Forodhani Night Market
A bustling night market in Stone Town, Zanzibar, offering a vibrant culinary experience with fresh seafood, local delicacies, and the famous Zanzibar ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market comes alive at night
Forodhani Night Market
Best Time
Market comes alive at night
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling night market in Stone Town, Zanzibar, offering a vibrant culinary experience with fresh seafood, local delicacies, and the famous Zanzibar pizza.
"Dive into the vibrant tapestry of flavors at Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town! Each bite is a new adventure."
🎯 Haggle Respectfully
Prices can vary. Politely negotiate, especially if no price list is visible. Locals often get better deals .
💰 Carry Small Bills
Easier for transactions and getting correct change. Avoid large bills if possible .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zanzibar Pizza
Various Stalls
A unique savory crepe filled with meat, vegetables, and egg. A must-try street food experience!
Fresh Seafood Skewers
Seafood Stalls
Succulent grilled fish and prawns, marinated in local spices. Freshly prepared and bursting with flavor.
Sugarcane Juice with Lemon & Ginger
Juice Stalls
A refreshing and invigorating drink, perfect for a warm evening. A local favorite!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Flavors
Navigate with Confidence
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle Respectfully
Prices can vary. Politely negotiate, especially if no price list is visible. Locals often get better deals.
💰 Carry Small Bills
Easier for transactions and getting correct change. Avoid large bills if possible.
🚶♀️ Explore Before You Buy
Wander through the market to compare prices and offerings before committing to a stall.
✅ Stick to Popular Dishes
Zanzibar pizza and shawarma are highly recommended and generally safe bets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle Respectfully
Prices can vary. Politely negotiate, especially if no price list is visible. Locals often get better deals.
💰 Carry Small Bills
Easier for transactions and getting correct change. Avoid large bills if possible.
🚶♀️ Explore Before You Buy
Wander through the market to compare prices and offerings before committing to a stall.
✅ Stick to Popular Dishes
Zanzibar pizza and shawarma are highly recommended and generally safe bets.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Try the fresh sugarcane juice or other local beverages to beat the heat.
📱 Capture the Vibe
The market is incredibly photogenic! Get ready for vibrant sights and sounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Forodhani Night Market is a vibrant and essential Stone Town experience, lauded for its delicious and unique street food like Zanzibar pizza and shawarma. Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to taste authentic local flavors. However, some find certain stalls pushy or overpriced, recommending careful price checking and sticking to popular, transparently priced items.
"It’s a crazy atmosphere but definitely worth the visit. I recommend going with a local to have a nice experience and get to taste for free and find good prices. I do the free walking tour and we end in here. Was the best option, I get to try the sugar cane juice from Zanzibar with Lemon juice and ginger. And I feel safe trying the Zanzibar pizza. They had a price list and the pizza was made in front of me."
Paola Salas
"The Zanzibar pizza and shawarma are 100% recommended! Definitely try them here — the prices are clearly written, so you pay the same as the locals.
For the rest, the experience was not great. Many sellers are very pushy, trying to explain the same skewers over and over. We tried samosas and a falafel at one stall, but they were disappointing and overpriced (no prices displayed, so it feels like they charge whatever they want).
At that stall, we even had a bad experience: they tried to serve us food we hadn’t ordered, and after agreeing on a price of 9k, they suddenly asked us to pay 14k. After some discussion, they accepted the 9k — but when we paid with a 10k bill, they refused to give us the 1k change, claiming it was “for them.”
We also noticed sugar cane juice being quoted at 4k, even though many reviews say it should be 1k.
Conclusion: Go for the Zanzibar pizza and shawarma — they’re cheap, delicious, and transparent in pricing. I’d suggest skipping the other stalls to avoid frustration."
Xavier Navarro
"Okay, so I hit up the Forodhani Market, and you guys, it’s legit! Street food galore, and seriously, everything looked and smelled incredible. What was super cool was how chill the vendors were – not pushy at all, and they gave the same price to everyone, locals and tourists. Total win!
The food? Seriously yum! And the best part? No tummy troubles after! You gotta try the Zanzibar pizza and the Urojo. Trust me. (However I recommend staying away from the grilled meat , because it’s not fresh)
If you wanna dive into the real Zanzibar and aren’t scared of street eats, Forodhani Market is where it’s at. Totally recommend grabbing a bite there!"
Mumtaz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forodhani Night Market is located in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the vicinity. Taxis are also readily available to take you to Forodhani Gardens.
Stone Town is generally considered safe, especially around the popular areas like Forodhani Gardens. However, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit or deserted streets.
Walking is ideal if you're in Stone Town. Otherwise, local taxis are plentiful and can take you directly to Forodhani Gardens. Some guided tours also include a stop at the market.
Ride-sharing apps are not as prevalent in Zanzibar as in larger cities. Taxis are the most common and reliable mode of transport for tourists.
Parking in Stone Town can be challenging due to narrow streets. It's best to rely on walking or taxis to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Forodhani Night Market. It's a public space that transforms into a food market each evening.
The market typically operates every evening from around 6 PM to 9 PM or later, depending on the day and crowd.
No booking is required. You can simply show up and start exploring the food stalls.
Forodhani Gardens is a public park and is free to enter. The food stalls operate independently within the park.
The market starts to get busy shortly after 6 PM and remains lively throughout the evening.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Zanzibar pizza and shawarma are highly recommended. Fresh seafood skewers, samosas, and urojo (a local soup) are also popular choices.
Prices can vary, but popular items like Zanzibar pizza and shawarma are generally affordable, often around 4k-9k shillings. Sugarcane juice is usually around 1k-4k shillings. Always check prices before ordering.
Yes, you can find options like falafel, vegetable samosas, and fresh fruit juices. However, many stalls focus on seafood and meat.
For the most part, yes. Many visitors report no issues. It's advisable to choose stalls with high turnover and visible food preparation. Zanzibar pizza and shawarma are generally considered safe bets.
Most vendors prefer cash, so it's best to have local currency (Tanzanian Shillings) on hand. Some may accept USD, but you'll likely get a better rate with shillings.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, most vendors are happy for you to take photos, especially if you're purchasing food. A smile and a polite request go a long way.
The market is most vibrant in the evening as the lights come on and the cooking begins. Golden hour just before sunset can also offer beautiful light.
Capture the sizzling grills, the colorful array of fruits, the preparation of Zanzibar pizza, and the lively interactions between vendors and customers.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a versatile lens like a 24-70mm would be useful.
Always be respectful. If someone seems uncomfortable with being photographed, move on. It's good practice to ask permission before taking close-up portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the experience smoother, consider visiting earlier in the evening when it might be slightly less crowded. Keep a close eye on children in the bustling crowds and ensure they have easy access to drinks. While most food is safe, sticking to well-prepared dishes like pizza and skewers is recommended. The vibrant sights and sounds will likely captivate younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, compare prices across different stalls before buying. Don't be afraid to politely negotiate, especially if there's no price list. Going with a local can also help you secure better deals. By being mindful of pricing and sticking to popular, well-priced items, you can have a delicious and budget-friendly culinary experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart of Stone Town
+1 The market showcases the rich culinary heritage of Zanzibar, a melting pot of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.Visitors can expect a dazzling array of food stalls, each offering unique local delicacies. The Zanzibar pizza, a savory crepe filled with minced meat, vegetables, and egg, is a signature dish that draws crowds.
While the market is a fantastic experience, it's wise to be prepared. Some travelers note that vendors can be pushy, and prices may not always be transparent.
Navigating the Market: Tips for a Smooth Experience
When it comes to food choices, the Zanzibar pizza and shawarma consistently receive rave reviews for their taste and value.
It's also advisable to carry small denominations of Tanzanian Shillings for easier transactions. While some vendors might accept USD, you'll likely get a better deal with local currency. Staying hydrated is key, and the freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is a perfect way to do so.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit