Zanzibar is more than turquoise waters and white-sand beaches it’s also a paradise for food lovers. The island’s cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences, seasoned with the famous spices grown on the islands.

If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, make sure you taste your way through the island. Here are 7 must-try dishes that will turn your stay into a true culinary journey.

1. Zanzibar Pizza

Despite its name, Zanzibar pizza is not like the classic Italian version. It’s a popular street food you’ll find especially at Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town.

A thin dough is filled with a mix of ingredients such as:

• Minced meat or chicken

• Egg

• Cheese

• Vegetables (onion, tomato, peppers)

The dough is folded into a square and fried on a hot plate until crispy outside and soft inside. There are also sweet versions with banana, chocolate or mango.

Don’t miss it:
Try it in the evening at Forodhani Gardens, when locals and travelers gather to eat by the sea.

2. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)

Urojo, also called Zanzibar Mix, is a famous tangy street soup that perfectly represents the island’s fusion of flavors.

It’s a thick yellow sauce made with:

• Gram flour

• Potatoes

• Mango

• Lime

• Spices and chili

Then it’s topped with:

• Fried potatoes

• Bhajias or fritters

• Boiled egg

• Coconut chutney

• Crunchy cassava chips

The result is a comforting, spicy, and slightly sour bowl that is both a snack and a meal.

Best moment to try:
Enjoy it for lunch from local street stalls in Stone Town or in the suburbs where locals eat.

3. Octopus Curry

Seafood is a highlight in Zanzibar, and octopus curry is one of the island’s signature dishes. Tender pieces of octopus are simmered in a creamy sauce made of:

• Coconut milk

• Garlic and ginger

• Onion and tomato

• Local spices (turmeric, curry powder, chili)

It’s usually served with rice, chapati, or ugali (a stiff maize porridge).

Where to try:
Beach restaurants in Paje, Nungwi, or Kendwa often have fresh octopus curry on the menu, cooked with a home-style touch.

4. Pilau Rice

Influenced by Arab and Indian cuisines, Zanzibar pilau is a fragrant rice dish full of warm spices.

Typical ingredients include:

• Basmati rice

• Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin

• Onion and garlic

• Sometimes beef, chicken, or vegetables

The rice is slowly cooked so it absorbs all the flavors, making it a star dish for festive events, weddings, and family gatherings.

Perfect pairing:
Enjoy pilau with a serving of grilled fish or a coconut-based curry for a complete Zanzibari meal.

5. Mishkaki (Zanzibar Skewers)

Mishkaki are marinated meat skewers grilled over open charcoal fires. You’ll see them being cooked at roadside stalls and night markets.

They are usually made with:

• Beef, chicken, or sometimes seafood

• Marinade of chili, garlic, ginger, lemon, and spices

Served sizzling hot, they are often accompanied by chips, flatbread, or simply enjoyed on their own as a snack.

Best experience:
Buy mishkaki from a local grill stand and eat like a Zanzibari – standing, chatting, and enjoying the smoky aromas around you.

6. Coconut & Seafood Dishes

Because Zanzibar is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, fresh seafood is available everywhere, and coconut milk is used in many recipes.

You’ll find:

• Fish cooked in coconut sauce

• Prawns and lobster grilled or simmered in mild curry

• Mixed seafood platters with lime and chili

The combination of rich coconut, spices, and the freshness of the sea gives Zanzibari cuisine its tropical character.

Tip:
Look for beachside seafood barbecues or “catch of the day” menus in coastal villages for the freshest plates.

7. Zanzibar Spice Tea & Sweet Treats

To finish your culinary journey, don’t miss Zanzibar’s spiced tea and local sweets.

The tea is usually black and infused with:

• Cloves

• Cinnamon

• Cardamom

• Ginger

It’s aromatic and slightly sweet, perfect at the end of the day. You can enjoy it with:

• Kaimati (sweet fried dough balls in syrup)

• Mandazi (East African doughnuts)

After-dinner ritual:
Order a pot of spice tea in Stone Town and take your time to relax, watching the slow rhythm of island life.

Food Lovers in Zanzibar

• Try street food safely: Choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you.

• Ask for less spicy if needed: Zanzibari food can be quite spicy, but most places can adapt the level.

• Explore beyond your hotel: Walk through Stone Town’s alleys and local neighborhoods to discover authentic family-run eateries.

• Visit a spice farm: A spice tour is a great way to see where cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon come from – and many tours include a home-cooked lunch.

Discovering food in Zanzibar is one of the best ways to understand the island’s culture and history. From street snacks like Zanzibar pizza and urojo to seafood curries and fragrant pilau, every dish tells a story of trade routes, local traditions, and the island’s unique identity.

When you plan your trip to Zanzibar, make sure you leave enough time not just for beaches and excursions, but also for slow meals, local markets, and food adventures. Your taste buds will remember Zanzibar long after your holiday ends.