Zanzibar is famous for its white-sand beaches, historic Stone Town, and fragrant spice farms—but its vibrant street food culture is one of the island’s most delicious secrets. A walk through Zanzibar’s narrow alleyways or bustling seafronts reveals a world of sizzling grills, sweet coconut treats, and the mouthwatering fusion of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African flavors.
From roadside stalls and beachside vendors to the legendary Forodhani Gardens Night Market, Zanzibar’s street food is not just about quick meals—it’s about community, culture, and culinary storytelling. Whether you’re sipping fresh sugarcane juice or biting into a hot mishkaki skewer, every moment is a step into the island’s unique food heritage.
Why Street Food in Zanzibar Is So Unique
Street food in Zanzibar stands out not only for its flavor but for the rich cultural heritage behind every dish. What makes the island’s street food so special is its deep connection to Zanzibar’s past as a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange. For centuries, this archipelago was a meeting point for traders from Arabia, Persia, India, and the African mainland. Their culinary traditions merged over generations, creating a vibrant, diverse food culture that’s still thriving today—especially on the streets.
This fusion of influences is reflected in both the cooking techniques and ingredients used by local vendors. From Indian-inspired samosas and bhajias to Arab-style grilled meats and African cassava chips, Zanzibar’s street food tells the story of migration, trade, and adaptation. You’ll find dishes seasoned with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric—spices that were once as valuable as gold and still play a major role in Zanzibari cooking.
Coconut is another defining ingredient. It appears in sweet and savory forms, from coconut rice and coconut bread to desserts like vitumbua and halwa. Locally grown produce such as cassava, plantains, and tropical fruits adds freshness and variety to every corner of the street food scene. And of course, being an island, Zanzibar offers abundant fresh seafood—grilled, skewered, and seasoned to perfection.
But what truly sets Zanzibari street food apart is its connection to community. These aren’t just quick snacks—they’re everyday meals shared in public spaces, prepared with care, and served with a sense of pride. Eating street food in Zanzibar is as much about connecting with people as it is about tasting bold, layered flavors. It’s the island’s culinary heritage, served hot, on a paper plate, with a smile.
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Forodhani Gardens Night Market: Zanzibar’s Street Food Capital
What to Expect at Forodhani
Every evening, the Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town transform into a lively night market filled with enticing aromas and the sounds of grills sizzling over hot coals. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, this is the most famous street food destination in Zanzibar.
Dozens of stalls pop up under glowing lamps, offering a wide range of freshly cooked meals. Whether you’re a foodie or a curious traveler, the Forodhani Gardens are a must-visit.
Must-Try Street Foods at Forodhani
Zanzibar Pizza
Perhaps the most iconic street food in Zanzibar, Zanzibar pizza is a unique creation that resembles a stuffed, pan-fried crepe rather than a traditional pizza. Vendors stretch a thin dough on a hot griddle, then fill it with minced beef, chicken, egg, cheese, onion, tomato, and optional mayonnaise. The dough is folded into a square and fried until golden and crispy.
Sweet versions are also available, filled with Nutella, bananas, mangoes, or peanuts. It’s indulgent, filling, and unforgettable.
Grilled Seafood Skewers
Fresh from the ocean, seafood is a major highlight at Forodhani. Skewers of lobster tails, octopus, calamari, prawns, and kingfish are marinated with lime, garlic, and local spices before being grilled over charcoal.
Served hot with a side of pili pili (chili sauce) and lime wedges, these skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for sampling Zanzibar’s ocean bounty.
Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
This beloved street food is a warm, tangy soup made from a flour and turmeric base. It’s poured over a bowl of bhajias (fried gram flour balls), boiled potatoes, cassava chips, boiled eggs, chutney, and sometimes fried meat or coconut flakes. Each spoonful delivers a burst of texture and spice.
Samosas
Triangular, golden pastries filled with spiced minced beef, chicken, or vegetables. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, Zanzibar samosas often include a touch of chili and herbs for extra punch.
Sugarcane Juice
Pressed fresh before your eyes, sugarcane juice is sweet, cooling, and incredibly refreshing. Vendors often add ginger or lime to give it a zesty twist. It’s the perfect drink to accompany a plate of hot, spicy street food.
Street Food Beyond Stone Town
While Forodhani is the island’s most iconic street food hub, local vendors thrive in towns and villages across Zanzibar. Coastal areas like Paje, Nungwi, Kendwa, and Jambiani all have their own evening food scenes, with unique offerings and more local crowds.
Paje and Nungwi: Beachfront Bites
While Stone Town is the island’s street food hub, the coastal towns of Paje and Nungwi have developed their own distinct street food scenes—smaller in scale but rich in local flavor and atmosphere. As the sun sets and the beaches begin to empty, vendors quietly set up near the shore, in village squares, or along sandy paths, offering fresh, affordable dishes that cater to both locals and travelers.
In Paje, known for its laid-back surf vibe, the evening brings a relaxed street food culture. Small grills are set up near guesthouses or along the main road, with vendors selling mishkaki skewers, fried cassava, and chapati wraps filled with beans or curried vegetables. A few locals also serve fried octopus, caught that day, seasoned simply with salt, lime, and chili. It’s a humble yet flavorful delicacy that reflects the coastal bounty and the town’s fishing roots.
Nungwi, on the island’s northern tip, has a busier and more vibrant evening scene, especially near the beachfront and local night market area. As crowds gather to watch the sunset over the dhow-dotted horizon, food stalls come to life offering grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizzas, and hot chapatis. Ultra-local snacks like smoked sardines wrapped in banana leaves or spiced cassava fritters are sometimes available, especially near the fish market or local gatherings. You’ll also find young vendors weaving through the crowds with trays of warm mandazi and bags of fresh fruit.
These beachfront bites are not just about the food—they’re part of the social rhythm. Eating in Paje or Nungwi often means chatting with the cook, sharing a table with strangers, or enjoying your meal barefoot on the sand. It’s informal, flavorful, and deeply tied to the local way of life.
Zanzibar’s Most Popular Street Food Dishes
Mishkaki (Grilled Meat Skewers)
A favorite across East Africa, mishkaki is a staple in Zanzibar. These are skewers of marinated beef or chicken, grilled over charcoal until smoky and tender. The marinade typically includes garlic, lime, ginger, black pepper, and chili.
Mishkaki is best enjoyed hot, straight from the grill, dipped in chili sauce, and wrapped in chapati or eaten with a side of salad. It’s protein-packed and incredibly satisfying.
Chipsi Mayai (Fries and Egg Omelet)
This Tanzanian street classic is a hit in Zanzibar as well. French fries are placed in a frying pan and covered with beaten egg to create a thick omelet. The result is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and full of flavor.
It’s typically served with a side of fresh cabbage salad, ketchup, and a splash of pili pili. For breakfast, lunch, or late-night munchies, chipsi mayai is a go-to dish.
Bhajias
Bhajias are deep-fried fritters made from gram flour, grated vegetables (like potatoes or onions), and a blend of spices including turmeric and coriander. Crispy, crunchy, and often served with a side of tamarind or coconut chutney, bhajias are a popular snack in both markets and roadside stalls.
Vitumbua (Rice and Coconut Cakes)
A sweet street snack made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, vitumbua are pan-fried in special round molds until the outside is golden brown and the inside is soft and spongy. Often flavored with cardamom, these are typically eaten at breakfast or with afternoon tea.
Mandazi (Swahili Donuts)
Mandazi are triangular or round deep-fried doughnuts, lightly sweetened and sometimes infused with coconut milk or cardamom. They’re found at almost every street corner, perfect for a quick bite or paired with chai (spiced tea).
Cassava Chips (Mihogo)
Mihogo is one of Zanzibar’s most popular street snacks. Slices of cassava root are deep-fried until crispy and served with salt, chili powder, and sometimes garlic sauce or a splash of lime juice. Crunchy and spicy, these chips are addictive and widely available.
Sweet Street Food Treats
Zanzibar’s street food scene also caters to those with a sweet tooth. Traditional sweets are sold at markets, roadside stands, and special occasions.
Kashata
Kashata is a hard candy made from grated coconut or peanuts cooked in caramelized sugar, often flavored with cardamom or cinnamon. It’s sweet, crunchy, and incredibly fragrant—a perfect souvenir or snack on the go.
Halwa
Zanzibar’s version of halwa is unique. Made with cassava starch, sugar, ghee, rose water, and spices like cloves and nutmeg, this jelly-like sweet is usually served in bite-sized pieces. It’s sticky, dense, and rich in flavor, often found at weddings and festivals but also available from select street vendors.
Date and Nut Balls
These small energy-packed treats are made by pressing together dates, crushed peanuts or almonds, and shredded coconut. Often rolled in sesame seeds, they’re a natural, nutrient-rich sweet ideal for travelers needing a boost.
Mkate wa Nazi (Coconut Bread)
Coconut milk is mixed into dough to create a soft, sweet bread that’s slightly dense and beautifully fragrant. Slices are sold by street vendors and eaten as a snack or light breakfast.
Fresh Fruits and Refreshing Drinks
Zanzibar’s tropical climate yields a wide variety of fresh, flavorful fruits that are central to its street food culture. Markets and roadside stalls are stocked with seasonal favorites like mangoes, pineapples, watermelon, papaya, and passion fruit—often sliced and served with a squeeze of lime or a dash of chili salt.
Jackfruit, a local favorite, is especially worth trying. Vendors skillfully slice open the large, spiky fruit to reveal golden pods with a sweet, tropical flavor and chewy texture. Sold fresh or bagged, it’s a filling and naturally sugary snack popular with locals.
Fruit vendors are a daily part of life in Zanzibar, often pushing carts or setting up near beaches and busy streets. Stopping for a slice of mango or a few pieces of jackfruit is as much a habit as it is a treat.
Fresh juices are just as popular. Sugarcane is pressed on the spot, often mixed with lime or ginger for extra zest. Tangawizi (ginger soda) adds a spicy bite, while chilled hibiscus tea offers a tart, floral alternative.
Coconut water is the island’s go-to refresher. Young green coconuts are cracked open and served with a straw—and often a spoon for scooping out the tender flesh. Simple, hydrating, and straight from nature, it perfectly complements Zanzibar’s sunny street food scene.
Popular Local Drinks
Zanzibar’s street food experience wouldn’t be complete without its array of refreshing local drinks—each offering a burst of flavor and a welcome escape from the island heat. These beverages are sold from market stalls, roadside carts, and beachfront vendors, often prepared fresh to order.
Sugarcane juice is a street staple. Vendors feed long stalks of sugarcane through hand-cranked presses, extracting a sweet, grassy nectar that’s typically served over ice. A touch of lime or fresh ginger is often added to balance the sweetness with a bit of tang and warmth. It’s popular across the island for its hydrating and energizing qualities, especially during hot afternoons.
Tangawizi, a fiery homemade ginger soda, is another local favorite. Made by steeping ginger root with sugar and water—sometimes fermented slightly for a natural fizz—it’s sharp, spicy, and incredibly refreshing. It pairs particularly well with fried snacks and grilled dishes, cutting through oil and spice with a zing.
Hibiscus tea, known locally as karkadeh, is brewed from dried hibiscus petals and served cold. Deep red in color, tart and slightly floral, it’s a popular street drink often sweetened lightly with sugar. Beyond its bold flavor, it’s also known for its cooling and antioxidant properties.
Then there’s coconut water—arguably the most iconic island drink. Sold straight from the source, young green coconuts are chopped open with a machete and served with a straw. Vendors often offer to slice them open further so you can scoop out the soft, jelly-like coconut meat inside. It’s natural, refreshing, and a favorite among both locals and visitors looking to hydrate after a day in the sun.
Whether you’re cooling off after a beach walk or washing down a spicy street meal, Zanzibar’s local drinks are an essential part of its street food culture—flavorful, nourishing, and deeply rooted in island life.
Where to Find the Best Street Food in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s street food scene is scattered across the island, with several key spots offering a consistent variety of fresh, flavorful dishes. Whether you’re in the heart of Stone Town or exploring beach towns and inland markets, great street food is never far away.
Darajani Market
Located in the center of Stone Town, Darajani Market is one of the island’s busiest and oldest trading hubs. While it primarily serves locals shopping for fresh produce, spices, and meat, it also has numerous stalls selling cooked food. You’ll find chapati wraps, fried fish, spiced rice, bhajias, and sugary snacks like kashata. It’s a daytime market, best visited in the morning or early afternoon, and offers an authentic look at everyday Zanzibari life.
Mwanakwerekwe Market
This sprawling local market, slightly outside Stone Town, is less frequented by tourists but offers one of the most immersive food experiences on the island. It’s where many locals go for daily essentials, and food vendors here serve everything from hot pilau and grilled meats to cassava chips and vitumbua. The market is liveliest in the late afternoon and early evening and offers a more grassroots feel than the tourist-heavy areas.
Coastal Villages and Beach Towns
Towns like Paje, Jambiani, Kendwa, and Nungwi each offer their own version of Zanzibar’s street food culture—more informal than in Stone Town, but equally rich in flavor and local character. In these coastal areas, vendors often operate without permanent stalls, setting up temporary grills in the evenings or selling food directly from carts, bicycles, or even handheld trays.
In Paje and Jambiani, the street food scene is small but personal. You’ll find mishkaki grills near guesthouses, women selling freshly fried cassava by the roadside, and occasional pop-up stands with chapati wraps, grilled fish, or bean stews. In these southern villages, food vendors often appear after sunset, especially around local events, beach bars, or busier junctions.
Kendwa and Nungwi, further north, have slightly livelier food scenes thanks to their larger tourist presence and local fishing activity. Here, small clusters of vendors appear near the beach paths and village squares in the early evening, offering grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, chipsi mayai, and hot chapati served with coconut beans. Around Nungwi’s fish market, you might also come across vendors selling smoked sardines, boiled cassava with pili pili, or banana leaf-wrapped snacks filled with spiced rice or fish.
While these coastal areas don’t have formal markets like Stone Town, they offer a more intimate, ground-level street food experience. Meals are eaten sitting on stone benches, driftwood logs, or right on the sand—making for a relaxed, authentic way to connect with local flavors.
Tips for Enjoying Zanzibar Street Food Safely
- Eat where locals eat: High-traffic stalls usually have fresher food and better hygiene.
- Watch it being cooked: Hot, freshly made food is less likely to cause stomach issues.
- Use your right hand: In Swahili culture, the right hand is used for eating and greeting.
- Avoid raw salads: Unless you’re at a reputable place, stick to cooked foods.
- Carry small change: Most vendors don’t accept large bills or cards.
The Heart of Zanzibar on a Plate
Street food in Zanzibar isn’t just about grabbing a quick meal—it’s a window into the island’s culture, history, and daily life. Every dish, from a crispy samosa to a grilled seafood skewer, reflects centuries of culinary fusion shaped by trade, migration, and local tradition. The blending of African, Arab, Indian, and Persian influences has created a uniquely Swahili food identity, and nowhere is that more accessible than on the street.
Unlike restaurant dining, Zanzibar’s street food scene is informal, interactive, and grounded in community. Meals are often cooked right in front of you and served with a personal touch—vendors might offer recommendations, adjust spice levels to your liking, or chat while they grill your mishkaki. Food is eaten on the go, shared with friends, or enjoyed sitting by the ocean or under a shaded market awning.
It’s also one of the most affordable ways to experience the island’s full culinary range. For just a few thousand Tanzanian shillings, you can sample dishes made with fresh, local ingredients—seafood from the morning’s catch, cassava dug up from nearby farms, or fruit picked the same day.
In essence, Zanzibar’s street food is the island on a plate: bold, warm, welcoming, and full of spice. Whether you’re eating by the roadside, in a bustling market, or with your feet in the sand, it’s an experience that brings you closer to the heart of Zanzibar.
