Skip to content
English
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Vegetarian Food in Zanzibar

Where to Eat and What to Try

Zanzibar, the exotic spice island off Tanzania’s coast, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, turquoise beaches, and vibrant Swahili cuisine. But how friendly is it for vegetarians?

The good news is: Zanzibar is very welcoming to vegetarians. Thanks to its Indian, Arab, and African culinary influences, plant-based dishes are widely available and often incredibly flavorful — making it a paradise not just for omnivores, but also for those who follow vegetarian or even vegan diets.

This article explores the vegetarian food landscape in Zanzibar, covering what to eat, where to eat, and how to make the most of your culinary journey across the island.

Why Zanzibar Is Great for Vegetarians

  • Cultural diversity: Zanzibar’s cuisine blends Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and coastal African traditions — many of which include meatless meals.

  • Abundant tropical produce: From fresh fruits and vegetables to coconuts, plantains, and spices, the island is full of vegetarian ingredients.

  • Indian culinary influence: A large Indian-descended community contributes to the availability of curries, chapatis, and samosas.

  • Tourist-friendly restaurants: Most restaurants, especially in Stone Town and beach resorts, cater to dietary preferences — including vegetarian and vegan.

Common Vegetarian Dishes in Zanzibar

1. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)

A flavorful, spicy soup made from potatoes, mango, flour dumplings, coconut chutney, and crispy bhajias. Usually vegetarian by default, though sometimes served with meat — always check first.

2. Vegetable Biriyani or Pilau

Spiced rice dishes infused with cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Vegetable versions are often available — fragrant and filling.

3. Chapati and Beans

A classic East African comfort food. Flatbread (chapati) served with slow-cooked kidney or black-eyed beans in a tomato-spice base.

4. Mchuzi wa Mboga

A vegetable stew cooked in a rich coconut or tomato sauce, often served with rice, ugali (maize porridge), or chapati.

5. Ndizi za Nazi (Plantains in Coconut Sauce)

Soft plantains simmered in creamy coconut sauce with mild spices — a delicious local side dish.

6. Bhajia and Samosas

Indian-style fritters made from chickpea flour and spices (bhajia) and deep-fried pastries filled with vegetables or lentils (samosas). Common street food and very affordable.

7. Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice)

A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk — often eaten with stews or vegetable curries.

8. Seasonal Tropical Fruits

Zanzibar is a fruit lover's dream: mangoes, pineapples, jackfruit, papaya, passion fruit, bananas, and coconuts are widely available and delicious.

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Zanzibar

🌆 Stone Town:

  1. Lukmaan Restaurant
    A local favorite for authentic Swahili cuisine. Offers a good range of vegetarian dishes including beans, spinach, coconut rice, and chapati.

  2. 6 Degrees South
    Upscale spot with vegetarian pastas, salads, and a scenic seafront location.

  3. Taarab Restaurant (DoubleTree Hotel)
    Fine dining with ocean views. Offers international dishes, including vegetarian curries and grilled veggie platters.

  4. Zanzibar Coffee House Café
    Great for breakfast or lunch — vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

🌴 Beach Areas:

  1. The Rock Restaurant (Pingwe)
    Famous oceanfront eatery perched on a rock — offers vegetarian pasta, salads, and seafood-free options (call ahead to confirm).

  2. Shanti Café (Paje)
    Vegan and vegetarian-friendly spot with smoothie bowls, chickpea wraps, veggie burgers, and herbal teas.

  3. Mr. Kahawa (Paje)
    Trendy beach café popular with digital nomads. Offers vegetarian breakfast, falafel wraps, and hummus plates.

  4. Zanzest Vegan Restaurant (Jambiani)
    Fully vegan menu! Curries, salads, and smoothies in a peaceful beachfront setting.

Vegan Notes

While Zanzibar is vegetarian-friendly, vegan travelers should be cautious of:

  • Ghee and butter in Indian dishes

  • Milk powder in bread or sweets

  • Eggs in pastries or chapati (usually not included but always ask)

  • Mayonnaise or cream-based sauces

Phrase to know:
“Sili nyama, mayai, maziwa, au bidhaa za wanyama.”
(“I don’t eat meat, eggs, milk, or animal products.”)

Markets and Local Shops

For self-catering or snacking:

  • Darajani Market (Stone Town): Find fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and spices.

  • Supermarkets: Look for international vegetarian products.

  • Juice stalls: Popular in towns and on beaches, offering fresh sugarcane juice, passion fruit juice, or mango smoothies.

Travel Tips for Vegetarians in Zanzibar

  1. Communicate clearly: Not everyone understands “vegetarian” — say “sili nyama, samaki, au kuku” (I don’t eat meat, fish, or chicken).

  2. Plan ahead in rural areas: Outside of tourist hubs, options may be limited — pack snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars.

  3. Embrace Swahili cuisine: Many traditional dishes are naturally meatless and full of flavor.

  4. Ask about broths and sauces: Stews may use meat stock even if they appear vegetarian.

Conclusion

Zanzibar is a delightful destination for vegetarians, offering rich flavors, aromatic spices, and a wide variety of plant-based meals. With the island’s blend of African, Indian, and Arab culinary influences — plus the growing awareness of dietary preferences — you’ll have no trouble finding delicious meat-free dishes from Stone Town to the beaches.

Whether you're sipping fresh juice on the sand, enjoying a coconut curry under a palm tree, or bargaining for ripe mangoes in the market, Zanzibar offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of vegetarian traveler.