkaki that’s perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection.
• Mercury’s Restaurant
  Location: Stone Town
  Enjoy mishkaki with a view of the ocean at this popular waterfront restaurant, known for its lively atmosphere and great food.

Ndizi Kaanga: Fried Plantains with a Zanzibar Twist

Fried plantains, or ndizi kaanga, are a beloved snack and side dish in Zanzibar, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and savory goodness. My first taste of ndizi kaanga was at a beachside stall, where the plantains were fried to a golden crisp and served hot. The natural sweetness of the plantains was enhanced by the caramelization from frying, and they were lightly seasoned with salt, which balanced the flavors beautifully.

What makes Zanzibari ndizi kaanga special is the way it’s often served—with a sprinkle of chili powder or a dip in a tangy tamarind sauce, adding a kick of heat and tartness that contrasts with the sweetness of the plantains. Whether eaten as a snack, a side dish with grilled fish or chicken, or even as a dessert with a drizzle of honey, ndizi kaanga is a versatile and delicious treat that captures the tropical flavors of Zanzibar.

Where to Eat Ndizi Kaanga in Zanzibar:

• Forodhani Gardens
  Location: Stone Town
  This lively night market is the perfect place to try ndizi kaanga, freshly fried and served with a variety of spices and sauces.
• 6 Degrees South Grill and Wine Bar
  Location: Stone Town
  Enjoy a gourmet version of ndizi kaanga at this stylish restaurant, where the plantains are paired with a tangy tamarind sauce.
• Mrembo Spa Café
  Location: Stone Town
  This cozy café offers a more traditional take on ndizi kaanga, served as a simple, satisfying snack alongside a cup of Zanzibar spiced tea.

Zanzibar’s culinary landscape is as vibrant and diverse as the island itself. For me, eating in Zanzibar is more than just a way to satisfy hunger—it’s a journey through the island’s soul, a way to connect with its people and traditions. So, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Stone Town, dining at a beachfront restaurant, or simply sipping coffee at a local café, take the time to savor the flavors of Zanzibar.