Where to Eat in Zanzibar – Restaurants & Street Food Guide

Why Zanzibar’s Food Scene is a Must-Experience

Zanzibar’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its history, blending African, Arab, Indian, and Persian influences. The island’s local cuisine is a feast for the senses, with dishes bursting with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon grown on its famous plantations. From the freshest seafood in Zanzibar to vibrant street food at Forodhani Gardens, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re dining in Stone Town’s best restaurants or grabbing a quick bite from a local vendor, Zanzibar offers a culinary adventure that’s both delicious and culturally rich.

Best Restaurants in Stone Town

Stone Town, the heart of Zanzibar’s culture, is home to some of the island’s top dining spots. Here are our top picks for restaurants that showcase Zanzibar’s local cuisine and seafood:

• The Beach House Restaurant: Located at Serena Hotel, this upscale spot offers stunning ocean views and a menu featuring fresh seafood like grilled lobster and prawn curry. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
• Emerson on Hurumzi: A rooftop restaurant serving Swahili set menus with dishes like coconut fish curry and spiced rice. The ambiance, with lanterns and ocean breezes, is unforgettable.
• Lukmaan Restaurant: A budget-friendly gem offering authentic Zanzibar dishes like pilau rice, urojo soup, and vegetable curries. Ideal for travelers seeking local flavors.
• Stone Town Café: Known for its cozy vibe and fresh seafood platters, this café also serves vegetarian-friendly options and Zanzibar’s famous spiced coffee.
• Taarab Restaurant: Located at Maru Maru Hotel, it combines Swahili and international cuisine with rooftop views of Stone Town’s historic streets.

These restaurants in Stone Town cater to various budgets and preferences, ensuring every traveler finds a memorable meal.

Forodhani Gardens Food Market: A Street Food Paradise

Every evening, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a bustling food market where locals and tourists gather to enjoy Zanzibar street food. Lit by lanterns and set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, this market is a must-visit. Here’s what to try:

• Zanzibar Pizza: A unique dish, more like a stuffed crepe, filled with ingredients like minced meat, eggs, cheese, or veggies.
• Grilled Seafood Skewers: Freshly caught octopus, prawns, and fish, grilled to perfection with tangy tamarind sauce.
• Urojo Soup: A tangy, spicy broth with potatoes, boiled eggs, and crispy bhajias, showcasing Zanzibar’s Indian influence.
• Sugarcane Juice: Freshly pressed and mixed with lime and ginger for a refreshing drink.
• Shiro: A sweet dessert made from ground chickpeas, sugar, and spices, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Pro tip: Arrive early (around 6 PM) to beat the crowds and ensure the freshest food. Stick to busy stalls to guarantee hygiene.

Seafood in Zanzibar: Fresh from the Ocean

Zanzibar’s coastal location means seafood is a highlight of its cuisine. From beachside shacks to upscale restaurants, you’ll find dishes featuring lobster, kingfish, prawns, and octopus. Popular spots include:

• Nungwi Beach Restaurants: Many resorts like Essque Zalu serve fresh seafood platters with ocean views.
• Kendwa Rocks: Known for its beachfront dining and grilled fish with coconut rice.
• Paje Beach Eateries: Casual spots offering seafood curries and grilled catches of the day.

For the freshest experience, visit restaurants near fishing villages like Nungwi or Matemwe, where the catch is often straight from the boat.

Zanzibar Local Cuisine: A Blend of Flavors

Zanzibar’s local cuisine is a melting pot of cultures. Expect dishes like:

• Pilau Rice: A spiced rice dish cooked with cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, often paired with meat or fish.
• Biryani: A fragrant rice dish with Indian roots, featuring marinated meat or vegetables.
• Coconut Curries: Creamy curries made with coconut milk, often featuring fish or prawns.
• Ugali: A maize-based staple served with stews, popular in rural areas.
• Chapati: Soft, flaky flatbread paired with curries or grilled meats.

To dive deeper into these flavors, join a spice tour with Capable Africa Tours to learn about the ingredients that define Zanzibar’s cuisine.

Vegetarian and Vegan Dining in Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s food scene isn’t just for meat lovers. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in Stone Town and tourist-friendly areas. Try:

• Green Garden Restaurant: A vegetarian haven with dishes like vegetable coconut curry and lentil stew.
• Lukmaan Restaurant: Offers plant-based options like bean curry and spiced vegetables.
• Street Food Stalls: Look for cassava chips, vegetable samosas, and falafel at Forodhani Gardens.

Many restaurants are happy to customize dishes—just ask for “no meat” or “vegan” when ordering.

Dining Tips for Zanzibar

To make the most of your culinary adventure, keep these tips in mind:

• Carry Cash: Many small restaurants and street vendors don’t accept cards. Tanzanian Shillings or US dollars (post-2007 notes) work best.
• Check Opening Hours: Some restaurants, especially in Stone Town, close during the day and open in the evening.
• Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when dining in local eateries, especially in Stone Town’s Muslim-majority areas.
• Try Local Drinks: Pair your meal with tamarind juice, spiced tea, or a cold Kilimanjaro beer.
• Book Ahead: For upscale restaurants like The Beach House, reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Food Tours with Capable Africa Tours

Want to explore Zanzibar’s food scene with a guide? Capable Africa Tours offers curated food tours that take you through Stone Town’s best restaurants, Forodhani Gardens, and spice plantations. Learn about Zanzibar’s culinary history, sample local dishes, and discover hidden gems with expert guides. Contact us to customize your food adventure!