What Food To Try in Zanzibar and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Zanzibar for 2025.
National currency: Tanzanian Shilling, symbol — TSh (international currency code TZS).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Zanzibar cafes and restaurants
$12
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $8.1
$55.9
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $35.39
$11
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.21
What to Try in Zanzibar
Must-try Dishes
Uji - Porridge (breakfast staple) - A thick porridge made from millet or corn, often infused with spices for flavor. Locals enjoy it early in the morning, frequently accompanied by fried bananas or little donuts called "bajias".Chipati - Flatbread (street food) - A crispy yet soft flatbread made with flour, often found sizzling on roadside carts. You might find locals grabbing a few for a quick lunch, paired with spicy yogurt or vegetable curries.
Zanzibar Pilau - Spiced Rice (main course) - Fragrant rice cooked with a blend of spices, beef, or chicken, and sometimes topped with caramelized onions. This dish is typically reserved for special occasions and served during Friday prayer gatherings.
Seafood Curry - Mchuzi wa Samaki (local specialty) - Fresh fish simmered in a spicy coconut milk sauce, often garnished with fresh coriander. Enjoy it with rice at family gatherings, where sharing is an essential part of the meal.
Ugaa - Coconut and Beans (surprising combination) - A blend of ground coconut and legumes, creating a hearty and creamy dish. It's often served during special feasts, showcasing the blend of simple ingredients that creates something unique.
Pasta Mchuzi - Spaghetti with Sauce (seasonal variation) - Local pasta tossed in a spicy tomato and vegetable sauce, reflecting the influence of agriculture on the cuisine. Traditionally eaten during Ramadan, it's a popular dish for breaking fast when spices liven up the meal.
By the way, many locals will tell you to avoid ordering "chicken" generically, as different preparations could surprise you—knowing the specific dish name goes a long way.
Desserts & Drinks
Uji - Uji (fermented porridge drink) - A nutritious drink made from millet or sorghum, it's fermented for several days and often sweetened with sugar or honey. Typically enjoyed at breakfast or during family gatherings, it's said to warm the heart and foster community.Pineapple Juice - Juice ya Ananas (refreshing pineapple drink) - Freshly squeezed and served over ice, this sweet and tangy juice is a must-try on a hot day. Locals often order it at roadside stands, especially during the mango season when they mix both fruits for an extra burst of flavor.
Mnazi - Mnazi (palm wine) - This traditional alcoholic beverage is tapped from the sap of palm trees, giving it a mildly sweet and sour flavor. Usually enjoyed in social settings like family celebrations or weddings, it's often served in calabashes and pairs beautifully with grilled seafood.
Kahawa - Kahawa (spiced coffee) - Locally brewed coffee enriched with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and sometimes cloves, served black or with sugar. Commonly enjoyed in the afternoon at bustling coffee houses, it's a lovely way to appreciate the vibrant social atmosphere.
Kachori - Kachori (spicy pastry) - A flaky pastry filled with a spicy mixture of lentils and spices, deep-fried to crispy perfection. Often served as a delectable snack during special occasions or festivals, it’s a lovely choice to indulge in with friends over tea.
Churros - Churros (sugar-dusted fried dough) - Locally adapted twist on the classic, these are served warm and sprinkled with sugar, often paired with chocolate sauce. You'll find them at beachside stalls during Ramadan for iftar—the evening meal breaking the fast—making them extra special. By the way, be prepared for longer waiting times during peak hours!
Food and Groceries in Zanzibar
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.67 |
| Oranges | $1.44 |
| Potatoes | $0.84 |
| Apples | $2.66 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.95 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.26 |
| Imported Beer | $1.72 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $10.02 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $5.1 |
| Cigarettes | $1.33 |
| Rice | $1.33 |
| Local Cheese | $5.32 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
There's a vibrant local rhythm to meal times in Zanzibar that can be quite the revelation for visitors. While many tourists might show up for dinner at 7 PM, the locals have often wrapped up their meals by then. Dinner typically starts around 8 PM to 9 PM, although earlier in the week, you might see some families eating around 6 PM. On weekends, you can expect dinner to stretch even later as friends and families gather.
In terms of price, you’ll find a diverse range depending on where you choose to dine. For instance, a casual meal at a street vendor might cost around 2,000 TZS to 5,000 TZS (about $0.90 to $2.25), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can set you back between 15,000 TZS to 30,000 TZS (about $6.75 to $13.50). Contrast this with more upscale places, where prices typically start at 40,000 TZS (around $18) and can soar much higher, especially for seafood.
Popular dining areas such as Stone Town and Nungwi attract a mix of locals and tourists. The bustling atmosphere of the night market in Stone Town gets particularly lively after sunset. Oh, and before I forget, if you’re on a budget, sticking to lunchtime is a wise strategy; prices tend to be lower, with many smaller restaurants offering set menus for 10,000 TZS or less during the day.
Payment customs also have their quirks. Many places still prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases, although larger establishments may accept cards. However, do keep in mind that sometimes card payments can be an adventure of their own, with occasional systems going down. Locals usually round up the bill slightly or leave a few coins as a tip, particularly in more casual spots. In restaurants, a standard tip of about 10% is appreciated but not always expected.
One common local dining habit is sharing meals. It's not uncommon for families or friends to order a variety of dishes to be shared among the group, fostering a communal dining experience that tourists might not fully embrace. A typical mistake for visitors is missing the early meal periods; arriving too late often means limited choices and an atmosphere that feels more foreign.
As for reservations, they're generally not necessary except in more upscale venues during peak seasons. Given the relatively relaxed pace of life here, it's rare to experience overwhelming crowds, though special occasions can cause a surge in diners.
Zanzibar's culinary scene continuously adapts, and emerging trends show a fascinating blend of traditional culinary practices with modern influences. This evolution reflects the dynamic character of the islands and its residents, merging the old and the new in delightful ways.
In terms of price, you’ll find a diverse range depending on where you choose to dine. For instance, a casual meal at a street vendor might cost around 2,000 TZS to 5,000 TZS (about $0.90 to $2.25), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can set you back between 15,000 TZS to 30,000 TZS (about $6.75 to $13.50). Contrast this with more upscale places, where prices typically start at 40,000 TZS (around $18) and can soar much higher, especially for seafood.
Popular dining areas such as Stone Town and Nungwi attract a mix of locals and tourists. The bustling atmosphere of the night market in Stone Town gets particularly lively after sunset. Oh, and before I forget, if you’re on a budget, sticking to lunchtime is a wise strategy; prices tend to be lower, with many smaller restaurants offering set menus for 10,000 TZS or less during the day.
Payment customs also have their quirks. Many places still prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases, although larger establishments may accept cards. However, do keep in mind that sometimes card payments can be an adventure of their own, with occasional systems going down. Locals usually round up the bill slightly or leave a few coins as a tip, particularly in more casual spots. In restaurants, a standard tip of about 10% is appreciated but not always expected.
One common local dining habit is sharing meals. It's not uncommon for families or friends to order a variety of dishes to be shared among the group, fostering a communal dining experience that tourists might not fully embrace. A typical mistake for visitors is missing the early meal periods; arriving too late often means limited choices and an atmosphere that feels more foreign.
As for reservations, they're generally not necessary except in more upscale venues during peak seasons. Given the relatively relaxed pace of life here, it's rare to experience overwhelming crowds, though special occasions can cause a surge in diners.
Zanzibar's culinary scene continuously adapts, and emerging trends show a fascinating blend of traditional culinary practices with modern influences. This evolution reflects the dynamic character of the islands and its residents, merging the old and the new in delightful ways.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
Plenty of fresh seafood. There are also European dishes like burgers, pizza, and French fries. But it’s worth it if you can get something fresh, delicious, and properly prepared (truly tasty) like locally sourced lobster for around $7-10? On average, a meal for two costs about $17-20. The prices at hotels and restaurants on the streets are quite similar.
Regarding milk, it’s a bit strange, better skip it (they serve something yellow that looks like yogurt), but I strongly advise trying the local food - it’s incredibly good! We didn’t taste anything too strongly flavored with preservatives. At the Stonetown market, we found some fruits - lime for about 25 cents, avocado $1, small bananas (30 pieces) for $2. Mangos come in different varieties, also around $1. There’s a fun incident, we just went to the market, a local approached us and started offering various snacks, speaking in English (it's a rarity at the market, but there everything is understandable) and suggesting a product at twice the price. Fruits at the beach are a must-have. But bargaining is a must: any price you get should be halved. A coconut costs about $1, a large pineapple $2, drinking coconut $2, and mango $1. We managed to save some money)) Fresh juices range from $1 to $3. On the streets, they make cocktails from cane sugar, lime, and ginger, resembling a mojito, very tasty and costs less than $1. »
😂 »
Speaking of dining on Zanzibar, it’s worth considering the nearby infrastructure when selecting a hotel: cafes, shops, restaurants, and more, as food in hotels tends to be noticeably pricier. Most tourist facilities are found on the beach or between hotels. Beyond the hotels, you’ll find local eateries where you can enjoy meals at a better price point. You can also buy water and fruit at more affordable rates. The menu in beachfront cafes and hotel restaurants is practically identical, with the main difference being price. A typical cost for a hot dish at casual eateries is about $5-7 per person, which could include something like chicken with rice or a veggie plate in a light sauce, or beef with salad and rice, in larger portions. Beer costs around $2 for a bottle, while local wine is about $8-10 a bottle. There are plenty of fresh seafood options too, like lobsters and shrimp, often prepared on the grill. All of it is fresher than what you’d find served in restaurants, as it’s caught daily. Prices for seafood dishes can range from $12 to $20.
I know there are local dishes in Tanzania, but they seem to be offered mostly at one restaurant along the coast. I haven't tried them yet, but I assume it will just be extra money spent. 🤣🤣🤣
I've noticed many tourists, including families with children and even infants. 👫👶 I haven't seen any children's menus around, but in the evenings, families with kids often sit at the cafes by the beach— it’s clear you might be able to request special dishes. I can hardly imagine how one would feed infants here, as you won’t find special formulas or baby meals in the shops, so likely bringing something along would be essential. 👶
To sum it up, starting with all sorts of scary stories, I thought I’d find a more inhospitable environment. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. Zanzibar definitely ranks in my personal top 5 favorite beach destinations! 😍😍😍 »