Besides the niche and exotic blend of Persian, Arab and Indian cultures in the island, most of Zanzibar’s population are Muslim. Because of that, some places do not sell alcoholic drinks but you are welcome to bring your own. At The Rock, like in many other restaurants they decided to update this service. Their list of wines – South African wines are highly recommended but also French wines are available – and beverages may enhance your culinary choice at this point.

Grilled Lobster Vegetables cooked in curry sauce. © The Rock

Historically, Zanzibar was well-known entrepôt in the spice trade. Furthermore, Zanzibar’s archipelago became known as the “Spice Islands”: clove, cinnamon, cumin, saffron, ginger, red curry and cardamom were trade here and still are. All other East African coastal centres were subject to it and almost all trade passed through here. Therefore, food is tasty flavoured with all these spices. Some popular ingredients are coconut milk, vanilla and curry sauce. The mix of these flavours enriches seafood, making the culinary experience very enjoyable and a very “Zanzibar-like” experience. Some great examples are different lobster stews or prawns flavoured in coconut milk.

Queen prawns lightly flavoured with coconut milk. © The Rock

The long and the short of it is that the southeast coast of Zanzibar is the most relaxed area of the island, tourist development is low-key and beaches can be longer than 10 kilometres, so in case you happen to bump into someone – a part from some Italian tourists who visit the area more assiduously – they will be some of the ladies collecting seashells or seaweed, some of the fishermen hunting around or some kids playing football on the powdery white sands.

Photo: Victor Moreno

Go to Zanzibar and enjoy, not necessarily in this order, a culinary experience at The Rock, sunshine, blissful beaches, mangroves, monkeys, dhow cruises, sailing in outriggers, kitesurfing, dolphins, and beach huts with delicious ready made juices and pretty cheap beer from the local breweries. You will appreciate every little bit.

THE ROCK RESTAURANT
Address: Michamvi Pingue, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Opening Hours: 12:00 – 22:00
Tel: +255 776591360
booking@therockrestaurantzanzibar.com
https://www.therockrestaurantzanzibar.com