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Zanzibar food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Zanzibar.
What to eat in Zanzibar
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Zanzibari Pizza
A savory or sweet crepe-like dough filled with minced meat, egg, and vegetables, or fruit and chocolate for a sweet version. It's a unique street food staple with a surprising depth of flavor.
Seaweed Salad (Saladi ya Rumu)
Freshly harvested seaweed, often mixed with lime, chili, and coconut milk, offering a refreshing and slightly briny taste of the ocean. It's a light yet flavorful appetizer.
Grilled Octopus
Tender octopus marinated in local spices and grilled over charcoal, often served with a side of rice and a fresh salad. The smoky char complements the sweet, succulent meat perfectly.
Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice cooked with tender meat (chicken or lamb), aromatic spices, and often garnished with fried onions and raisins. Zanzibar's biryani has a distinct Swahili influence.
Urojo
A flavorful soup with a potato and coconut milk base, often containing shredded beef, cassava, and topped with a hard-boiled egg and crispy bhajis. It's a hearty and complex street food.
Mishkaki
Skewers of marinated meat (beef, chicken, or goat) grilled to perfection, often seasoned with a blend of Swahili spices. These are a popular and satisfying snack.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Historic, bustling, sensory overload
Vibrant night market, lively atmosphere
Chilled beach town, bohemian
Resort town, lively beach scene
Dietary notes
Zanzibari cuisine is rich in seafood, meat, and coconut milk. While vegetarian options like vegetable curries and Urojo (without meat) can be found, vegan and gluten-free diets may require careful communication with chefs, as many dishes rely on wheat flour for thickening or as a base.
Local etiquette
- •Dress modestly when exploring Stone Town, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for the local Islamic culture.
- •Bargaining is common in markets and for street food; approach with a friendly attitude.
- •While cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, always carry some Tanzanian Shillings for smaller vendors and street food.
- •It's polite to accept offered tea or small snacks, even if you only take a small portion.
- •Meals are typically eaten with the right hand, though utensils are provided in most restaurants.
Plan the rest of your Zanzibar trip
Food guides elsewhere