Best Zanzibar restaurants and food experiences 2025
Zanzibar, known as the “Spice Island,” is not only a paradise for beach lovers but also a culinary haven for food enthusiasts. In 2025, the island’s food scene continues to flourish, offering a perfect blend of beachfront dining experiences, traditional Swahili flavors, and international cuisine with a tropical twist. Whether you’re a foodie or a traveler seeking memorable dining moments, Zanzibar has something for every palate.
Francisco Raymond
Tanzania Safari Specialist
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Beachfront Dining: A Feast by the Waves
One of the highlights of dining in Zanzibar is its breathtaking beachfront settings. Imagine dining under a starry sky with the sound of waves as your background music. Here are some of the top beachfront experiences to look forward to in 2025:
- The Rock Restaurant: This world-famous dining spot perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean remains an iconic experience. Accessible by foot during low tide or by boat at high tide, its seafood menu, including grilled lobster and octopus curry, is as exceptional as the view.
- Kendwa Rocks Beach Resort: Located on Kendwa Beach, this venue combines live music with fresh seafood grills, offering a laid-back yet vibrant vibe.
- Nungwi’s Sunset Grills: Enjoy freshly caught fish and prawns roasted over open flames as you take in one of Zanzibar’s stunning sunsets.
Swahili Cuisine: A Journey Through Zanzibar’s Flavors
Zanzibar’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its history as a spice trade hub, blending African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. A trip to the island is incomplete without indulging in these local delights:
- Zanzibar Pizza: A unique street food made of thin dough stuffed with fillings like minced meat, vegetables, eggs, or even Nutella for a sweet option. Head to Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town for the best options.
- Pilau Rice: A fragrant spiced rice dish cooked with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, often served with meat or fish.
- Octopus Curry: A must-try dish featuring tender octopus simmered in a creamy coconut sauce infused with turmeric and ginger.
- Urojo Soup: Known as “Zanzibar Mix,” this tangy and spicy soup is a local favorite made with potatoes, cassava, and fried doughnuts, topped with chutneys and sauces.
Fusion Cuisine: International Flavors with a Tropical Twist
Zanzibar’s culinary scene has embraced global influences, offering innovative fusion dishes that cater to international tastes while highlighting local ingredients.
- Seafood Paella with Zanzibari Spices: A mix of Spanish cuisine and local flavors, served in upscale restaurants like Emerson on Hurumzi.
- Indian Ocean Sushi: Sushi infused with tropical fruits like mango and avocado, paired with freshly caught tuna, is becoming a hit in Nungwi and Matemwe.
- Coconut and Cardamom Desserts: International pastry chefs on the island are blending traditional Zanzibari spices into cakes, tarts, and puddings for a unique sweet treat.
The Forodhani Night Market: A Culinary Adventure
Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town remains a must-visit in 2025 for food lovers. The lively atmosphere, buzzing with vendors and visitors, offers an authentic taste of Zanzibar’s street food culture.
- Grilled Seafood Stalls: Feast on freshly grilled squid, prawns, and fish skewers.
- Sugar Cane Juice: Refresh yourself with this sweet and tangy drink, freshly squeezed on-site.
- Chapati and Sambusa: Sample these Swahili classics, including chapati (flatbread) and sambusa (savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables).
Sustainability and Farm-to-Table Movement
Zanzibar is embracing sustainability in its dining experiences, with a growing emphasis on farm-to-table practices.
- Local Farms: Restaurants like Upendo and Zuri Zanzibar are sourcing fresh produce, seafood, and spices directly from local farmers and fishermen.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Many establishments are reducing single-use plastics and promoting organic ingredients to ensure an eco-conscious dining experience.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: With the global shift towards plant-based eating, Zanzibar’s chefs are creatively using tropical fruits, vegetables, and spices to craft vegan-friendly dishes.
Francisco Raymond
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Plan a memorable Tanzanian adventure?
Save time and ensure an incredible safari experience by getting quotes from our Tanzania safari and trekking specialist
Spice Tours: From Farm to Plate
No trip to Zanzibar is complete without exploring its spice farms, where visitors can see, smell, and taste the island’s famous spices.
- Interactive Cooking Classes: Many spice farms now offer cooking classes, where visitors can learn to prepare traditional dishes like coconut curries and pilau using freshly harvested spices.
- Spice Souvenirs: Take home a piece of Zanzibar with packets of cloves, vanilla pods, or nutmeg, all locally grown.
Rooftop Dining in Stone Town
For a different perspective, head to the rooftops of Stone Town, where restaurants offer panoramic views of the historic city and the ocean.
- Emerson Spice: This legendary rooftop restaurant offers a five-course tasting menu inspired by Zanzibar’s culinary heritage, served during sunset.
- Taarab Restaurant: Located at DoubleTree by Hilton, it offers a mix of Swahili and international dishes paired with sweeping ocean views.
Coffee and Tea Culture
Zanzibar’s coffee and tea culture is thriving in 2025, with many cafes offering locally grown brews.
- Zanzibari Coffee: Infused with spices like cinnamon and cardamom, it’s a flavorful way to start your day.
- Spiced Tea: Popularly known as chai, this sweet, spiced tea is a staple in every Zanzibari household.
Zanzibar’s food scene in 2025 offers a dynamic mix of beachfront dining, traditional Swahili flavors, and innovative fusion dishes, all set against the backdrop of the island’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re indulging in seafood by the ocean, exploring the vibrant Forodhani Night Market, or savoring spices at their source, Zanzibar promises a culinary adventure like no other.
FAQs
1. What is Zanzibar’s must-try dish?
Octopus curry and Zanzibar pizza are iconic dishes that every visitor should try.
2. Where can I find affordable street food in Zanzibar?
Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town is the best place to explore Zanzibar’s street food scene.
3. Are there vegan options available in Zanzibar?
Yes, many restaurants offer plant-based dishes, with fresh tropical fruits and vegetables taking center stage.
4. What spices are unique to Zanzibar?
Cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon are some of Zanzibar’s signature spices.
5. Are beachfront dining experiences expensive?
While some are premium, there are plenty of mid-range and affordable options offering excellent food with scenic views.
Explore Tanzania’s Natural Wonders!
Discover:
- Kilimanjaro Climbing – Conquer Africa’s tallest mountain for an unforgettable adventure.
- Lake Duluti Walking Safari and Canoeing – A serene escape into nature’s beauty.
- Lake Manyara Day Trip – A quick yet thrilling adventure among wildlife and flamingos.
- Lake Manyara National Park is famous for tree-climbing lions and breathtaking scenery.
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