Situated off the coast of Tanzania, there is much more to the exquisite island of Zanzibar than what meets the eye. With an array of flavoursome dishes to choose from, the island is a haven for all food lovers. Here is a simple guide to some of the most popular Zanzibar dishes you can have while on a food escapade on the island.

Zanzibar Pizza

Zanzibar pizza is considered one of the most popular authentic dishes on the island. Preparing this dish is quite simple. All you’ve got to do is pan-fry a chunk of meat or fish, onion, pepper, cheese, mayonnaise and an egg into a thin layer of dough and sprinkle some tomato or chilli sauce on top. Once taken out of the pan, this sizzling hot pizza dish will be one of the most scrumptious snacks for you to enjoy on your own or with your friends.

Biriyani

Chicken Briyani
Image via Wikimedia Commons – TourismSchool, Chicken Briyani, CC BY-SA 4.0

Combining an array of exotic flavours and spices, Biriyani is a favourite among the locals of Zanzibar. This delicious cuisine is made from rice that is tossed and turned with cinnamon, ginger, cumin, chilli, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves not to mention a mix of meat items including fish, goat or beef. If you are looking for an exotic gourmet experience on the island, gorging on Biriyani at some of the best restaurants in Zanzibar is a must.

Seafood

From tuna, prawns and calamari to octopus, kingfish and lobster, there is simply no end to the varieties of seafood dishes found on this stunning island. Whether you are dining al fresco at a plush restaurant in a hotel such as The Residence Zanzibar or stopping by a street food stall on the island, your trip to Zanzibar will not be complete without a dose of crispy seafood.

Urojo

Resembling Ramen, Urojo is a well-known delicacy in Zanzibar. Made from curried coconut broth, a range of ingredients and toppings including falafel, boiled eggs, slices of onion, kachori, bread, coconut, chilli chutney and hot peppers, Urojo is an absolute treat for all the foodies traversing across the island.