Discover The Best Food In Zanzibar For Foodies

Are you a foodie who plans to visit Zanzibar for your next holiday? Then you have come to the right place! After reading this article, you will know exactly what the best food in Zanzibar is that you can try while visiting its tourist attractions.

Every year, thousands of travelers from all over the world are drawn to Zanzibar, a unique tourist destination on the African continent. Zanzibar is well-known for its sandy white beaches and an array of sandbanks with glistening blue seawater that provide visitors with an amazing snorkeling experience. 

The islands are blessed with a plethora of mouthwatering seafood, tropical fruits, and delectable Asian-inspired cuisines.

Top 8 Must-Try Foods In Zanzibar

If you have planned to spend a few days in Zanzibar to fill your belly after an overland journey across the continent, here are the top 8 must-try foods for your visit.

Zanzibar Pizza 

Zanzibar pizza is a popular delicious food among Zanzibar Locals. Locals in Zanzibar love pizza, which is a delectable dish that does not look like pizza at all. You could even wonder why it is called a pizza when it is so unlike Italian pizzas. 

It is made of thinly stretched dough with your choice of meat (chicken, lobster, prawns, calamari, or beef). An egg is then added, combined with mayonnaise, onion, cheese, and chili sauce. After being wood-fired, the corners are folded over to form a dense, doughy square. 

Locals in Zanzibar love pizza, which is a delectable dish that does not look like pizza at all

Mandazi

There are food carts stocked with mandazi, or tiny triangle-shaped doughnuts, almost everywhere in Zanzibar.

This street food in Zanzibar is a fried delicacy made up with wheat flour, sugar, cardamom, coconut milk, and yeast. Maandazi might have a triangle or circular shape.

Mandazi originated in the coastal Swahili settlements and became a beloved staple there. It now serves as a symbol representation of Zanzibar's rich culinary history. The most common accompaniments with mandazi are green tea, coconut curry, maharage, and spiced milk.

Mandazi is a form of fried bread that originated on the Swahili Coast

Urojo

Urojo, also known as Zanzibar Mix, is one of the top Zanzibar dishes you should try. Small chunks of boiled potatoes, cassava chips, bajias, mashed potatoes, tiny pieces of grilled meat (mishikak), boiled eggs, and lastly some fresh hot chili and coconut chutneys give this meal a soup-like appearance.

You need not worry if you follow a vegetarian diet. If you do not mix with Mishkai, Urojo may also be vegetarian-friendly; however, you will need to ask at the restaurant.

Urojo has quite a simple recipe, but it is packed with flavor. It is savory, yet spicy, and utterly delicious. You definitely need to try it during your trip!

Urojo is a simple yellow, velvety potato soup spiced with turmeric and citrus

Vitumbua

Vitumbua is the perfect dish to try if you would like something a bit sweeter from Tanzania. This is a simple, quick recipe that is basically a Tanzanian take on donuts.

Vitumbua, which looks like Mandazi, is exclusively cooked in the morning and is eaten with Chai ya Mkandaa, the local green tea. This deep-fried delicacy is made from rice flour, regular flour, sugar, yeast, and coconut milk.

Vitumbua is the perfect dish to try if you would like something a bit sweeter from Tanzania

Mishkaki

Like any other place with a thriving street food culture, East Africa has an absurdly large and delectable variety of mishkaki. It is used to meat grilled kebabs or skewers that have been roasted over a fire. Mishkaki is a popular dish in Tanzania as a whole, not just in Zanzibar Islands

Mishkaki is skewered and grilled until it becomes soft. There are several types of it: Goat (Mishkaki ya mbuzi), Cow (Mishaki ya nyama), and Chicken (Mishkaki ya Kuku).

Because fresh chile, ginger, cumin, garlic, and other spices are utilized, Zanzibar Mishkaki is quite different. Mishkaki is a traditional food in Zanzibar, loved by locals and travelers alike.

Mishkaki is skewered and grilled until it becomes soft

Octopus

All around the island, octopus is easily obtained and devoured in large quantities. A favorite among the many delicacies found in the waters is octopus. The locals prepare this seafood in a variety of ways, such as grilled octopus or coconut curry. 

This is the dish for you if you are looking for something that is full of flavor! We understand that not everyone enjoys octopus, but if you want to fully experience Tanzanian culture, you must have this meal when visiting Zanzibar.

 A favorite among the many delicacies found in the waters is octopus

Chips Mayai

Chips Mayai is essentially a tasty omelette made from French fries but with a slightly different recipe. Mayai is Swahili for eggs. In essence, it is just French fries eaten with eggs, usually with a side salad or spicy chili sauce. You can find Chips Mayai in practically every restaurant and on almost every corner. 

You can have chips mayai for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it is a really tasty dish when you pair it with fried chicken. Additinally, you may also pair it with seafood from Zanzibar, such as octopus, prawns, and lobster.

Locals began to eat chips mayai as a convenient and reasonably priced dinner. Due to its increasing appeal, tourists who are interested in experiencing Zanzibar's street food culture should not miss it.

Chips Mayai is essentially a tasty omelette made from French fries

Zanzibar Chocolate 

Zanzibar Chocolate is a tribute to the island's sweet side. Produced from cocoa beans cultivated locally, this chocolate is a delectable delicacy that rivals any international brand.

The chocolate scene in Zanzibar is very new, but it is growing quickly. The island is now well-known around the world for its premium cocoa beans.

Mkate wa Boflo

This is the traditional and most popular known bread type in Zanzibar Islands, this type of bread is not popular in Tanzania mainland. Boflo bread is a loaf of bread with a triangle square formed from wheat flour, salt, and water.

This is not homemade bread; it is manufactured at particular traditional bakeries that employ traditional methods of baking bread.

Boflo is usually served with Urojo, Maharage, and meat soup. It also tastes better when you spread butter on it.

This is the traditional and most popular known bread type in Zanzibar Islands, this type of bread is not popular in Tanzania's mainland

Tourist FAQs for Zanzibar Island 

What is the cost of food in Zanzibar?

It is important to factor in food costs while organizing your Zanzibar culinary trip. The good news is that there are many affordable dining options available in Zanzibar. Street cuisine is quite inexpensive; meals like Urojo soup and Zanzibari pizza can easily be had for only a few dollars. Dining at local restaurants is also budget-friendly, with traditional dishes priced between $5 to $10. 

On the other hand, dining at high-end restaurants or beachside spots will set you back more money; they often go between $20 and $50 per person. Overall, the cost of food in Zanzibar allows both budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a more luxurious dining experience to enjoy the island’s diverse culinary offerings.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar Island?

Although Zanzibar is a beautiful place to visit all year round, many people think that July through September is the ideal time to go. Another popular time of year to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to February. Even throughout the three months that the wet season lasts, there are only brief periods of rain. 

Is Zanzibar safe at night?

Zanzibar is one of the safest islands to visit, which poses no threat to visitors. However, one should always use caution when visiting a new city with personal belongings. It is less safe at night, especially in Stone Town's harbor area. When strolling around, guests ought to plan a private cab for transportation or stroll in a group.  Valuables and pricey objects should always be kept hidden. Women traveling alone can easily reach Zanzibar, but they should exercise additional caution at night. 

The good news is that there are many affordable dining options available in Zanzibar

Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

Before embarking on your culinary adventure in Zanzibar, it’s essential to ensure that you have the necessary travel documents. Since Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, most travelers will need a visa to enter the island. The good news is that obtaining a visa is a straightforward process.

For most travelers, the easiest way to secure a visa is by applying for a Tanzania eVisa online. This electronic visa simplifies the process, allowing you to avoid long lines and potential delays upon arrival.

For a hassle-free experience, travelers should apply for a Tanzania eVisa via our website. The eVisa application process is simple and can be completed online from the comfort of your home. By securing your eVisa in advance, you can avoid any potential delays at the airport and focus on enjoying your trip to Zanzibar. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the island’s rich culinary landscape—apply for your Tanzania eVisa today and get ready to discover the best food in Zanzibar!