Don't leave Zanzibar without trying these foods
What's the story
Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, is known for more than just its beautiful beaches.
The island's street food, with influences from African, Arab, Indian, and European cuisines, is a melting pot of flavors waiting to be explored.
This article delves into the must-try street foods of Zanzibar, taking you on a culinary journey through its vibrant markets and winding alleyways.
Pizza
Savor the Zanzibari pizza
The Zanzibari pizza is a delicious hybrid of a crepe and pizza.
The vendors stretch the dough super thin, and then pile on chopped veggies, and squirt a generous helping of mayo before expertly folding it into a neat square.
Costing $2-$3, you can get it at Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town in the evenings.
Soup
Relish in urojo soup
Urojo or Zanzibar mix is a tangy soup that unites various chutneys, crispy bhajias (fried potato balls), chunks of boiled potatoes, and slices of coconut bread.
It's a filling dish that distills the essence of Zanzibar's street food culture into a single bowl, costing $1-$2.
The most authentic spots to experience urojo are found amidst the vibrant local markets of Stone Town.
Juices
Refresh with tropical fruit juices
Zanzibar's tropical climate produces a bounty of exotic fruits, including passion fruit, mangoes, and papayas.
Street vendors expertly transform these fruits into refreshing juices.
At just $0.50-$1 a glass, it's not only a cheap way to quench your thirst but also a delicious opportunity to sample the island's varied fruit selection.
Keep an eye out for these roaming juice carts along bustling streets and markets.
Halwa
Taste the sweetness of halwa
Your trip to Zanzibar won't be complete if you don't taste halwa - a sweet, sticky delicacy crafted from sugar, rose water, cardamom seeds, and cashew nuts.
This dessert holds a special place in Swahili culture, and trying it offers a taste of the island's Arab influences.
You can buy halwa in small squares priced at approximately 50 cents each, at local shops all over Stone Town.