Zanzibar’s cuisine is one of the most exciting and flavourful in East Africa. Often called the “Spice Island", Zanzibar offers a unique fusion of African, Arab, Indian, Portuguese, and Persian influences that have evolved over centuries of trade along the Indian Ocean.
After the thrill of a Serengeti safari or the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, indulging in Zanzibar’s vibrant food scene is the perfect way to relax and experience the island’s rich cultural heritage through its flavours.
From fragrant spice-laden curries to fresh seafood, street-food favourites, and refreshing local drinks, here is a complete guide to the must-try traditional dishes and drinks in Zanzibar for 2026.
Historical Background of Zanzibar Cuisine
Zanzibar’s food tells the story of its history as a major trading hub:
Bantu settlers brought seafood traditions and staples like cassava and bananas.
Arab traders introduced spices, rice, coconut, and many aromatic cooking techniques.
Portuguese explorers added new ingredients such as pineapple, corn, and cassava.
Indian merchants contributed curries, biryani, chutneys, and the use of masala spices.
Swahili culture blended all these influences into the unique Zanzibari cuisine we enjoy today.
The result is bold, aromatic food that balances sweet, spicy, sour, and savoury flavours, often featuring fresh seafood, coconut milk, and the island’s world-famous spices.
Top 9 Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Zanzibar
1. Zanzibar Pizza
Not an Italian pizza, but a beloved street-food creation. A thin, crispy dough is filled with minced meat, vegetables, eggs, cheese, or seafood, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. Sweet versions come with banana, chocolate, or coconut.
Where to try: Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town – the best place to watch it being made fresh.
2. Chipsi Mayai (Zanzibar French Fries Omelette)
A simple but addictive dish of French fries mixed with beaten eggs, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers, then fried into a hearty omelette. Often served with spicy chilli sauce or ketchup.
Where to try: Street vendors across Stone Town or any local “hotel” (small restaurant).
3. Urojo Soup (Zanzibar Mix Soup)
A thick, tangy soup made with tamarind, coconut milk, potatoes, cassava, and fried bhajis or potato pieces. It can include chicken, meat, or fish and is finished with a sprinkle of chilli and lime.
Where to try: Forodhani Night Market or Manta Resort on Pemba Island.
4. Pweza wa Nazi (Octopus Curry)
Tender octopus slow-cooked in a rich coconut milk curry flavoured with garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and tomatoes. Served with rice or ugali.
Where to try: The Rock Restaurant, Aya Beach Restaurant, or local eateries in Nungwi.
5. Mandazi (Coconut Doughnuts)
Fluffy, slightly sweet fried dough made with coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes cardamom. Perfect with morning tea or as a snack.
Where to try: Darajani Market or ZanziBarista Cafe in Stone Town.
6. Biryani
Zanzibar’s version of this classic rice dish is fragrant basmati rice cooked with chicken, goat, beef, or seafood, layered with spices (cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron), fried onions, and boiled eggs.
Where to try: Zanzibar Coffee House or Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town.
7. Coconut Rice
Basmati rice cooked in coconut milk, giving it a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. Usually served alongside curries or grilled fish.
Where to try: Emerson Spice Hotel or Gecko Nature Lodge on Pemba.
8. Mishkaki (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Marinated beef or chicken cubes grilled on skewers with yoghurt, ginger, garlic, lemon, and local spices. Often served with fresh salad and chilli sauce.
Where to try: Street vendors or Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town.
9. Spiced Tuna Steak
Fresh tuna grilled with a blend of local spices (coriander, cumin, paprika, and garlic) and finished with lime. Simple yet incredibly flavourful.
Where to try: Emerson Spice Hotel or high-end beach resorts in Nungwi.
Traditional Zanzibar Drinks
Sugarcane Juice
Freshly crushed sugarcane juice, often spiced with ginger and lime. Sweet, refreshing, and sold everywhere on the streets and waterfront.
Dawa Cocktail
A popular Swahili drink meaning “medicine” – made with vodka, honey, lime, and, sometimes, ginger. Refreshing and slightly medicinal in taste.
Chai ya Mdalasini (Cinnamon Tea)
Strong black tea brewed with cinnamon sticks, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Usually served sweet with milk.
Fresh Coconut Water
Straight from young green coconuts – naturally sweet, hydrating, and packed with electrolytes. Perfect for the tropical heat.
Tangawizi (Ginger Beer)
A spicy, non-alcoholic ginger drink that’s both refreshing and warming.
Kilisherpas Travel Tip
The best way to experience Zanzibar’s food is to combine the following:
A walking food tour in Stone Town
Dinner at Forodhani Night Market
A spice farm tour with a traditional Swahili lunch
Seafood dining at beach restaurants in Nungwi or Matemwe
For a complete culinary experience, we recommend adding a Spice Farm Tour and a Forodhani Night Market visit to your Zanzibar itinerary.
Zanzibar’s cuisine is more than just food – it's a delicious reflection of the island’s history, culture, and soul. Every bite tells a story of trade routes, cultural exchange, and centuries of fusion.
Ready to taste the real Zanzibar?
Let Kilisherpas Travel create a perfect culinary-focused Zanzibar holiday or combine it with your mainland safari for the ultimate East African adventure.
Contact us today and let your taste buds explore paradise.
