Vegging out
Organically certified tempeh burgers with vegan mayonnaise and wholemeal pide might be a staple at home, but your menu is certain to change on holiday in Zanzibar. That doesn’t mean you have to head to the meat market, however; the climate provides a bounty of luscious fruits and vegetables, and with the spices available, there is no reason why you should suffer food envy amongst your omnivorous fellow travellers.
Street food like badias (falafel-esque balls), kachori (spicy potato) and the humble urojo soup is an easy option on the run (just ask for ‘bila nyama’ or ‘without meat’). Rice and seafood are the staples here, and most restaurants serve vegetarian curries and soups, rich in coconut milk and aromatic spices. Seasonal fruits and their juices are plentiful.
If you’re lucky enough to catch the season, pick up a slice of bubble-gummy jackfruit, a handful of lychee-like shoki shoki, and the pungent durian. Curious vegetarians are advised to taste oddities like roasted breadfruit (a high-starch fruit with a taste halfway between sweet potato and cashew nut), ndizi ya tembo or elephant banana (a savoury similar to plantain) and cassava chips.
A large portion of Swahili food is vegetarian-orientated to start with, though vegans may have to adjust depending on availability. Many find they are eating vegan food anyway, without having to interrogate the waiters and kitchen staff for the recipe. As a former vegan living in Africa, I suggest that vegans remain calm while ordering and anticipate the arrival of flesh foods onto their table regardless. (It’s always best to keep your sense of humour, even if you’re hungry enough to eat the waiter who handed you the grilled swordfish.)
Ital followers can relax, as halal dietary laws are kept in Zanzibar and pork products are not used. The agricultural practices of Zanzibar’s farmers yield home grown produce - just as close to ‘organic’ food as you’ll get without the certification. Though alcohol is widely available, mocktails and smoothies are almost always on the menu.
Coeliacs may need to carefully consider their diet, especially if they suffer severe allergies. Though rice prevails over wheat-bread in Zanzibar, cross-contamination is more likely as kitchen staff may not be trained to handle the gluten-free requirement. Be sure to inform the manager of your need before you order.
Tell us where to go?
The most exciting veggie options tend to be in town. All of the following have a reasonable amount of choices for non-meat eaters:
Radha Indian Vegetarian
Silk Route
Stone Town Cafe
Mtoni Marine restaurant has some posh veggie options
Forodhani Market
