Best Local Dishes to Try in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a melting pot of cultures — African, Arab, Indian, and European — and this rich heritage is reflected in its flavorful and aromatic cuisine. Spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom infuse many local dishes, giving Zanzibari food a unique identity all its own.

 Zanzibar Pilau

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices such as cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, and cloves. Often served with beef, chicken, or vegetables, and sometimes with fried onions on top.

Perfect for: Those who enjoy spiced rice similar to biryani but with a Swahili twist.

Zanzibar Fish Curry

Freshly caught fish simmered in a creamy coconut milk base with a blend of turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili.

Perfect for: Seafood lovers looking for something rich and mildly spicy.

Zanzibar Chapati

A Swahili-style flatbread, slightly flaky and soft, often eaten with curries or for breakfast with tea.

Try it with: Beans, lentils, or spiced vegetables.

Chicken Zanzibar (Kuku wa Nazi)

Chicken stewed in coconut milk with a mixture of garlic, ginger, onions, and local spices.

Perfect for: A mild, creamy dish that showcases Zanzibar’s love for coconut-based cuisine.

Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)

A famous street food dish from Stone Town made with a tangy flour-based soup, fritters, boiled potatoes, eggs, meat skewers, and cassava chips, topped with a spicy mango chutney.

Perfect for: Adventurous eaters who want to try a truly local snack.

Octopus Curry

Octopus cooked in a flavorful sauce of coconut milk, garlic, tomatoes, and Zanzibari spices. Especially popular along the east coast in areas like Jambiani and Paje.

Try it at: Local seafood restaurants by the beach.

Mishkaki (Zanzibari Skewers)

Grilled meat skewers (usually beef or chicken) marinated in a spicy blend of local herbs and grilled to perfection. Commonly sold at night food markets.

Pair it with: Chapati or naan and a side of pili pili (chili sauce).

Biryani ya Zanzibar

Unlike its Indian counterpart, Zanzibari biryani combines East African and Middle Eastern flavors. The rice is layered with meat, potatoes, and boiled eggs, then baked for a deeply spiced finish.

Popular during: Weddings and special occasions.

Viazi Karai

Deep-fried spiced potatoes often served with tamarind or chili sauce. A common street food snack.

Great as: A quick bite while exploring Stone Town or beach markets.

Mandazi

Swahili doughnuts — slightly sweet, coconut-flavored fried bread often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Try it for: Breakfast or a light afternoon snack.

Bonus: Don’t Miss These Local Drinks

• Sugarcane Juice: Pressed fresh with a dash of lime and ginger.

• Spiced Tea (Chai ya Tangawizi): Black tea with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

• Coconut Water: Fresh from the coconut on the beach — hydrating and delicious.

• Tamarind Juice: A sweet-sour, refreshing local favorite.