Forodhani Gardens: The Definitive Guide to Stone Town Night Market

Forodhani Gardens is the gastronomic heart of Stone Town and one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Stone Town. Zanzibar. This beachfront park transforms every night into a bustling street food market where locals and tourists mingle to enjoy the best Swahili flavors under the stars. If you are looking to sample authentic Zanzibari cuisine in a unique setting, Forodhani Gardens Zanzibar is your place. In this complete guide I tell you everything: what to eat, how much it costs, what time to go and all the practical tips to make your experience perfect.

What is Forodhani Gardens and why is it so special?

Forodhani Gardens is a historic park located on the waterfront of Stone Town, right in front of the Indian Ocean and next to the Arab Fort. During the day, it is a quiet park where locals stroll and children play. But when the sun goes down, Forodhani Gardens is completely transformed into Zanzibar's most famous street food market.
What's special about Forodhani is not just the food (which is exceptional and very cheap), but the whole atmosphere. Imagine dozens of stalls lit by gas lamps, smoke from the grills filling the air with spicy aromas, vendors hawking their specialties, Swahili music playing in the background, and the waves of the Indian Ocean just a few meters away. It is a complete sensory experience that captures the essence of Zanzibar better than any fancy restaurant.
In addition, Forodhani Gardens is one of the few places in Stone Town where you will see as many locals as tourists. It is not an artificial tourist trap, but an authentic place where Zanzibari families come to dine on weekends. This mix of authenticity and accessibility is what makes it a must-see.

History of Forodhani Gardens: from colonial gardens to gastronomic icon

Forodhani Gardens was opened in 1936 to commemorate the silver jubilee of Sultan Khalifa bin Harub. The original name was "Jubilee Gardens", although locals have always known it as Forodhani (Swahili for "harbor" or "wharf"), because of its location next to the old port of Stone Town.
For decades, the gardens served as an elegant recreational space for Stone Town's elite, with ornamental fountains and manicured paths. Over time, however, they fell into some neglect. It wasn't until 2009 when the Aga Khan Trust for Culture funded a major restoration that returned the gardens to their former splendor and established the modern infrastructure we see today.
The tradition of the night food market is more recent than many people think. It began informally in the 1980s, when a few vendors began setting up makeshift stalls at dusk. Over the years, it was organized until it became the gastronomic institution it is today. Today, according to UNESCOForodhani Gardens, which declared Stone Town a World Heritage Site, Forodhani Gardens is an example of how historic public spaces can be adapted to contemporary uses while maintaining their cultural value.

What to eat at Forodhani Gardens: must-try specialties

This is the part everyone is waiting for. Forodhani Gardens offers an incredible variety of Zanzibari street food, and here I tell you what you must try:

Zanzibar Pizza: the undisputed star of forodhani gardens

The famous Zanzibar Pizza is the most popular dish at Forodhani Gardens, although I will tell you that it has nothing to do with Italian pizza. It is more like a kind of stuffed and fried crepe that the vendors prepare in front of you with a show included.

How it is doneThe vendor spreads very thin dough on a hot griddle, adds your chosen filling (minced meat, chicken, vegetables, egg, cheese, onion), folds the edges into a square package and fries it until crispy. Then cut it into squares to make it easy to eat.

Varieties:

• Salada: With meat, egg and vegetables
• Sweet: With banana, chocolate, honey or Nutella (perfect for dessert).
• Mixed: Combination of savory ingredients

Price: 3,000-5,000 Tanzanian shillings (1.20-2 USD)

My adviceOrder a savory one with meat and a sweet one with banana and chocolate. The combination is perfect.

Seafood kebabs: freshness straight from the ocean at forodhani gardens

Skewers (mishkaki in Swahili) are the second most popular dish. The seafood is caught the same day and grilled in front of you.

What to try in forodhani gardens:

• Tiger prawnsHuge, juicy and with a touch of swahili spices.
• Octopus: Tender and tasty, marinated in lemon and garlic
• SquidSoft and perfectly roasted
• SwordfishWith a meaty texture, ideal if you are not a big fan of seafood.
• TunaFresh and slightly spicy

Prices of forodhani gardens:

• Prawns: TSh 2,000-3,000 per skewer (US$ 0.80-1.20)
• Octopus/Squid: 1,500-2,500 TSh (0.60-1 USD)
• Fish: 1,000-2,000 TSh (0.40-0.80 USD)

Important advice for forodhani gardensPrices may vary. Some vendors try to charge tourists more. Ask the price BEFORE they start cooking. The prices I mention are the standard prices paid by locals.

Urojo (Zanzibar soup): the hidden treasure of forodhani gardens

Many tourists overlook Urojo, but it is one of the most delicious and authentic dishes at Forodhani Gardens. It is a spicy soup made with beef broth, coconut milk, tamarind, potatoes, and served with crispy bhajia (lentil fritters) on top.

Price: 1,500-2,500 TSh (0.60-1 USD)

It is comforting, spicy (but not too spicy), full of flavor and perfectly balanced. If you want to try something that real Zanzibaris eat, Urojo is a must.

Freshly squeezed sugarcane juices at forodhani gardens

Between all that seafood and fried food, you'll need something to drink. Fresh juices are the best option:

Sugar cane juice with ginger and lemon: Refreshing and energizing (1,000 TSh / 0.40 USD)
Tropical fruit juice: Mango, pineapple, passion fruit, always fresh (1,500 TSh / US$ 0.60)
Coconut water: Direct from the coconut, served cold (2.000 TSh / 0,80 USD)

Other dishes worth trying at forodhani gardens

• Chips Mayai: Basic but delicious tortilla chips (2.000 TSh)
• Samosas: Fried triangles stuffed with meat or vegetables (500 TSh each)
• Mkate wa kumimina: Zanzibari traditional fried bread (1.000 TSh)
• Mandazi: African doughnuts, perfect with tea (500 TSh)

Actual prices at Forodhani Gardens: how much you will spend

One of the best things about Forodhani Gardens is how inexpensive it is. With 10-15 USD you can feast on a full feast sampling several dishes. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Light dinner (5-7 USD):

• 1 Zanzibar Pizza
• 2-3 seafood skewers
• 1 fresh juice

Full dinner (10-15 USD):

• 1 Zanzibar Pizza salty
• 1 Zanzibar Sweet Pizza
• 4-5 assorted skewers
• 1 Urojo
• 2 juices
• Samosas or mandazi for dessert

Feast to share (20-25 USD for 2 persons):

• 2 Zanzibar Pizzas
• 10 assorted skewers
• 2 Urojo
• Juices
• Various desserts

As you can see, it is incredibly cheap compared to tourist restaurants where a meal can easily cost 30-40 USD per person.

Hours: when to go to Forodhani Gardens

Night market hours in forodhani gardens: Every day from 18:00 to approximately 23:00

Best time to go a forodhani gardens:

• 19:00-19:30: The stalls are already set up, there is a good atmosphere but it is not crowded. It is the ideal time.
• 20:00-21:00: Maximum activity, more people, more atmosphere, but also more queues at the popular stalls.
• After 21:30: It starts to calm down, some stalls begin to close if they run out of food.

Days of the week in forodhani gardens:

• Friday and Saturday nights are more crowded (many locals come for dinner).
• During the week it is quieter but with the same offer.

During the day: The park is open but there is no food market. You can stroll around, sit under the shade of the trees or watch the children jump into the water from the pier.

How to get to Forodhani Gardens

Forodhani Gardens is in the heart of Stone Town, right in front of the sea and next to the Arab Fort. It is practically impossible to miss.

From your hotel in Stone Town

If you are staying at any point in Stone Town, you can walk there in less than 10 minutes. Stone Town is small and Forodhani is one of the main landmarks. Ask for directions to "Forodhani" or "the Fort" and any local will point you in the right direction.

From outside Stone Town

By cab: From the airport (15 km) about 25-30 USD. From the eastern beaches (Paje, Jambiani) about 50-60 USD.
By dala-dala: Local minibuses to Stone Town stop nearby. Ask for "Darajani" (the main market) and from there walk 5 minutes to the sea.
Landmark: It is right in front of the Old Arab Fort, one of the largest and most recognizable buildings in Stone Town.

Practical tips for enjoying Forodhani Gardens

- Negotiate price before in forodhani gardens

Some vendors inflate prices for tourists. Always ask the price BEFORE they start cooking. If it seems excessive, compare with other stalls. Locals pay the prices I mentioned above.

- Choose crowded posts in forodhani gardens

The most popular stalls have a queue for a reason: the food is better and fresher. If you see a stall full of locals, it's a good sign. High turnover means fresh ingredients.

- Try several posts on forodhani gardens

Don't get married with the first position. Each seller has his or her specialty. Take a complete tour of the market before deciding. Some are better with pizzas, others with kebabs.

- Food safety at forodhani gardens

Although Forodhani Gardens is generally safe, be aware:

• Choose stalls where you see food being cooked in front of you at a high temperature.
• Avoid seafood that looks like it has been out of the refrigerator for a long time.
• If you have a sensitive stomach, be careful during the first few days.
• Fresh juices are safe (they are squeezed in front of you).
• Zanzibar Pizza is very safe (everything is fried at high temperature).

- Carry cash in shillings at forodhani gardens.

Almost no stall accepts cards. You will need cash in Tanzanian shillings. There are ATMs nearby, but it is best to arrive prepared. With 20,000-30,000 TSh (8-12 USD) you will have more than enough.

- Forodhani gardens is not a place to sit comfortably.

Forodhani Gardens is authentic street food. There are a few benches, but most eat standing or sitting on the small wall by the sea. Come in comfortable, casual clothes.

- Forodhani gardens is best without very young children.

The environment is safe but chaotic, with lots of people, smoke from the grills and little space. If you are traveling with young children, it can be overwhelming. With older children (8+ years old) it will be an adventure they will enjoy.

Frequently asked questions about Forodhani Gardens

Is it safe to eat at Forodhani Gardens?

Yes, it is generally safe. Thousands of people eat there every week with no problems. Choose stalls with a lot of turnover and where you see food cooked at high temperatures.

Are there vegetarian options at forodhani gardens?

Yes, although limited. You can order meatless Zanzibar Pizza, vegetable samosas, bhajia (fritters) and some salads. Seafood is the star, but it is not impossible to eat vegetarian.

Is it possible to bargain in forodhani gardens?

It is not very common to haggle over food, but you can (politely) say if a price seems excessive. Knowing the standard prices helps.

Are there public restrooms at forodhani gardens?

Yes, there are public restrooms in the gardens. The condition is basic but acceptable. Entrance fee: 500 TSh.

Is Forodhani gardens accessible to people with reduced mobility?

The park itself is flat and accessible, but the night market is quite crowded, which can make wheelchair movement difficult.