Stone Town food tour
ZANZIBAR FOOD TOUR - Stone Town has always welcomed the world by sea. For more than a thousand years, merchants crossed the Indian Ocean carrying spices, silk, rice and recipes between East Africa, Arabia, Persia and India. Cloves scented the air, dhows filled the harbour and Swahili cooks quietly created one of Africa's most distinctive cuisines.
Our four-hour evening feast of 14+ tastings explores Stone Town at its most atmospheric, wandering between centuries-old buildings, bustling markets, hidden local eateries and lively waterfront food stalls.
We begin beneath the elegant balconies of the Old Dispensary, one of Stone Town's architectural masterpieces. Built in the late nineteenth century by Zanzibar's wealthy Indian merchant community, its carved timber balconies and intricate stained glass offer the perfect introduction to a city shaped by cultures arriving from every direction across the Indian Ocean.
The first flavours arrive with ngisi wa nazi, tender calamari gently simmered in creamy coconut curry, served alongside smoky grilled chapatis fresh from the griddle. It's Swahili cooking at its finest, where the island's coconuts meet the spices carried here by centuries of maritime trade.
From there we'll disappear into the colourful maze of Darajani Bazaar, where traders have supplied Stone Town for generations. Pyramids of spices sit beside baskets of tropical fruit while butchers, fishermen and vegetable sellers compete for attention in a marketplace that still feels wonderfully unchanged.
Nearby, we'll pause beside the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition, a powerful reminder that Stone Town's extraordinary wealthβand much of its complicated historyβwas built upon the Indian Ocean trading routes. The same networks that carried spices and recipes also carried people, leaving a lasting mark on the city and its culture.
Dinner continues with one of Zanzibar's defining dishes: fragrant beef biryani, where delicately spiced rice reflects centuries of Persian and Indian influence. Alongside come silky bamia la nazi, slow-cooked okra in coconut sauce, and richly stewed aubergines that prove vegetables are anything but an afterthought in Swahili kitchens.
Then we'll pause at Jaws Corner, Stone Town's unofficial living room. Locals gather here every evening over tiny cups of strong coffee to debate politics, football and daily life. We'll join them with crisp, flaky samosas before following the irresistible scent of charcoal down towards the waterfront, where skewers hiss over glowing coals as the Indian Ocean laps gently against the shore.
If the weather is on our side, we'll board a local boat for the short journey across dazzling turquoise waters to Nakupenda Sandbank. Here, fresh snapper is grilled over open flames and served just metres from the sea that supplied it, while catching the sandbank during the golden hour.
Back on the mainland, the evening finishes where every great night in Stone Town should: Forodhani Night Food Market. As grills flare beneath the palms and dozens of vendors compete for hungry crowds, you'll experience one of East Africa's great street food traditions.
Stone Town's greatest stories weren't only written by sultans and merchants. They were cooked, shared and perfected in its kitchens, markets and waterfront stalls, and that's exactly where this tour takes you.
Why this tour is awesome
Stone Town is one of the world's great crossroads, where African, Arab, Persian and Indian influences collide on the plate. Over 14 tastings, you'll trace those centuries-old spice routes through hidden eateries, bustling markets, historic meeting places and the island's legendary waterfront.
From creamy ngisi wa nazi and fragrant biryani to charcoal-grilled seafood, local coffee at Jaws Corner and the electric atmosphere of Forodhani Night Market, this is Zanzibar through the eyes of a local tastemaker. If the weather plays along, you'll even cross by boat to the stunning Nakupenda Sandbank for one of the most memorable dinners on the island.
Your guide
Maryam is Zanzibar born and raised, with a deep love for the islandβs food, culture and colourful history. She loves introducing guests to the flavours she grew up with and the local characters who make Zanzibar such a special place to eat.
Your guide
Muna is a proud Zanzibari who knows the islandβs winding streets, bustling markets and food traditions inside out. Warm and easy-going, she loves sharing the stories behind Zanzibarβs Swahili dishes and introducing guests to her favourite local bites.
Your guide
Rosie calls Zanzibar home and has a passion for the people, flavours and traditions that shape island life. A natural storyteller, she loves taking guests beyond the tourist trail to discover the food and everyday culture of Zanzibar.
Discover Stone Town through 15+ authentic tastings.
Eat at hidden spots beloved by Stone Town locals.
Rich ngisi wa nazi, calamari simmered in fragrant coconut curry.
The food heroes of Zanzibar.
Fragrant biriani ya nyama served with creamy bamia la nazi and tender baby aubergines.
Jaw's Corner, Stone Town's legendary local meeting place.
Taste your way through Zanzibar's favourite street snacks.
Urojo, Zanzibar's famous sweet, sour and spicy street-food mix.
Freshly grilled skewers cooked over glowing beachside coals.
Step ashore on the stunning white Nakupenda sandbank.
Freshly grilled snapper on the shores of Nakupenda sandbank.
Golden hour on the pristine Nakupenda sandbank.
Cruise back to Stone Town as the sun slips below the horizon.
End the evening with tastings at Zanzibar's iconic Forodhani Night Market.
Includes
- Price US $45 per person
- Language English
- Small group Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Tastings 14+ tastings
- Drinks Bottled water and local drinks
- Duration 3pm - 7pm
- Guides Led by one of our superb Zanzibar food hosts
- Cancellation Cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund
- Family friendly Families welcome on all our tours. Children 50% discount.
- Transport Walking tour with boat to sandbank
- Instant confirmation Book now to secure your space (before we sell out!)
- Drop off / pick up Our guests come from all over the city, so to save time we have a meeting point. Your guide can help you find transport back at the end of the tour
Dietary information
- General advice Many local eateries specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Unsuitable as meat and seafood are used in 5-6 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and dairy are used in 6-7 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Pescatarian Unsuitable as meat are used in 5-6 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Pork Suitable for no pork diets
- Halal Suitable for halal diets
- Gluten intolerance / Celiac Unsuitable as wheat is present in 4-5 tastings (out of 14 total)
- Lactose intolerance Suitable as lactose is present in 1-2 tastings (out of 14 total). Note that ghee could be present in more tastings
- Tree nut / peanut allergy Suitable for mild nut allergies. Hazelnuts are in 1-2 tastings (out of 14 total). Peanuts and other tree nuts are not typically present in other tastings
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Suitable for no seafood diets as seafood is used in 1-2 tastings (our of 14 total)
- Severe allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join our Stone Town food tour, use the calendar above to select your preferred date, and secure your tour with your card. For special requests, private bookings, or dietary requirements, please contact us. Safety of our customers is our first priority, so if you have any food allergies, please contact us before booking.
What to expect
This tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food locals eat. Itβs a walking tour, but the pace is gentle, and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way. Join us on the best Stone Town food tour in the city, you won't regret it.
Meeting point
Meet outside the historic Old Dispensary in the old town. It's easy to reach either on foot from many of the hotels in Stone Town, or by taxi. There will be more details on your booking voucher.Β
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
-
99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
-
No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
-
Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps