Eating in Stonetown, Zanzibar

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

I am going to Stonetown in Sept. The group I am going with enjoys most cuisines and really likes wine. Three of us are oanmnivores and the fourth is a very cautious, semi-vegetarian eater (no red meat, some poultry and some fish). Our budget leans from moderate to inexpensive comparative to the SF bay area. We enjoy many cuisines except red meat focused. We will be needing lunch and dinners and are staying at 236 Hurumzi.

I guess my first question is regarding these preference what does a moderately priced meal run? Second, does anyone have any suggestions on where to eat? Lastly, any thoughts on Forodhani Gardens? Thanks.

[rogger]

Well, I am from Zanzibar, but now I live in Boston, MA. Forodhani is very beautiful place to go, but it is under construction I hope it will be ready by September, if it is then you can get good food there, especially sea foods, chicken dinner for about $3 a plate, a huge meal. You can get lunch just about everywhere in stone when you go for a walk, and even local restaurants for very good prices. I am just wondering for how long you guys going to be there, because I will be coming in Ocober, 15.
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[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

Thank you for the information. We're going to be there from 9/26-9/29.

[Elsie Eyakuze]

Hi Tracy,
Forodhani gardens might be open by the time you read this. Don't worry too much about the food- Zanzibar is great for seafood and you can find vegetarian dishes as well since meat is expensive to get on the island anyways. One of the best ways to eat is to walk around Stone Town and go to the first place that catches your fancy- this is a tourist island with a strong local eating-out culture, you really will not get stranded for choice. Prices will be cheaper than you are used to in the US, especially if you avoid the restaurants that are targeted to Westerners and quote in dollars (not the best food to be had anyways). Zanzibaris are incredibly gracious as well- ask your tourguide/cab driver/concierge/handler etc where to get some good eats and they will likely take you somewhere awesome, especially if you emphasize the fact that you aren't afraid to encounter real African food. And if it is cooked by a cantankerous, creased old Zanzibari grandma who only speaks to you in fast and derisive Kiswahili, be prepared to have your mind and tastebuds blown to heaven. Good luck, and enjoy.

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

Thank you all. We liked Forodani a lot, nice views and interesting nightlife. We loved seeing all the families convene. I ate about 3 big crab claws, they were sweet, moist and succulent and a little smokey tasting. My friends were less impressed with their choices but thought I made the best choice of all after sampling mine. We had dinner one night at the Tower Top, it was average. My friends made the reservations so I didn't have a lot of choice. We took a spice tour w/ lunch which I really enjoyed. Nice fresh flavors and abundant fruit! I plan to return some day, I loved the people and the area.