Zanzibar Spice & Night Market: Cooking & Street Food Tour

Zanzibar , Tanzania

Zanzibar Spice & Night Market: Cooking & Street Food Tour

Active

4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

What makes this Zanzibar Spice & Night Market Tour unique is its combination of hands-on cultural experiences and local culinary immersion:

Spice Farm Exploration: You’ll visit the Tangawizi Spice Farm, where you don’t just see spices—you experience them. Learn about their use in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine, and taste fresh tropical fruits directly from the farm.

Interactive Cooking Experience: Unlike most food tours, you get to learn how to cook iconic dishes like Zanzibar pizza and Urojo from local chefs, adding an authentic, hands-on element to the tour.

Vibrant Night Market Visit: The tour culminates with a visit to the Forodhani Night Market, where you can sample an array of local street foods and witness the island’s bustling food culture under the stars.

This unique blend of spice discovery, cooking, and sampling authentic street food sets it apart from typical Zanzibar tours.

Available options

Zanzibar Spice & Night Market: Cooking & Street Food Tour

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Fruits ( Pine apple + Coconut + Mangoes + Water Melon etc)

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Zanzibar Spice & Night Market Tour: Cooking, Flavors, and Culture

Embark on a flavorful adventure starting at 3:00 PM with a visit to Tangawizi Spice Farm, where you’ll learn about Zanzibar’s renowned spices, taste fresh tropical fruits, and discover how these spices are used in local cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. The farm tour will conclude by 5:00 PM.

At 6:00 PM, we’ll head to the lively Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to cook Zanzibar pizza and Urojo (a traditional Zanzibar soup). Then, indulge in a variety of street foods, from grilled seafood to savory snacks, and immerse yourself in the local culinary culture.

Highlights:
Tangawizi Spice Farm: Explore, taste, and learn about Zanzibar’s spices and tropical fruits
Forodhani Night Market: Cook Zanzibar pizza and Urojo, then sample local delicacies
Join us for a delicious evening of culture, cooking, and unforgettable flavors!

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We pick all travelers for free of charge on Stone town. Fore tose who stay outside we will meet at kelele square or we can arrage transport by additional charges.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. This semi-autonomous region of Tanzania offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Top Attractions

Stone Town

The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant markets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Prison Island

A small island known for its giant Aldabra tortoises and historical significance as a former slave prison.

Historical/Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and boat ride)

Nungwi Beach

One of Zanzibar's most famous beaches, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Full day Free to access, activities vary

Jozani Forest

Zanzibar's only national park, home to the rare Red Colobus monkey and diverse birdlife.

Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and guide)

Kizimkazi

A historic village known for its ancient mosques and dolphin tours.

Cultural Half day Moderate (dolphin tour fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Urojo

A spicy Zanzibari soup made with cassava, potatoes, and sometimes meat or seafood, served with coconut and chili sauce.

Snack Vegetarian option available

Coconut Rice

Rice cooked with coconut milk, often served with fish or meat.

Main Vegetarian option available

Zanzibar Pizza

A local street food item made with a thin, flaky pastry filled with eggs, meat, and vegetables, cooked on a griddle.

Snack Customizable to dietary preferences

Biriyani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables, influenced by Indian cuisine.

Main Vegetarian option available

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Island hopping Spice tours Dolphin tours Beach relaxation Sunset cruises Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the island.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swahili, English
Widely spoken: Arabic, Indigenous languages
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Use common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport • 5 km from Stone Town

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Useful for reaching popular destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Stone Town Nungwi Kendwa Jambiani

Day trips

Pemba Island

100 km • Full day to overnight

Known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and spice plantations, Pemba Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Chumbe Island

12 km • Full day

A small island known for its coral reef sanctuary and lighthouse, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Mafia Island

150 km • Overnight

Known for its remote beaches, excellent fishing, and whale shark sightings, Mafia Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Festivals

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) • July Mwaka Kogwa • July Zanzibar Carnival • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Hire a local guide for spice tours and historical sites to gain deeper insights.
Visit the Forodhani Gardens night market for a taste of local street food.
Book a sunset cruise for a romantic and memorable experience.
Explore the island's diverse regions, from the bustling Stone Town to the serene beaches of Kendwa and Jambiani.