Taste Zanzibar’s Swahili cuisine through must-try dishes like octopus curry, urojo soup, and coconut biryani. This guide shares where to find the best local street food, beach restaurants, and cultural kitchens across the island.
Zanzibar’s culinary soul lives in its streets, spices, and stories. Swahili cuisine is not just a meal—it’s an expression of Zanzibar’s cultural crossroads, where African, Arab, and Indian influences simmer into unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re savoring octopus curry on a quiet Pongwe beach or tasting grilled mishkaki in Stone Town’s bustling market, each bite holds a story.
This guide explores the must-try dishes of Zanzibar—flavor-packed plates like pilau, biryani, chapati, and fresh seafood—and reveals where to find them: from local food stalls and family-run kitchens to beachside restaurants steeped in tradition and charm.
Planning a romantic foodie escape? Begin with our Ultimate Zanzibar Honeymoon Guide for curated experiences that pair culture with cuisine.
Want a deeper cultural connection? Check out our guide to Zanzibar’s festivals and markets where food and tradition meet. For couples seeking meaningful experiences beyond the table, explore Stone Town’s romantic day trip itinerary or slow down with wellness rituals rooted in natural Zanzibar ingredients.
From the scent of clove on the breeze to the warmth of hospitality at every table, Zanzibar’s food is a love letter you can taste.
1. Zanzibar Pizza
Forget Italian—it’s a Zanzibari invention: a savory pancake packed with egg, onion, cheese, meat, and optional chili. Fried crispy on a griddle and folded like a parcel.
📍 Local Insight: A newer sweet version with banana, Nutella, and mango is now popular with younger Zanzibaris.
Where to try: Forodhani Gardens, Stone Town — night market vendors serve it fresh with tangy sauces.
2. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
A street food classic. Tangy soup meets crispy fritters, boiled potatoes, raw mango, coconut, and spicy chutneys. Locals and tourists alike line up to sample this unique dish.
📍 Did You Know? The word “urojo” means “soup” in Swahili, but its flavors reflect Indian and coastal African culinary fusion.
Where to try: Darajani Market or roadside stalls in Ng’ambo.
3. Pweza wa Nazi (Octopus in Coconut Curry)
Tender octopus simmered in a coconut-infused stew spiced with garlic, tomatoes, and turmeric. Served with rice or flatbread.
📍 Cultural Note: Octopus fishing is traditionally done at low tide by women using spears and reef traps.
Where to try: The Rock (Michamvi), or at local beach grills in Pongwe.
4. Pilau
Aromatic rice dish seasoned with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. Often served at weddings and Friday feasts. Hearty, traditional, and comforting.
📍 Tradition Tip: Cooked in a heavy-bottom pot over charcoal for even spice distribution and aroma.
Where to try: House of Spices (Stone Town), or any local family-run kitchen.
5. Mchuzi wa Samaki (Fish Curry)
Freshly caught seafood in a zesty tomato-based sauce, sometimes featuring coconut or tamarind. Best enjoyed beachside.
📍 Fish Fact: Look for kingfish (kolekole), snapper (changu), or barracuda (mtondo)—locally caught and sustainable.
Where to try: Nungwi Beach huts or Pongwe Beach Hotel restaurant.
6. Vitumbua (Rice Cakes)
These spongy, lightly sweet rice cakes are cooked in cast iron pans and flavored with cardamom and coconut. Often sold at bus stops and breakfast stalls.
📍 Recipe Origins: Common across the Swahili coast from Mombasa to Moroni, but uniquely spiced in Zanzibar.
Where to try: Early morning markets near mosques or in Pongwe village.
7. Biryani Zanzibar Style
A rich, layered dish made with saffron, fried onions, spiced meat or chicken, and fragrant rice. Heavier than pilau but equally beloved.
📍 Cultural Heritage: Biryani arrived with Indian traders and became a staple during Eid and other celebrations.
Where to try: Lukmaan Restaurant or Passing Show Hotel.
8. Mandazi
Swahili doughnuts flavored with coconut and cardamom. Slightly sweet and often served with chai. Perfect beach snack.
📍 How It’s Made: Fried in shallow pans until golden brown. Often sold in bulk by “mamas” balancing baskets on their heads.
Where to try: Anywhere, from upscale buffets to roadside vendors.
9. Chipsi Mayai
Zanzibar’s take on comfort food: an omelet made with fries and served with ketchup or pili pili (hot sauce).
📍 Origin: First popularized in Dar es Salaam, now a staple across Zanzibar.
Where to try: Any neighborhood café or beach snack shack in Paje or Pongwe.
10. Fresh Coconut Water & Sugarcane Juice
Refreshing and local—a perfect way to cool down after a hot day of exploring.
📍 What to Ask: For “madafu” (young green coconut) or fresh-pressed sugarcane with lime and ginger.
Where to try: Street vendors across the island—watch them hack the coconut open with a machete.
📌 Sidebar: Spices That Define Zanzibar Cuisine
- Clove – Once made Zanzibar the world’s largest exporter
- Cardamom & Cinnamon – Warm and fragrant
- Turmeric & Cumin – Earthy and foundational
- Tamarind & Lime – Sour and freshen up stews and drinks
📝 Pro Tip: Join a local spice tour or Swahili cooking class for a hands-on experience.
Follow the Scent, Follow the Story
Swahili dishes are not only flavorful, they’re deeply cultural, shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and tradition. Whether you’re sipping sugarcane juice at a roadside stall or savoring seafood under lantern light in Pongwe, every meal is a chapter in Zanzibar’s edible history.
➡️ Want to explore more? Pair your food journey with our Zanzibar Honeymoon Guide or Things to Do Around Pongwe for a deliciously immersive island itinerary.
