9 Traditional Zanzibar Foods You Must Try During Your Visit

One of the best ways to relax after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or enjoying a Tanzania safari is to visit Zanzibar. Beyond its beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, the island offers a wonderful culinary experience filled with unique flavours and traditional dishes.

Zanzibar's cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange. It combines local Bantu culinary traditions with Arab, Persian, Indian, Portuguese, and other international influences. The result is a rich food culture featuring fragrant spices, coconut, cassava, rice, fresh seafood, and locally grown ingredients.

From delicious street food to traditional seafood dishes, Zanzibar has something for every food lover.

In this guide, we introduce nine traditional Zanzibar dishes you should try during your visit, along with some popular places where you can find them.

Key Facts About Zanzibar Food

• Zanzibar pizza: A stuffed, pan-fried flatbread filled with meat, seafood, vegetables, or sweet ingredients.
• Chipsi mayai: A popular local dish made with French fries and eggs, similar to a potato omelette.
• Urojo: A thick, tangy, and spicy soup commonly known as Zanzibar mix.
• Pweza wa nazi: Tender octopus cooked in a rich coconut sauce.
• Mandazi: Sweet, deep-fried dough traditionally enjoyed with tea or coffee.
• Biryani: A fragrant rice dish prepared with meat, seafood, and a mixture of spices.
• Coconut rice: Rice cooked with coconut milk, commonly served with seafood and curries.
• Mishkaki: Pieces of marinated meat grilled on skewers.
• Spiced tuna steak: Fresh tuna prepared with aromatic local spices.

Historical Background of Zanzibar Cuisine

Zanzibar's food culture is closely connected to the history of the islands and their position along the Indian Ocean trade routes.

The earliest communities on the archipelago included Bantu-speaking people from mainland East Africa. Fishing, farming, and local trade played important roles in their daily lives. Seafood, cassava, bananas, and other locally available ingredients became important parts of traditional meals.

Over time, Arab and Persian traders settled along the East African coast, bringing new ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary traditions. Rice, coconut, spices, and different methods of preparing meat and seafood became increasingly important in local cuisine.

Indian Ocean trade also introduced influences from India, including curry preparations, biryani, chutneys, and different spice combinations.

Portuguese and later European influences contributed to the introduction and spread of additional ingredients and food traditions. As different communities interacted over generations, Zanzibar developed a distinctive cuisine that reflects its diverse cultural heritage.

Today, spices remain one of the island's most recognisable culinary features. Zanzibar is often called the Spice Island because of its historical connection with the cultivation and trade of cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and other aromatic spices.

Top 9 Traditional Dishes to Try in Zanzibar

1. Zanzibar PizzaZanzibar pizza is one of the island's most popular street foods. Despite its name, it is quite different from the traditional Italian pizza.

It is made using thin dough filled with different ingredients, folded, and fried on a hot pan until the outside becomes golden and crispy.

Popular fillings include minced meat, chicken, seafood, vegetables, eggs, and cheese. Sweet versions are also available, often containing banana, chocolate, or coconut.

The combination of crispy dough and delicious fillings makes Zanzibar pizza a favourite among both locals and visitors.

Where can I try it?

One of the best places to experience Zanzibar pizza is Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town. In the evening, the area becomes a lively food market where visitors can sample different local dishes and enjoy the island's street food culture.

2. Chipsi Mayai

Chipsi mayai, also known as chips mayai, is a popular Tanzanian street food made by combining French fries with beaten eggs and frying them together in a pan.

The result is a simple but satisfying potato omelette. It is commonly served with fresh tomato and onion salad, chilli sauce, or other local accompaniments.

Some restaurants and street food vendors also serve it with grilled meat or other additions.

Chipsi mayai is enjoyed at different times of the day and is a familiar favourite throughout Tanzania.

Where can I try it?

You can find chipsi mayai at local food stalls, small restaurants, and street food markets throughout Zanzibar. Forodhani Gardens is another popular place to sample this local favourite.

3. Urojo Soup

Urojo, commonly known as Zanzibar mix, is one of the island's signature dishes. It is famous for its thick consistency and combination of tangy, spicy, and savoury flavours.

The soup is commonly prepared using a tamarind-based sauce, potatoes, spices, and other ingredients that vary according to the cook's recipe.

It is often served with crispy potato pieces, bhajias, and other toppings. Some versions include additional meat or other accompaniments.

Urojo is especially popular as a street food and is enjoyed by locals and visitors looking for an authentic taste of Zanzibar.

Where can I try it?

Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town is a popular place to find urojo. You can also discover different versions of the dish at local restaurants and food stalls across the island.

4. Octopus Curry: Pweza wa Nazi

Zanzibar is an excellent destination for seafood lovers, and pweza wa nazi is one of its most popular traditional seafood dishes.

The dish consists of tender octopus cooked in a creamy coconut sauce with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, tomatoes, turmeric, and other local spices.

Coconut milk gives the sauce a rich flavour, while the spices create the distinctive taste associated with Zanzibar cuisine.

Pweza wa nazi is usually served with rice, coconut rice, or ugali, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Where can I try it?

You can find octopus curry at seafood restaurants and local eateries throughout Zanzibar. The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi is another well-known dining destination, famous for its unique location on a rock surrounded by the Indian Ocean during high tide.

Because it is a popular restaurant, making a reservation in advance is recommended.

5. Mandazi

Mandazi is a popular East African snack that is especially loved in Zanzibar. These golden, deep-fried pieces of dough are slightly sweet and have a soft texture inside.

They are commonly prepared using flour, sugar, yeast, and coconut milk. Some recipes include cardamom or other spices to add extra flavour.

Mandazi is traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, often accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.

Where can I try it?

You can find fresh mandazi at local bakeries, street food stalls, markets, and small cafés throughout Zanzibar. Darajani Market in Stone Town is a good place to explore local food stalls and discover traditional snacks.

6. Biryani

Zanzibar biryani is a traditional rice dish influenced by Indian and Arab culinary traditions. It is prepared with fragrant rice, meat or seafood, and a mixture of aromatic spices.

Common ingredients include cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and other seasonings. Depending on the recipe, the dish may be served with chicken, beef, goat, or seafood.

Zanzibar biryani is known for its rich flavour and distinctive aroma. It is often served with salad or a sauce that complements the spiced rice.

Where can I try it?

Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town is a popular place to experience traditional Zanzibar food, including biryani and other local dishes.

You can also find biryani at many restaurants throughout Stone Town and other parts of the island.

7. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is one of the most common side dishes in Zanzibar. It is prepared by cooking rice with coconut milk, giving it a creamy texture and a delicate coconut flavour.

The dish is often served alongside seafood, grilled meat, fish curry, or vegetable dishes.

Coconut rice is an important part of the island's food culture because coconuts are widely used in traditional Zanzibar cooking.

Where can I try it?

Many local restaurants and seafood establishments serve coconut rice. You can enjoy it with fresh fish or octopus curry at restaurants throughout Zanzibar.

8. Mishkaki

Mishkaki is a popular East African street food made from small pieces of meat grilled on skewers over charcoal.

The meat is usually beef or chicken and is marinated with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, lemon, and different spices before grilling.

Cooking the meat over an open flame gives it a smoky flavour, while the marinade makes it delicious and tender.

Mishkaki is commonly served with chilli sauce, salad, chapati, or other local accompaniments.

Where can I try it?

Mishkaki is widely available at street food stalls, local restaurants, and evening food markets throughout Zanzibar.

Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town is a popular place to explore traditional local meals, including grilled meat and other Swahili dishes.

9. Spiced Tuna Steak

Fresh seafood is an important part of Zanzibar's culinary culture, and spiced tuna steak is a favourite among visitors who enjoy grilled fish.

The dish is prepared using fresh tuna seasoned with a mixture of spices, which may include coriander, cumin, paprika, garlic, and other local ingredients.

The fish is usually grilled or seared and served with lime, vegetables, rice, or other accompaniments.

Its combination of fresh seafood and aromatic spices creates a flavour that reflects Zanzibar's coastal food traditions.

Where can I try it?

You can find fresh tuna and other seafood dishes at restaurants throughout Zanzibar, particularly in Stone Town and along the island's coastline. Many beachfront restaurants also offer freshly prepared fish depending on the daily catch.

Traditional Zanzibar Drinks

Zanzibar's food culture also includes a variety of refreshing traditional drinks. Many are prepared using locally available ingredients such as sugarcane, coconuts, and aromatic spices.

Sugarcane Juice

Fresh sugarcane juice is a popular drink in Zanzibar, especially during hot days. It is prepared by pressing sugarcane to extract its natural juice and is often served with lime or ginger.

The result is a sweet and refreshing drink that is commonly sold by street vendors and at local markets.

Dawa Cocktail

Dawa is a popular cocktail made with vodka, honey, lime, and ice. The Swahili word "dawa" means medicine, and the drink is known for its refreshing combination of sweet and citrus flavours.

It is commonly enjoyed at bars and restaurants, particularly in the evening.

Chai ya Mdalasini

Chai ya mdalasini is cinnamon tea, a warm drink prepared using tea and aromatic spices. Depending on the recipe, it may also contain cardamom, cloves, and milk.

It is commonly enjoyed in the morning or during relaxed afternoon breaks.

Coconut Water

Fresh coconut water is one of the simplest and most refreshing drinks to enjoy in Zanzibar. It is naturally found inside young green coconuts and is often served directly from the fruit.

It is especially enjoyable after spending time in the sun or exploring the island.

Experience the Flavours of Zanzibar

Zanzibar's traditional food is an important part of what makes the island such a special travel destination. From crispy Zanzibar pizza and spicy urojo to coconut octopus curry, biryani, and fresh seafood, every meal offers an opportunity to discover the island's rich cultural heritage.

Trying local dishes is also a wonderful way to connect with the people, traditions, and everyday life of Zanzibar.

Whether you are visiting after a Tanzania safari, a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, or simply planning a relaxing beach holiday, make sure to include local food experiences in your itinerary.

Discover Zanzibar's beautiful beaches, explore Stone Town, visit local markets, and enjoy the unique flavours of the Spice Island.