Top 10 Seafood Dishes To Try In Zanzibar Island

Top 10 Seafood Dishes To Try In Zanzibar Island , Tanzania : The Zanzibar Archipelago, located 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, is a breathtaking place to get away from it all. You’ll find clear, turquoise-blue water, shallow sandbars ideal for wading, and a slew of small, nearly deserted islands that are rarely visited by tourists. Explore Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or simply walk from beach to beach between tiny fishing villages, each one better than the last.

The Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar is renowned for its delectable and fresh seafood. It is not surprising that seafood plays a significant role in Zanzibar cuisine given the abundance of fish and seafood available in the Indian Ocean. We’ll give you a detailed overview of Zanzibar’s top seafood dishes in this post.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON ZANZIBAR SEAFOOD?

Here are the common seafood in the Zanzibar Islands:

  • Octopus
  • Crabs
  • Lobsters
  • Squids
  • Prawns
  • Clams
  • Oysters
  • Calamari
  • Rays
  • Eels Fish
  • Seaweed
  • Fish: red snapper, tuna, kingfish, and barracuda

THE BEST SEAFOOD DISHES TO TRY IN ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar Seafood Platter:

In some restaurants and hotels in Zanzibar, this seafood dish is a favorite. The dish typically consists of a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, calamari, lobsters, prawns, and crabs, all of which have been perfectly grilled or fried. The platter might also come with a side dish like rice, chips, or salad. It is renowned for its flavor, which is fresh and flavorful with a hint of Swahili spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

Grilled Fish:

Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are used in the marinade for the fresh fish before it is grilled over an open flame. Especially in beach areas, it is frequently served with rice, vegetables, or French fries.

Octopus Curry:

In Zanzibar, octopus is a common seafood, and curry is a delicious way to eat it. The octopus is prepared in a flavorful curry sauce that combines coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and additional spices. The curry can be eaten with Chapati, ugali, or rice.

Prawn Curry:

Zanzibari Prawn Curry, a spicy and flavorful dish made with prawns cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with a blend of local spices and vegetables, is one of the most well-known prawn dishes in Zanzibar. Prawn skewers and fried prawns are two additional popular prawn dishes in Zanzibar.

Crab Soup:

Crab meat, coconut milk, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices are simmered together to make a rich, creamy soup that is both comforting and flavorful. They can also be cooked without removing their shells.

Grilled Lobster:

The best seafood in Zanzibar is available at the hotel or during excursions like Mnemba Snorkeling or Blue Safari. In addition, many seafood eateries in Zanzibar that are located by the beach serve grilled lobster. Common accompaniments for grilled lobsters include rice or grilled vegetables, as well as a number of dipping sauces like garlic butter, lemon juice, or chili sauce.

Top 10 Seafood Dishes To Try In Zanzibar Island
Grilled Lobster

Zanzibar Fish Curry:

A fiery curry dish that is served with rice and Chapati and is made with any type of fish, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a mixture of spices. Tuna, Merlin, Mahi-Mahi, and a variety of snapper are the fish most frequently served.

Grilled Calamari:

With a side of garlic butter, lemon wedges, and some herbs, tender calamari tubes and tentacles are grilled and served. It is typically served with rice and French fries at Blue Safari.

Seafood Paella:

What about seafood paella? This tests is also available In Zanzibar. However, you cannot order it at the neighborhood eatery. Instead, you can place a resort order. A Spanish-inspired dish called seafood paella is made with rice, fish, prawns, mussels, and calamari and cooked with Zanzibar spices and a saffron-infused broth.

Fish Kebabs:

Fish cubes are marinated in a mixture of spices, skewered, and cooked over an open flame. Chutney and coconut rice are served on the side. You can order it from your hotel; local restaurants do not offer it.

 WHERE CAN I EAT SEAFOOD IN ZANZIBAR?

Here are our best picks for the best seafood restaurant in Zanzibar:

  • Fisherman’s Seafood & Grills, Nungwi
  • The Rock Restaurant, Michamvi
  • Cape Town Fish Market Restaurant
  • Emerson Spice, Stone Town
  • The Island Restaurant, Pongwe
  • Sexy Fish Restaurant, Nungwi

FAQS ABOUT SEAFOOD IN ZANZIBAR

What Types of Seafood Are Commonly Found in Zanzibar? The seafood on offer in Zanzibar is diverse and includes octopus, squid, prawns, lobster, crab, tuna, snapper, and many other kinds of fish.

How is seafood typically prepared in Zanzibar? In Zanzibar, seafood is frequently grilled, fried, or stewed with spices and coconut milk. Fish biryani, lobster on the grill, and seafood curry are a few popular dishes. Japanese restaurants can be found in Stone Town if you’re interested in sushi.

Is it safe to eat seafood in Zanzibar? Yes, eating seafood in Zanzibar is safe. However, it’s crucial to make sure the seafood is prepared correctly and is fresh.

Are there lobsters in Zanzibar? Yes, there are a ton of lobsters available for purchase at seafood markets or for delivery from hotels or nearby restaurants.

What are the big fish in Zanzibar? Merlin, sharks, Dorado, and big yellow-fin tuna are a few of the large fish that can be found in Zanzibar.

CONCLUSION

Seafood plays a significant role in Zanzibari cuisine, and there are a variety of other delectable seafood dishes to try. Fresh seafood and a variety of Swahili flavors and textures are available for island visitors to sample.