Zanzibar might win you over with its sunsets and spice-scented air, but don’t underestimate what’s in your glass. The island isn’t just a feast for the eyes and the plate; it knows how to quench your thirst too or raise your body temperature when needed. Whether you’re strolling through Stone Town, baking under the sun in Kendwa, or just looking for something with a bit of kick, these drinks will take your Zanzibar experience up a notch.
Here are the island’s signature sips you have to try:
1. Sugarcane Juice with Lime & Ginger: Fresh. Raw. Absolutely essential. You’ll spot vendors pushing sugarcane through squeaky metal rollers right on the street. What comes out is a glass of green-gold goodness, usually spiked with a bit of lime and ginger for balance. It’s sweet, zesty, and ice-cold; a classic Zanzibar cool-down after a hot afternoon.
2. Spiced Coffee or Tea (Kahawa or Chai): You don’t come to Spice Island and skip the spices. Team coffee and team chai get their fix respectively; with a spice rich coffee and tea. Served in tiny cups with big flavor, this is the drink of conversations, early mornings, and lazy evenings.
3. Tangawizi: Made from grated ginger, sugar, lemon, and sometimes a surprise dash of chili or clove, Tangawizi is the drink you never knew you needed. It wakes you up, cools you down, and gives your taste buds a little dance. Perfect for those who want a kick without the alcohol.
4. Dafu (in plural “madafu”) – Fresh Coconut Water: Beach day? Hydrate like a local. Dafu; young green coconut is served straight from the shell with a straw and, if you’re lucky, a view of the ocean. It’s nature’s answer to electrolytes, and when you’re done drinking, you can scoop out the soft jelly-like flesh inside. Some vendors even offer lime or salt to give it a twist. Simple. Pure. Iconic.
5. Tamarind Juice: Sweet, Sour, and Addictive. Locally known as ukwaju, tamarind juice is a tangy treat with a flavor that dances between sweet and sour. Served chilled, it’s the kind of drink that surprises you at first sip and keeps you coming back for more. Street vendors and local restaurants often have it on the menu.
Need help planning your Zanzibar escape? We’ve got you. From food trails to sunset sips, we’ll make sure you taste the very best of the island.
Interested to know more about Zanzibar and tourism in Tanzania, sign up for live sessions where talk about these stuff: https://forms.gle/ctR8aQ3s73Fug2Ts6
Zanzibar Commission for Tourism Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors ZATI
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