East African Eats – Restaurants Not to Miss in Zanzibar, Tanzania

If you are a foodie, then this post is for you! Don’t miss these delicious East African eats on your next trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania – or maybe you can find them around your city!

Tanzanian cuisine is rich in flavor and culture. It was derived from a combination of East African and Indian influence. This influence came as a result of the country being on the coast, where people exchanged goods as well as culinary knowledge. Staple dishes include, chapati, pilau rice, and mild curries. Zanzibaris add a unique twist to these dishes and serve them with seafood – one of the many perks of living on an island!

Lukmaan Restaurant

If you find yourself in Zanzibar and are eager to take your taste buds on a scrumptious journey, get started at Lukmaan Restaurant. Located in Stone Town’s city center, Lukmaan offers a variety of Swahilian cuisines as well as an array of fresh fruit juices and smoothies. The restaurant features an open air kitchen and has a food court style feel, making it easy to see all of the food options before making a selection. The restaurant staff are very helpful and can assist you with ordering or make recommendations if you are unsure of what to eat – there are so many choices! The restaurant is also open air and has up and downstairs seating. Sitting up stairs is ideal if you are looking to be away from the hustle and bustle. The downstairs seating is adjacent to the kitchen/ordering area and can be very busy and crowded.

The Rock Restaurant

A trip to Zanzibar is not complete without visiting the infamous Rock Restaurant. Perched on a rocky mound, off the shores of Michamvi Pingwe Beach, the Rock Restaurant is truly a unique dining experience. One can either arrive to the restaurant’s front door on foot or by boat, depending on the tide. When the tide is in and covering the restaurant’s walking path, a small row boat is waiting to take people over to the dock, and when the tide is out and the path is visible, people can simply walk to the restaurant’s front steps.

The restaurant menu has mostly traditional dishes, such as seafood curries, and a variety of grilled meats. The menu also bodes a large selection of homemade pastas with both meat and veggie options, for those who may not be fond of meat. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor seating, on the balcony, offers a beautiful view of the ocean. You can unwind to the sound of the waves grazing the restaurant’s rocky base as you enjoy a delectable dish. The Rock Restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a meal with loved ones. A reservation is highly recommended and can be made online in advance.