Here are some typical local specialties that you should definitely try in Zanzibar:
- Pilau - this richly seasoned rice dish is often served with chunks of meat (usually chicken or beef), vegetables and the addition of spicy spices such as cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Pilau is very popular during holidays and celebrations.
- Urojo - this spicy soup, also known as "Zanzibar mix", is a combination of potatoes, fried chutney balls, spaghetti, chunks of meat and various sauces, all sprinkled with grated coconut. It's a real flavor bomb.
- Octopus Curry - octopus cooked in a thick, spicy curry sauce is another popular Zanzibar delicacy. The sauce is rich in coconut milk and traditional spices, making this dish an exotic experience.
- Zanzibar Pizza - although it may seem like a regular pizza, the Zanzibar version is unique. It is a mixture of meat, vegetables, egg and maybe some cheese, all wrapped in a thin dough and fried in a pan.
- Biryani - another heavily spiced rice dish you can find in Zanzibar. Biryani can be cooked with chicken, beef or lamb, together with carefully selected spices and accompanied by yogurt sauce or salad.
- Forodhani - at the Forodhani Gardens night markets in Stone Town, you can enjoy a wide range of street food, including freshly caught seafood, grilled meats and local sweets such as halva.
Culinary experiences in Zanzibar are truly unforgettable, reflecting the island's rich history and cultural diversity.
