Every evening, as the sun goes down over the harbour, the Forodhani Gardens on the Stone Town waterfront turn into an open-air food market. Rows of stalls light their grills and pile up skewers of fish, octopus, prawns and lobster, while vendors fold and fry Zanzibar pizza, a crisp, stuffed pancake with sweet and savoury fillings, and ladle out urojo, the tangy turmeric-yellow soup also called Zanzibar mix. Sugarcane is crushed to order with lime and ginger. It is one of the great street-food scenes of East Africa, but it helps to know what to order, what a fair price is and which stalls are good, which is where a guide comes in. This page links to an evening walk on Viator, rated 4.6 by forty travellers, that starts at the Old Fort, wanders through the Darajani Bazaar and then spends a long stretch at Forodhani tasting the specialities, with a drink at the Africa House sunset bar along the way.
How it works: the walk is run by Zanzibar Local Experience. It starts at 18:00 at the Old Fort on Mizingani Road, or with pickup from your Stone Town hotel, and lasts about three hours. It visits the Darajani Bazaar for about an hour and then the Forodhani Gardens for around two hours. Food tastings and dinner at the market, one drink at the Africa House, and all fees are included; alcoholic drinks are not. Free cancellation runs until 24 hours before.
What you taste: Zanzibar pizza, urojo soup, shawarma, fresh sugarcane juice and spiced tea or coffee, plus grilled seafood at the market. Tell the guide about any allergies or if you do not eat seafood, as there are plenty of other choices.
Making the most of it: arrive hungry. Stick to freshly grilled food and drinks made in front of you, and carry small notes in Tanzanian shillings. Dress modestly, as this is a family gathering place as much as a tourist sight, and expect it to be quieter during Ramadan.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening walk through the Darajani Bazaar and a long tasting session at the Forodhani Gardens night market.
Best time
Any evening outside Ramadan, starting at dusk when the grills are lit and the waterfront is lively.
How long
About three hours.
Tips
Arrive hungry, mention allergies or dietary needs, carry small shilling notes and stick to food grilled in front of you.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and first-timers who want to eat well at Forodhani without the guesswork.
- Families
- Children usually love Zanzibar pizza and the lively waterfront, and the pace is easy.
- Couples
- A fun, atmospheric evening with a sunset drink and dinner under the trees by the sea.
- Pair with
- The Stone Town guided walk in the morning.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
What is Zanzibar pizza?+
It is a thin dough folded around fillings such as egg, minced meat, vegetables and cheese, or sweet fillings like banana and chocolate, and fried on a griddle. It is the signature dish at Forodhani.
What time does the food tour start?+
It starts at 18:00 at the Old Fort, or with pickup from your Stone Town hotel. It lasts about three hours.
Is dinner included?+
Yes, food tastings and dinner at the Forodhani market are included, along with one drink at the Africa House. Alcoholic drinks are extra.
Is the Forodhani night market safe to eat at?+
Most visitors eat there happily; choose freshly grilled food and drinks made in front of you. A guide helps you find the reliable stalls.
Is the market open during Ramadan?+
The market still operates but is quieter and focused on the evening meal after sunset. Check with the operator if your trip falls during Ramadan.
