Best places to eat while in Stone Town, Zanzibar
We can all agree that food is ONE of the MAIN reason why we travel! The sole idea of thinking that I won't be cooking for the time I will be away is enough to make me happy ! So what places got to my heart in Zanzibar?
Let's find out..
Zanzibar food scene is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G , you can find a mix of everything you wish and EVERYTHING TASTES GOOOOOOD ! Coming from Kenya, where the food wasn't to my like (pole my Kenyan fellow) , I was extremely and greatly surprised that the food in Zanzibar was so gooood 😯(and in Tanzania in general). For real⁉️ EACH BITE WAS A BURST OF FLAVOR 😍
It is therefore no wonder that during my stay, most of my money went on food, not necessarily because I was hungry all the time BUT because I wanted to experience and taste e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g #HolidayzzMOOD. Moreover, it was honestly given because Tanzania is CHEAP so why not I was telling myself !
My recommendations
1. When I say food, you say locaaaaaal
I'm a sucker for LOCAL food and would always recommend trying some when abroad ( though be careful if you have a sensitive stomach, mine has been trained well enough 😂). While in Zanzibar, I was all about the local food and the street food not only because it was cheaper 💰 (not always though, e.g. : Forodhani Garden) but also because I really wanted to experience the culinary culture.
So local/ street food would basically be everything you find in the street 😅 in sometimes not so common places. They are usually the BEST FOOD AT THE BEST PRIICE.
Those were the best food deals I had ! A full typical Tanzanian meal for 2500-3000 ? Yes sir 😃
#Tip: If you can't find street food during the day, don't be sad. Indeed, around 4-5pm (if I remember right), the garden square just in front of the Old Fort gets crowded with ambulant food vendors of all sorts that have all Zanzibari tastes you can think of (from tea to soup and seafood). Since it's a touristic 'attraction', it tends to be more expensive than the street food you'd find elsewhere in Stone Town but it's worth it! The atmosphere is one to be seen🎉
Besides feeding off street food, I sometimes had little hangouts with the lovely friends I made at my hostel (Karyn💖Bryan💖 Liam💖 Larissa💖 Lewis💖Eugenio💖 Alex, Lio💖, and below are some of the places we tried and loved:
2. Lazuli Cafe
Mango Madness #Lazuli
We were just looking for a place to have drinks and found this cute and simplistic cafe. It is really a hidden gem because it is not on a popular road. However, it is easily noticeable since it is close to the more expensive and well-known "Stone Town Cafe". Within such a private atmosphere, I was blown away by their smoothies... I got to say, They are life💯!!! I had the mango madness and I still dream about it.
#Tip: I loved that they have special discounts for students and volunteers! (so don't forget your ID). Overall, although they take their time , it's all good because it's all made with love.
NB: Larissa had the ginger boost (the name exactly described the drink so don't go for it if you can't handle strong ginger🔥)
3. La Taperia
La Taperia is definitely the place where you want to hang out with friends either during the day or late at night.
It's a restaurant which becomes a bar with a great live band at night.
The ambience is fantastic 💥; The very international crowd is happily dancing, mingling, drinking and having fun. You couldn't ask for more! Also, there are a lot of beach boys" also called Mzungu hunters (#DarkStory) trying to flirt and seduce and it's pretty funny to watch !
Their cocktails / mock tails have interesting twists and are really really good ! They range from 7000-12000 Tzshs (or more) but they are definitely worth the price ( and you pay before you consume) !
4. Pagoda Chinese Restaurant
YES ! I craved Chinese food while in Zanzibar 🤷🏾♀️. Though the restaurant is not much decorated and has a quiet atmosphere, the lack of decoration is compensated by how good the food is.
#Tip Be careful when they bring your bill though , make sure the prices are correct and that's what your ordered ! If you are not sure ask for the menu to confirm prices
5. Six Degrees South
Six Degree South is definitely the overrated place everybody wants to go to ! I won't deny the location, the interior and the atmosphere are amazing (they have views for daaaays), but I had better food. Anyways, if you want to be in a fancier environment, this might be the place!
My recommendation: Go there to watch the sunset 🌅.. There is something relaxing about sitting at the top with a glass watching the sunset at the horizon ❤️
6. Cafe Africa Shops
I found this place when I was lost in Stone town (& I know I make it sound like its an activity.. bubut it really is lol), and this place is dear to my heart because of its story.
It is owned by locals who don't only sell food, but also sell handmade bags and other goodies. Their profit goes back to women in the community, nursery schools, computer courses for disadvantaged children and much more.
I really like this place ! Plus, they have pretty affordable prices and a really comfy and nice atmosphere.
These are the places where I have been but for more , follow StoneTownFoodFestival on instagram. Food in Zanzibar is so good, I'm getting hungry writing this article
