Zanzibar’s Fun Night Market

For the first time since we arrived in Tanzania, only our breakfasts are part of our trip package. Pius, the man we worked with to plan the trip, said that we would enjoy eating out in Stone Town. There are street food kiosks set up in the park, lots of good restaurants and the food is good.

So, at around 6 pm, we walked the short distance to the Forodhani Gardens and it had transformed into a night food market. Everybody and their brother were at the park - in the water, playing beach soccer, dancing, singing, eating, cooking, and having fun. Even all the city’s cats were out!

A parade of sorts passed us with young men dancing and singing on a truck bed.

A large group of young men brought smiles to our faces as they launched themselves off a seawall and did funny moves in the air before falling into the water. It was really fun to watch!

The night market is a vibrant spot and was full of local Zanzibari street food, which is influenced by African, Arab, and Indian cuisines, including Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, and urojo soup. The market is lively and bustling with tourists and locals, especially around sunset, and is a popular place to get freshly squeezed sugar-cane juice.

We all got chicken shawarmas for dinner. The bits of meat that fell out of our wraps were quickly gobbled up by the cats.

At another stand, we watched as a father and son made Nutella, banana and mango crepes. They were a delicious treat!

Apparently the night food market is on every night. No home cooking needed in this heat!Read more