Are you an adventurous food enthusiast?

This is a Zanzibar food guide for keen enthusiasts who have adventurous palates and an appreciation for food and culture. Zanzibar is well known for being a spice island dating back to the 16th Century, and due to the diverse influences from countries such as Oman, Iran, and Britain, it adopted a mixture of different culinary traditions which cemented the Swahili heritage. Understanding the culture is more than just visiting tourist attractions, it is having a marinated conversation with the food.

Flavorful Tapestry of Arab, Portuguese, British, Indian, and Swahili Influences, Featuring Coconut-infused Delights and Savory Seafood Barbecue

A variety of cuisines are common on the island including, Arab, Portuguese, British, Indian, and the dominant being the Swahili cuisine. The Zanzibari community adapted well by utilizing food resources within their reach and mastered the art of preparing dishes with coconuts, tantalizing seafood barbeque, hearty and spices dishes, and sugary snacks to tease the palate. Popular dishes on the Island include coconut rice and spicy curry, pilau, mishkaki, and mandazi to mention a few.

Immerse Yourself in Zanzibar's Culinary Tapestry

If you are keen to acquire knowledge on how they grow and harvest spices, a Spice Tour is highly recommended. For the brave hearts who wish to experience octopus fishing, a Xanadu Reef Tour is ideal and you can learn how to prepare and cook it in the comfort of your villa.

Dining

By acknowledging and embracing the diverse cuisines on the Island, Xanadu Villas & Retreat mastered the art of creating rich flavored dishes, which allow our guests to experience a variety of cuisines throughout their stay. As many properties go for A la Carte or buffet style, Xanadu Villas & Retreat opt for a more Bespoke Du Jour approach.

We also pride ourselves in growing an organic garden that offers herbs & vegetables as we exercise sustainable practices and deliver quality meals. We are Kosher friendly, provide halal produce, accommodate Jain cuisine, are happy with vegans & vegetarians, empathize with lactose intolerance, gluten-free, and nut allergy foodies.

Discover Sustainability

At Xanadu Villas & Retreat, we have adapted the concept of embracing each of our guests' dietary and religious needs just as Zanzibar embraced different culinary traditions throughout the centuries.

Plan your experience

We make your stay unforgettable

 

We want to create your perfect stay in Xanadu. Tell us what type of activity or experience you like, and we will do our best to satisfy you.

Book now
Contact us

"Excellent, fabulous, fantastic.
Our villa was absolutely stunning. This is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed. Everything is 5 stars, the interiors, the service, the food!!! Don’t even hesitate, and book without doubt."

Stay connected

@Xanadu_Villas