Eastern Africa is as diverse as it is vast. With the largest subpopulation on the continent, it has over 460 million people speaking over 200 languages. With such myriad influences, each country has its own distinct culture which is reflected in its food.
Here, we hop through a few of the countries in the region giving a taster of what each has to offer on their menus.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world and is a wonder in itself, being the home to coffee, the Rastafarian movement, and arguably the first human skeletons.
With 13 months to the year due to its own calendar, why not enjoy the rich history and culture, sunshine, and amazing Ethiopian food a little longer. If you have to pick only one country in Africa to visit, Ethiopia may just be the one.
1. Doro Wat
Doro wat is a type of stew made with chicken in a deep red and extremely flavorful sauce. The sauce contains the uniquely Ethiopian berbere spice, made with a mix of coriander, ginger, chilis, holy basil seeds, and more.
Fresh chicken is soaked in water, salt, and lemon juice, and then cut into pieces for cooking. Just before the stew finishes, shelled boiled eggs are added in take on the flavor and color of the dish. Doro wat can be found at every festive occasion and holiday and is a favorite dish for breaking fast. What do you want for a special meal? Doro wat, that’s what!
2. Tibs
Tibs is a kind of Ethiopian stir fry. There are many varieties using a range of meats, vegetables, spices, and differing quantities and proportions of each. It is usually served at festive occasions and holidays, or simply as a sign of respect for someone special. Whenever you have it, it is a feast of flavor.
3. Kitfo
A super treat for Ethiopians, and a good hangover cure, kitfo is essentially minced meat that is warmed with butter and spices. While typically and best served leb leb (warmed), you can also ask for it betam leb leb (translated as very warmed, but meaning cooked).
Great on its own, it can also be served with side dishes such as spinach and cottage cheese for an even tastier and filling meal. Pass the beer, and the kitfo, please!
4. Injera
Injera is a unique kind of spongy flatbread made from the super tiny supergrain teff. It has a slightly sour flavor, a bit like sourdough, due to the fermentation time during preparation. It is shaped into a large circle, then either rolled and cut into pieces, or used as a base topped with a variety of dishes at once. Rip off a piece and dip it or use it to scoop up any of the delicious sauces or stews.
A testament to the integral place in Ethiopian culture, people greet each other by asking “Did you eat injera today?” You will know that life is fine if they answer yes. You should always say yes to injera!
5. Spris
While not technically a food, this Ethiopian delight needs to be mentioned. Spriss is a variety of fruit juices layered in a cup. Using fresh fruits such as avocado, papaya, orange, mango, watermelon, and other fruits in season, the thickest is found at the bottom and layered to the least thick at the top.
I’ve never seen anything like it during my travels; this refreshing drink is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Kenya
When in Kenya, expect the utmost hospitality. “Mgeni ni baraka” means that a “guest is a blessing”. What better way to welcome guests than to offer food?
There are several customs you should follow when eating in Kenya, but most of all it’s important to know that refusing food is considered an insult. Who would dream of it?
6. Nyama Choma
Roasted meat is any Kenyan’s favorite dish. Swahili for meat, nyama is usually goat or beef roasted over an open fire.
Traditionally the dish of hunters cooking game meat, it was brought to urban areas and is now found everywhere, from street food to festive occasions. Served with a tomato and onion relish called kuchambari, and ugali, it is a hearty, communal dish.
7. Ugali
Ugali is one of Kenya’s staple foods made from maize flour. Kenyans love ugali and will debate endlessly about its superiority to other African starches, such as fufu and pap.
It is a culture in itself and can be served in a variety of ways, such as with sour milk, soups, stews, or meats. Always enjoy it with your hands though!
8. Mutura
If you love sausage, or street food, then mutura is a must. An authentic Kenyan sausage made from goat’s intestines stuffed with ground meat and, here’s the kicker, goat’s blood.
It is boiled to nearly done, then grilled to dry out the meat and give it a smoky flavor. It’s bloody tasty!
9. Matoke
Matoke is fried bananas with onions, tomatoes, and a savory sauce and is a common household meal in Kenya. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, it can be served as a side or a main dish. I go bananas for matoke; any kind of banana or plantain is a yes for me!
Tanzania
With influences from the historic Indian spice route, many Tanzanian dishes include a lovely variety of tasty and aromatic spices, including coconut, turmeric, and cardamom. Beware though!
It is considered offensive to sniff your delicious food before eating it. That seems a bit unfair.
10. Wali Wa Madodo
Swahili culture pervades most of Tanzania, and wali wa madodo is one of their favorite dishes. This dish, which translates as rice with beans, is spiced up literally and figuratively by first boiling the beans, then frying them with onions and spices.
What makes this special is that coconut water is used to cook the rice instead of water, resulting in a thick, creamy stew.
11. Mshikaki
You can find mshikaki at bars, on the street, at groceries, just about everywhere, it is so popular. It is a grilled meat kebab made with beef, and spiced with ginger, lemon, and chili peppers. Enjoy it on its own, or, better yet, with roast potatoes, which is known as chips mshikaki. Who doesn’t love a good meat and potatoes meal?
12. Mandazi
While it looks like a donut, it’s actually fried bread. It’s a go-to treat for locals since it’s easy to prepare and deliciously tasty. Don’t leave Tanzania or Kenya without trying mandazi! You will thank me later!
Mauritius
Perhaps the most eclectic in its culture, this island paradise has been touched by various outside influences such as French, Chinese, and Indian, and this is seen in their cooking.
13. Rougaille
Rougaille is a typical Creole dish representing the French influence on the island. Its versatility makes it a favorite for a quick home-cooked meal.
This tomato-based sauce is made with garlic, onions, chilies, coriander, and thyme. You can either eat this sauce plain with rice, or add your favorite vegetables and meat such as beef, chicken, sausage, seafood, or, Mauritians’ favorite, salted fish. Bon appetit!
14. Dholl Puri
Influence from Indian shores brought this delicious flatbread made with yellow split peas, turmeric, and cumin. Fill it with bean or potato curry, rougaille, and don’t forget the chili and special Mauritian coriander chutney and pickles for the full flavor experience.
Equally ubiquitous at special events and street corners, this delicacy is a favorite for Mauritians and tourists, for a cheap and filling, yet delicious meal.
15. Bol Renversé
If you translate it directly, this means upside down bowl, and that is exactly what it is, and what makes this a little delight. Although the name is French, it is a Chinese inspired dish known as Magic Bowl, and can be ordered in most Asian restaurants.
It is a rice-based dish with stir-fried vegetables and meat, together with a soy and oyster sauce, topped with a fried egg. Place the egg at the bottom of the bowl, followed by the sauce, vegetables and meat, then the rice. Flip it upside down on the plate, and voila! Magic!
Popular Foods in Zanzibar
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Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania. Known as “Spice Island”, Zanzibar is famous for its cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and many more spices, and these islands offers some truly special food.
From the historical, maze-like streets of Stone Town, to the white sand beaches of Nungwi in the north, Zanzibar cuisine is a journey through Swahili culture. Authentic Zanzibari dishes provide the opportunity to experience tropical East Africa, with all the influence of India and the ancient Arab world, mingling seafood, fresh tropical fruits and rich spices for a taste adventure.
Dinner Time in Stone Town
In the heart of the tourist sector of Old Stone Town are waterfront gardens, where you will find lazy cafes along the sea wall and sporadic seating in the shade along the garden’s edge. As soon as the sun begins to set, this area transforms: first, acrobats perform on the sand or off the sea wall, fueled by onlookers’ cheers (this is technically not allowed, but they do it regardless, chased constantly by local security), then more and more local Zanzibaris close their shops, or depart their offices, and begin to stroll along the waterfront of Forodhani Gardens.
Finally, tables are set up all along the grassy areas of the gardens, each illuminated by several lanterns for a romantic aura. The mouth-watering aroma of freshly-grilled seafood rises from various mobile grills, which are stationed throughout the gardens. As the evening grows darker, a feast appears in Forodhani Gardens: fresh seafood and meat skewers, piles of thick-cut fries (“chips”), handmade flatbreads, prepared soups, and freshly-squeezed juices.
This garden-front buffet is offered every evening, year-round, for locals and tourists alike. This dinner is best eaten while listening to the Indian Ocean lap against the sea wall, watching far-off boats bobbing on the waves, a perfect ending to a day in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
I hope you enjoyed this brief culinary journey through a few of East Africa’s interesting and colorful countries. This is but a glimpse of the delicious dishes that you can find through the whole region. I highly recommend working up a hunger and eating your way through the cuisine of the rest of the region as well!
Armchair travelers wanting to satisfy their wanderlust, or foodies looking for ideas on how to incorporate spices with tropical flavors, please check out below the top 20 most popular foods in Zanzibar. Many of the dishes mentioned are readily available at Forodhani Gardens any night of the week, but you’ll probably have to visit three or more times in order to have enough stomach-space to try them all!
Soups
1. Urojo Soup (Zanzibar Mix)
This orange-colored soup gets its vibrant hue from an unexpected ingredient: mango pulp, which is thickened with flour. Zanzibar Mix, however, gets its name from all the add-ons, or “mix-ins” that increase the flavor, texture and spice of this Zanzibar staple.
Some include: boiled potatoes, bajhia (chick-pea flour fried dumpling), crispies (fried cassava or potato strips), mishkaki (marinated beef skewers, see below), hot sauce, and tamarind Sauce.
At first glance, these ingredients may seem very random, but they add so much flavor, and make it very filling too. Anyone visiting Zanzibar should try this traditional soup.
Don’t be shy when it comes to all the extras. They are what make Zanzibar Mix, or Urojo Soup so fabulous.
2. Octopus Soup (Supu ya Pweza)
This distinctively purple-hued soup is unlike any other. Often eaten for breakfast across Zanzibar, this simple soup is made with octopus meat, garlic, onions all boiled together.
As the octopus comes fresh from the ocean, it lends plenty of salt to this dish, and one should definitely have a few spoonfuls before considering adding any more salt. Usually, it is served with wedges of lemon or lime, an ideal combination with any form of seafood. It is often eaten with soft, fresh bread called Boflo (more about that later).
The freshly cooked octopus provides several different textures; crunchy tentacles, soft, calamari-like bits of white meat, all in a vibrant violet-colored, salty and flavorful sauce. A great way to start your day in Zanzibar.
Curries and Stews
3. Coconut Fish Curry
A common dish found in local Zanzibar homes is coconut fish curry. While on the mainland it is often made with tilapia fish from Lake Victoria, in Zanzibar, it is prepared with freshly-caught ocean fish. If you would like to try preparing your own, follow along with this excellent video, which uses King Fish.
Many Zanzibari homes have a strange-looking stool with a large, spiky knife protruding from one end. This is actually a tool for grating a coconut: the cook sits on the stool and has an easier task of rubbing a half of a coconut against the upward pointing knife. Once the inner, white flesh of the coconut has been scratched out with the serrated knife, the small bits are then squeezed into a pot or jug to extract all the ‘milk’ possible. This fresh, hand-prepared coconut milk is used for the sauce, lending a sweet and subtle flavor to the onion-based curry. But don’t worry if you can’t manage freshly-squeezed coconut milk. A can will also do fine!
Typically, the sauce includes tomato paste / pureed fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, and ginger. This curry is delicious with plain white rice or flatbreads (chapatis).
4. Octopus Curry (Mchuzi wa Pweza)
Visitors to Zanzibar may find Octopus Curry offered at any time of day – including breakfast! If you’re never sampled octopus before, Octopus Curry is one of the most delicious ways to experience this unique seafood, even as part of your first meal of the day.
While octopus is a common seafood across this East African archipelago, over-harvesting of this eight-legged sea creature has led to regulations and fishing restrictions. Some beaches of Zanzibar have had fishing bans on octopus for a period of time in order to ensure that this creature thrives and can be enjoyed by all for generations to come. If you are interested in enjoying octopus in Zanzibar, ask about the sustainability practices for obtaining this delicious seafood, and if the restaurant or establishment is abiding by current regulations.
Octopus pieces are cooked in a delicious, creamy curry sauce that has all the distinct flavors influenced from Indian curries, prepared with fresh Zanzibar spices. Best served with rice and eaten with a view of the Indian Ocean.Many versions of octopus curry use coconut milk for a rich, creamy sauce, however some recipes use a tomato-base sauce and omit coconut all together. Both options are delicious! You can also follow one traveler’s journey in making a Zanzibar Octopus Curry with coconut milk here.
5. Beans in Coconut Sauce (Maharagwe ya Nazi)
Vegetarians are not left out when it comes to Zanzibari cuisine. A common vegetarian/vegan meal is beans and rice, prepared in the Swahili style. Red kidney beans are boiled until soft and combined with a creamy coconut sauce. Served with simple white rice, these beans have so much flavor, even meat-lovers will enjoy this simple Zanzibar staple.
Nearly every local Zanzibar eatery will serve a version of beans in coconut sauce. If you are in Stone Town, check out the iconic Lukman’s (near the Old Slave Market) for this and other vegetarian-friendly dishes served all afternoon. If you’re staying along the Zanzibar coast, venture away from your hotel and see where local Zanzibaris eat, to find a bowl of tasty maharagwe wa nazi.
Zanzibari Rice Dishes
6. Pilau
Pilau is a spiced rice pilaf which originated centuries ago in ancient Persia. Traders shared the recipe during one of their ventures in East Africa, and the favorite dish took off. Now, pilau is a staple food of East Africa, and each country has their own slightly unique take on this spiced rice. It is commonly eaten on holidays such as Christmas, or for Sunday afternoon lunch.
You will find this rice dish available at nearly every local restaurant in Zanzibar. Some versions are prepared with beef or goat meat, and in Zanzibar you may even see a prawn version of pilau. It is also common for pilau to be entirely vegan, with lovely soft potatoes incorporated with the rice, full of all the flavors of pilau.
The Zanzibar version highlights the fresh spices the archipelago is known for. A typical pilau masala includes cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin and black pepper. Onions and garlic are fried with this spice mixture until the aroma is mouth-watering.
Then, uncooked rice, potatoes, and pureed tomatoes are added to the pot and all boiled together until the rice is fully cooked. The result is a combination of warm spices in each and every bite of the rice dish, with an occasional sweet and soft bit of flavored potato or flavorful piece of meat or prawn.
7. Biriyani
Throughout the week, you may not find many options for good biriyani, but on Fridays, Muslim day of worship, this dish is in the spotlight. Thankfully, you do not need to adhere to any specific belief to enjoy this delicious dish!
Biriyani is a meal of yellow-colored rice paired with a rich sauce of chicken, lamb or beef. It gets its rich yellow color from saffron, and is flavored with garlic, cardamom and cinnamon sticks. The cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods are not eaten, and may often be removed from the rice before serving.
An onion-and-tomato curry is separately prepared, often with chicken, lamb or beef. This is either served layered with the flavored rice out of a large pot, or plated together with the biriyani sauce and meat aside of the yellow, spiced rice. This dish is very popular in Stone Town, so make sure to grab a plate of delicious biriyani if you’re in Zanzibar. Or… try to make your own version at home with this recipe.
Zanzibari Snacks and Desserts
In the tropical heat, you may not have much of an appetite for lunch on a warm afternoon. If you’re not that hungry, take the opportunity to sample some of Zanzibar’s delicious snacks to keep you going until dinner-time. Here are some of the most popular ones found on the streets of Stonetown:
8. Katlesi / Chops
Katlesi (sometimes spelled ‘cut-lass’) is essentially spicy ground beef, rolled into a ball and covered with mashed potatoes, then dipped in egg and deep fried. Yes, you read that correctly: a fried mashed potato meatball. And it is just as delicious as it sounds!
Sometimes this snack is called “chops” for the beneift of tourists. Whatever the name, make sure to buy a few and enjoy while warm. And want to try making Katlesi at home? Here is a great recipe to follow.
9. Calamari Rings
Delectable, soft tubes of freshly-prepared calamari are often sold along the streets of Stone Town, either grilled or fried in oil for an easy lunch or afternoon snack.
Calamari are served with a wedge of lime and a sprinkle of salt, usually wrapped in newspaper instead of an actual plate. If you’re eating fried calamari with chunks of fried cassava (a starchy root vegetable much like a heavy potato), ask for a second piece of newspaper to help reduce the amount of oil that will end up on your hands.
10. Zanzibar Pizza
This popular snack or late-night treat is nothing like an Italian pizza. This is more like a closed, grilled crepe stuffed with various ingredients; quite small and generally eaten with a toothpick. One Zanzibar pizza works as a snack or pre-dinner appetizer.
A thin dough is piled high with your choice of ingredients, then folded over and ‘closed’ as a small, square pocket. Finally, the outer ‘crust’ is fried to a lovely golden brown on a piping skillet until it becomes nice and crunchy.
In the case of dessert Zanzibar pizzas, everything inside of the crust becomes all melty and delicious (and messy!) so make sure to grab extra napkins to clean up that melted peanut butter or oozing nutella that may drip off your pizza.
For the savoury pizzas, select from processed cheese, meat, egg and vegetable options to make your personal Zanzibar Pizza. You can also find dessert pizzas featuring nutella and banana. Delish.
11. Chips Mayai
The staple late-night snack across Tanzania is a tasty plate of eggs-and-fries, served hot with ketchup and hot sauce. Chips Mayai takes regular chips (using the British name for thick-cut fries) to the next level by adding a hearty omelette on top.
You will find plenty of small vendors with little mobile grills cooking up chips mayai nearly everywhere in Zanzibar, from Stonetown to local fishing villages. It is the closest thing to ‘fast food’ available. While certainly not ‘healthy’, it is filling and tasty and worth a sample while in Zanzibar.
12. Kalimati
If you are looking for something sweet, try kalimati. This sweet is especially popular during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Small, fried dumpling are rolled in sugar while they are still warm for a delicious treat, much like a large donut hole.
If you’re spending the night in Stone Town, wander down to the area of the Old Fort and look for a chai cart. The kalimati are truly delicious, so big that one can cover your palm, and come slathered in a thick sugar-glaze which goes perfectly perfectly with a tangy ginger tea.
You’ll also find kalimati at local bakeries or other shops that sell pieces of cake or biscuits (usually in glass displays at the front of the shop). Best enjoyed in the morning, when still fresh.Try to make your own kalimati with this recipe.
13. Date Cake
Tende is the name of the soft Arabian dates that arrive in Zanzibar’s port regularly. At local markets, you are sure to see glass displays packed with the dried fruits, sold by the kilogram.
Tende are pitted, chopped and blended into a popular and delicious confection: date cake, available at the many coffee shops in Stone Town.
Some recipes highlight cardamom, others use ground cinnamon to add more depth to the flavor. It’s often served with warm custard or a scoop of ice cream – and why not? It brings out the flavors and adds a creamy something that will make any customer return for more. If you’re looking for a sweet treat in Zanzibar, try a slice of date cake.
Zanzibar Staples
14. Mishkaki
Marinated beef skewers are not just for urojo soup. Enjoy them alone, or with hand-cut fries, or added to chips mayai for even more protein. In Forodhani Gardens there are many grills serving piping hot mishkaki alongside seafood options, or find them at street vendors also.
To make mishkaki, cubed pieces of beef are marinated in a mix of garlic, ginger, salt and lime juice for several hours, and then skewered together, sometimes with bits of carrot and green pepper in between for a true kabob, grilled to perfection.
15. Boflo
If you wake early in Stone Town and take a stroll on the quiet streets of the ancient town, you’re sure to see someone standing beside an enormous basket, filled with bread. These small, soft white loaves, the size of your hand, are locally known as boflo and are a wonderful breakfast option. One could easily put away a loaf or two with tea.
They are wonderful eaten fresh with just butter and jam, or dipped in octopus soup. You won’t need to stock up because they are readily available at nearly any street corner in Stonetown every single morning. Grab a fresh one and enjoy!
Zanzibar Tropical Treats
Zanzibar has an abundance of fresh fruits: pineapple, papayas, and mangoes are just a few of the many tropical fruits available across the archipelago. Here are two lesser-known ones:
16. Jackfruit
Known as fenesi in Swahili, jackfruit has become very popular recently, with many vegan recipes using jackfruit as a meat substitute. However, in Zanzibar it is eaten as a sweet, fresh fruit, and not cooked.
Jackfruit is the largest fruit grown on a tree; a single jackfruit can weigh up to 50 kgs, or 120 lbs! Due to its size, it either shared, or sold in small portions.
On the outside, this enormous fruit is green and spiky, while the inside is full of yellow juicy bits surrounding hard pits or seeds. These sweet fleshy bits look like flower petals when the pits are removed. The soft, yellow petals taste like a combination of bananas and pineapple.Jackfruit is so popular here that there is even a community north of Stonetown called At the Jackfruit Tree (Mfenesini)!
17. Breadfruit
Have you ever tried breadfruit? Have you ever even heard of breadfruit? While the name is a bit odd, as soon as you have your first taste, you will understand what it’s all about; while it is technically a fruit and grows on a tree, it has a very strong resemblance to starchy bread. Delicious and highly recommended.
While almost all other fruits are eaten fresh or juiced, this is one of the few fruits that is roasted on an open grill, often served alongside fresh seafood. You may find it at Forodhani Gardens, and it is a nice change from rice and chips, if you’re looking for a starchy side to go with your meal.
Beverages
18. Ginger Tea with Kashata
Ginger tea is a staple in Zanzibar. Served strong and sweet, it will certainly relieve any itch in your throat. Ginger tea can be found in any restaurant or cafe, but is also popularly served by sellers strolling streets with a flask of hot tea and a few clanging cups.
And how to counteract the spicy taste of ginger tea? With a treat called kashata. These sesame or peanut crackers have plenty of sugar, and are usually small enough to be gobbled up in one or two bites.
19. Zanzibar Spiced Coffee
No list would be complete without mentioning Zanzibar’s signature spiced coffee, which combines all the most-loved spices: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and black pepper for an exotic caffeine experience you will not find matched anywhere else. Frequently served either hot or iced, often as an iced latte. If you want to try to make your own Zanzibar spiced coffee at home, try this recipe.
20. Sugar Cane Juice
Zanzibar has many sugar cane plantations, processing raw sugar. But another way that sugar cane is used across Zanzibar is in fresh sugar cane juice.
Pressed before your eyes, each piece of cane goes through the juicer once or twice, with bits of peeled ginger and lime added to make it even more delicious. Make sure to grab one when you visit for a taste of the tropics.
21. Dawa Cocktail
Zanizbar knows about sunsets; life pauses, allowing us to catch our breath as recollect the day, and take in the sun’s last vibrant rays before it disappears into the Indian Ocean.
From sunset cruises to roof-top lounges, all over Zanzibar, people can savor the sunset with a cocktail, and one favorite is dawa, which means medicine in Swahili. Why medicine? Simple: Dawa features honey and lime juice, two ingredients that are locally respected as traditional remedies for the common cold.
Dawa may not be a true medicine, but you’re sure to feel more relaxed and happy after you’ve enjoyed one or two, while watching the sun go down during your adventure in Zanzibar.
These are the top 20 most popular foods to enjoy in Zanzibar. But don’t take our word for it. Go ahead and try some of these delicious dishes yourself, either by following the included recipe links or, if life allows, by traveling to the Spice Island yourself.
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