Tanzania offers an abundance of delicious restaurants that combine local and international flavors, from casual street vendors to luxurious dining establishments – there is sure to be something perfect for every diner in Tanzania!
Swahili cuisine embodies its vibrant history. Aromatic curries and fragrant rice dishes pair with succulent seafood dishes and delectable mandazis (triangular doughnuts).
The Tribe
Tanzanian cuisine offers an incredible variety of flavors and ingredients, making for an experience to remember whether enjoyed under the tent flaps of a safari vehicle or served up at one of Stone Town’s many restaurants. Tanzania’s culinary delights will no doubt astonish you.
Tanzania’s national dish is Ugali, made with corn flour, semolina or sorghum flour mixed with water, often eaten without using utensils unless prefered otherwise. Ugali serves as the vehicle for various meat stews and sauces to be added onto it for flavorful dishes such as beef stew or sauces from other cuisines. Ugali can often be enjoyed using just your hands but utensils can always be provided if preferred.
Tanzania boasts an abundance of banana-based dishes, which thrive in its tropical climate. Fried plantains, roasted green bananas and banana soup (a popular breakfast-time choice) are all delicious offerings made up of bananas. Don’t miss nduzi samaki from Chagga tribe living at Kilimanjaro base who offer this delectable combination of meat with cooked green bananas as part of their traditional cuisine!
Tanzania restaurants are generally accommodating of visitors’ special dietary needs. Travelers who are gluten-free will have no trouble securing a meal that satisfies them as both ugali and rice are gluten-free options, while others can easily be accommodated through simple requests such as switching out chicken for beef.
The Grand Restaurant
Grand Restaurant is a dining destination that showcases Tanzanian culture with an authentic dining experience. Their diverse menu offers both traditional Tanzanian dishes and international fare made with fresh ingredients to give each dish its distinctive flavor, as well as vegetarian-friendly options to satisfy every palette. Not to mention their attentive staff that provide top-tier service that completes this incredible dining experience!
The Grand Restaurant is an ideal venue to share an enjoyable meal with family and friends. Offering comfortable seating arrangements that can accommodate small as well as large groups, its tasteful decor combines modern aesthetics with local charm for an enjoyable dining experience.
The food at Grand Restaurant is amazing and the prices are moderate; making it one of the best dining spots in Tanzania. Situated in Dar es Salaam’s bustling heart, this eatery is famous for its delectable dishes bursting with flavor sourced locally, while their staff strives to deliver top-tier service.
Samaki Samaki
Samaki Samaki in Oyster Bay is an exciting culinary destination that captures Tanzanian culture through delicious meals like grilled fish and tantalizing curries, as well as live music performances and themed nights. Additionally, its attentive staff will happily suggest dishes tailored to individual diner preferences or pair local beverages with them for optimal dining experiences.
This restaurant, whose name translates to ‘fish fish,’ specializes in fresh seafood. Guests may dine indoors or on its outdoor terrace that overlooks Dar es Salaam streets and enjoys inviting Tanzanian hospitality while its diverse menu boasting vegetarian offerings makes this an excellent option for all travelers.
Carlos Bastos Mella, better known by his nickname – Kalito – is behind Tanzania’s flourishing restaurant chain. After moving there in 2004 and falling instantly in love with its culture, his passion helped revolutionize food and beverage services throughout Tanzania and continue inspiring many. His dedication and go-getter spirit continue to influence and motivate many around him.
Restaurants within this chain each have a distinct identity with carvings, paintings and interior designs that reflect their surroundings’ culture. Furthermore, these restaurants are famous for offering five types of bread with nine dipping sauce options as part of an extraordinary bread service experience.
