Tanzanian food varies by region. On safari you’ll see more continental and pan‑African dishes in lodges; in Zanzibar, food is a mix of Swahili, Arab, Indian and African influences.
This food guide covers:
- Key Zanzibari dishes to try in Stone Town and on the coast
- Common safari meals and what to expect at lodges
- Simple guidance on where and how to eat
1. Zanzibari Dishes to Try
1.1 Zanzibari Pilau / Biryani
Spiced rice dishes influenced by Arab and Indian cuisine:
- Pilau: rice cooked with spices (cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon) and sometimes meat.
- Biryani: layered rice and meat with more intense spices and sometimes a sauce.
Where to eat:
- Local restaurants in Stone Town
- Some beach restaurants and resort buffets
1.2 Urojo (“Zanzibar Mix”)
A tangy, thick soup/sauce full of street snack elements:
- Potato balls, crispy bites, chutneys, chili, other toppings
- Often sold at street stalls, especially around Forodhani Gardens and local areas
It’s very local and a great introduction to Zanzibari street food.
1.3 Octopus & Seafood
Zanzibar is famous for seafood, especially octopus:
- Grilled octopus skewers
- Coconut octopus curry
- Fresh fish, prawns, and calamari
Where to eat:
- Seafront restaurants and beach bars
- Local joints in Stone Town and coastal villages
1.4 Coconut & Curry Dishes
Expect lots of:
- Coconut-based stews
- Curries with fish, chicken, or vegetables
- Served with rice, chapati, or ugali
These reflect the Swahili coast heritage.
1.5 Zanzibar Pizza
A local street‑food invention:
- Thin dough filled with egg, meat, vegetables, cheese, and sauce
- Fried on a griddle, folded like a square parcel
- Sweet versions with Nutella, banana, etc.
Where:
- Especially popular at the Forodhani Night Food Market in Stone Town.
1.6 Mandazi & Vitumbua
Mandazi:
- Slightly sweet fried dough (like mini doughnuts), often with a hint of coconut or spice.
Vitumbua:
- Rice flour coconut pancakes, soft and slightly sweet.
Great for breakfast or snacks with tea/coffee.
2. Food on Safari – What to Expect
In safari lodges and camps (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, etc.):
- Many lodges serve a mix of international (continental) and local dishes.
- You’ll typically get:
- Breakfast buffets (eggs, bread, fruit, cereal, pancakes)
- Packed lunches for game drives (sandwiches, fruit, snacks)
- Dinner with soup, main course (often buffet or set menu), dessert
Common Tanzanian basics you might see:
- Ugali – maize porridge eaten with stews and vegetables
- Nyama choma – grilled meat (goat, beef, chicken)
- Chapati – flatbread, influenced by Indian cuisine
- Mchicha – leafy green vegetable stew with coconut or groundnuts
Safari properties tend to adapt to Western tastes, but you can always ask to try more local foods if you’re interested.
3. Drinks & Desserts
- Chai (tea): often spiced or milky, enjoyed throughout the day.
- Fresh juices: mango, passion fruit, tamarind, sugarcane.
- Kashata: sweet brittle candy made with peanuts or coconut.
- Local beers: Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Safari, etc. (if you drink alcohol).
4. Where to Eat in Stone Town & Zanzibar
Instead of fixed names (which change), suggest types of places:
- Local eateries (“mama’s” restaurants) – for authentic pilau, ugali, curries
- Mid-range Swahili & seafood restaurants – for comfort and safe hygiene standards
- Beach restaurants & resort buffets – more international, often with some local dishes
- Forodhani Night Food Market – street food experience (go earlier in the evening, look for busy, freshly cooking stalls)
Food tours in Stone Town are a great way to:
- Taste many dishes
- Learn about spice trade history
- Get comfortable ordering local food on your own