Best Local Foods to Try in Zanzibar

Best Local Foods to Try in Zanzibar

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Zanzibar isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its turquoise waters and historic streets, it's a culinary adventure, where African, Arab, and Indian influences blend into bold, unforgettable flavors. Walking through Stone Town or along the bustling night markets, the aromas of spices, grilled meats, and sweet treats follow you, each promising a taste of the island’s rich heritage.

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Start your evening at Forodhani Gardens, where the scent of sizzling dough and fresh fillings draws a crowd. Here, Zanzibar Pizza not your typical pizza sizzles on the grill. Stuffed with savoury or sweet fillings, folded over with care, and eaten straight from the stall, it’s messy, flavourful, and irresistibly Zanzibari.

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For something hearty, try a bowl of Urojo, also known as Zanzibar Mix. Tangy and spicy, it blends potatoes, fritters, boiled eggs, kachori, and a zingy mango sauce into a bowl that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful, a perfect snack after a morning of exploring the winding streets.

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Seafood lovers are in for a treat with Octopus Curry. Freshly caught octopus simmers slowly in a creamy coconut and spice sauce, and when served at a beachfront restaurant, every bite carries the taste of the ocean breeze and local tradition.

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A stroll through any market will tempt you with Zanzibar Biryani, fragrant rice layered with tender chicken, beef, or fish, accompanied by a spicy kachumbari salad. Each spoonful tells the story of Indian and Persian influences woven seamlessly into Zanzibari cuisine.

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Street corners and roadside stands often offer Mishkaki, Zanzibar’s take on grilled meat skewers. Marinated in a blend of local spices and cooked over open flames, these smoky, savoury bites are perfect for nibbling while wandering the streets.

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For breakfast or a sweet pause, try Mandazi soft, fluffy Swahili doughnuts best enjoyed with a cup of spiced chai. Or grab a Zanzibar Sambusa, crisp triangular pastries filled with spiced beef, chicken, or vegetables, inspired by Indian samosas and a beloved festival snack.

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Every corner of Zanzibar seems to offer a new flavor, a new scent, a new story. From bustling night markets to quiet beachside restaurants, the island’s cuisine is alive, vibrant, and endlessly inviting. Taste your way through it, and you’ll discover Zanzibar isn’t just a destination, it's a place that lingers on your palate and in your memory long after the last bite.

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