6 Local Dishes You Must Try in Zanzibar
Zanzibar. Even the name evokes the thoughts of the white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and the old alleys of Stone Town full of history. However, to get the feel of this magical archipelago, you should eat its food. Zanzibar food is a stunning blend of African, Arabic, Indian and Persian flavors, a culinary heritage of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. All the dishes are stories, spiced with the fragrant spices of the island, namely cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, which even gave the island the name of The Spice Island. When you are going on your trip with Tour Packages to Zanzibar and Holiday Packages to Zanzibar from Dubai, you need to prepare your taste buds to go on a memorable culinary journey.
These are the Local Dishes You Shouldn t Miss in Zanzibar
1. Zanzibar Pizza: Pizza That Is Not Just Another Slice
The name is deceptive. Zanzibar Pizza has nothing to do with the Italian original that is full of cheese and tomatoes. This typical street food is closer to a sweet, savory pancake or crepe. It is made by stretching out a paper-thin dough to which a mixture of minced meat (or vegetables), an egg, onions, and a hefty sprinkle of chili are added. It is then folded in the form of a square, and fried on a hot griddle till it becomes crispy and golden. The outcome is a pocket of pure taste, an ideal late night snack or a lunch in a hurry. And you can get the best Zanzibar Pizza in the famous Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town where they do an amazing culinary dance.
2. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix): All Soups Street Food Soup
Urojo or Zanzibar Mix is a colorful, sour, spicy soup that forms the backbone of the street food of the islands. It is a bowl of color and texture symphony with a base of gram flour and tamarind and a very subtle taste of coconut milk. It is into this delicious soup that the vendors combine a mixture of ingredients, including fried fritters, boiled potatoes, cassava fries and a squirt of lime. Others even put in a pinch of red-hot chili chutney to give it a zing. It is a sensational dish, which is a huge favorite among locals. Anyone who would like to enjoy the real taste of Zanzibari would not miss trying it out.
3. Pweza wa Nazi (Octopus in Coconut Curry)
Since Zanzibar is a coastal area, seafood is a staple of the local cuisine, and Pweza wa Nazi is one of the best examples of how the islanders can cook this dish. This recipe consists of meaty pieces of fresh octopus cooked on a low fire in a thick creamy coconut sauce. It is a fragrant curry with an intriguing mixture of spices such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, and a smidgen of fresh chili. The outcome is a complicated and soothing dish that just the right balance between the sweetness of the coconut and the savory, oceanic flavour of the octopus. It is a real taste of the Indian Ocean when served with a plate of steamed rice.
4. Pilau: The Scented Rice
Pilau is a renowned rice dish that has strong Indian and Arab cooking traditions, but has been adjusted to the peculiarities of Zanzibar spice palette. It is not only rice, it is an olfactory experience. Rice is cooked in a aromatic mix of whole spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin, and thus it has a rich earthy taste and a stunning golden-brown hue. It is usually made with chicken, beef or goat meat, although vegetarian varieties are also widespread. Pilau is a must at family functions and celebrations and a good one is a discovery of a piece of local history.
5. Mishkaki: Skewered Meats flavored with Spice
The definitive East African barbecues are mishkaki. Marinated meat, usually beef, chicken, or goat is cut into small cubes and placed on a skewer and grilled over hot coals. The marinade is what makes Zanzibari mishkaki special, and a strong blend of local spices such as ginger, cumin, and fresh garlic are used. During cooking, the skewers are usually basted with a tamarind or chili sauce resulting in a charred and smoky outside and a juicy and tender inside. Mishkaki are simply delicious and very easy to prepare, and are delicious when served hot straight off the grill with a side of chili sauce.
6. Mandazi: The Spiced Doughnuts
A sweet note would not be the end of a culinary tour of Zanzibar. Mandazi are fluffy, light and a little sweet dough balls that are fried and are usually compared to doughnuts. They are prepared using wheat flour, coconut milk and a small amount of cardamom which makes them have an exotic Swahili taste. They are deep-fried in the form of triangles until they turn golden brown. Mandazi are a common breakfast food or mid-day snack usually served with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. They are one of the pleasures that are simple and that best describes the relaxed atmosphere of the island.
Conclusion
Travelling through the food scene in Zanzibar is a certain adventure that takes one through the history and the diversity of the culture in the island. Whether it is the night markets or the small family restaurants, each meal is another revelation. Go Kite travel is aware of this hence their carefully selected Zanzibar Tour Packages and Zanzibar Holiday Packages usually have a chance of experiencing the local food scene. Do not only see the sights taste the stories and flavors that make Zanzibar a real paradise.
