A Local’s Food Guide: What to Eat in Zanzibar

Zanzibar's food is a glorious fusion of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African influences, and one of the best ways to experience it is through its street food. The night market at Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town is the beating heart of Zanzibari street food. As darkness falls, dozens of stalls fire up their grills and the air fills with the smell of fresh seafood. You must try Zanzibar pizza – a folded, pan-fried stuffed pancake filled with everything from minced meat and egg to chocolate and banana. It's a local institution. Look out for freshly grilled whole fish, octopus curry, and mishkaki (marinated skewers). For something sweet, sample sugarcane juice pressed to order, or a plate of tropical fruit. For a sit-down meal, try the fragrant pilau rice with biryani, or the slow-cooked beans known as maharage. Indian-influenced chapatis and samosas are everywhere and always delicious. Come hungry – Zanzibar will feed you better than almost anywhere on earth.