Food and Shopping in Tanzania
Tanzanian cooking draws on ingredients and traditions from across East Africa and centuries of trade along the Indian Ocean coast. On the mainland, maize, rice, beans, plantains, cassava and meat form the basis of many dishes. Along the coast and on Zanzibar, coconut, seafood and spices feature prominently, with Indian, Arab and Persian influences evident in dishes such as pilau and biryani.
Safari lodges and camps serve a mixture of Tanzanian and international food, and many include regional dishes on their menus. In Arusha and Dar es Salaam, restaurants range from contemporary Tanzanian cooking to Indian, Middle Eastern and international cuisine. In Stone Town, Swahili food reflects Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean history, with fresh seafood, coconut and spices central to many local dishes. You can also cook with a local host or visit one of Zanzibar’s spice farms to see how cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and other spices are grown and used.
Makonde carvers from southern Tanzania are renowned for their intricate work in wood, and the distinctive Tingatinga style of painting originated in Dar es Salaam in the 1960s. Brightly patterned kangas frequently carry a Swahili proverb or message, and striped kikois have strong associations with the coast. Maasai beadwork and handwoven baskets are found in other parts of the country. Tanzania is also the world’s only commercial source of tanzanite, the blue-violet gemstone mined in the Mererani Hills near Kilimanjaro.
In Arusha, you will find galleries, craft centers and tanzanite specialists; Dar es Salaam has artists’ cooperatives, workshops and large markets. Stone Town’s shops and markets sell textiles, carved wood, spices, jewelry and locally made crafts. Buying directly from artists, craftspeople and community projects gives you the chance to meet the people who made the pieces and learn about their work.
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Opening Hours in Tanzania
Opening times vary between independent shops, markets and larger retail centers. Many shops open during the morning and trade into the late afternoon or early evening, with malls and supermarkets staying open later. Markets tend to be busiest earlier in the day. In Stone Town and other visitor areas, craft and souvenir shops commonly remain open into the evening.
Dining Hours in Tanzania
Breakfast at hotels and safari lodges is usually early, particularly when you are leaving for morning game drives. Lunch is commonly served around midday, with dinner from early evening onwards. Restaurants in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Stone Town stay open later. Safari camps and lodges normally have set or broadly defined meal periods based around daily activities.
Paying in Tanzania
The Tanzanian shilling is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants and shops, and ATMs are available in towns and cities. Cash in Tanzanian shillings is useful for smaller shops, markets and local purchases. Ask for a receipt when buying higher-value items such as jewelry, art or substantial carvings.
Tax-Free Shopping in Tanzania
Tanzania does not currently have a general tourist VAT-refund system comparable with those available in some other countries, so VAT paid on normal retail purchases cannot generally be reclaimed at the airport. Licensed duty-free retailers operate under separate rules. Keep receipts and documentation for valuable purchases, particularly tanzanite, jewelry, art and items that may need to be declared when you return home.
What to Buy in Tanzania
Tanzanite is found only in Tanzania, mined in the Mererani Hills near Kilimanjaro. Its color ranges from blue to violet, and stones are sold loose or set into jewelry. When buying tanzanite, choose an established jeweler or licensed dealer and ask for documentation confirming the stone’s authenticity.
Makonde carvings come from a long carving tradition associated with the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Animals and human figures are common subjects, alongside intricate ujamaa carvings, with interlocking figures representing family, ancestry and community.
Tingatinga painting began in Dar es Salaam in the 1960s with the work of Edward Saidi Tingatinga. Strong colors, bold outlines and stylized animals and birds are characteristic of the style, now closely associated with Tanzanian art.
Kangas are colorful printed cotton cloths, traditionally sold in pairs, with many designs incorporating a Swahili proverb or message. Kikois, the striped woven cloths associated with the Swahili coast, are another practical purchase.
You will also find Maasai beadwork and baskets woven from grasses and other plant fibers. In Zanzibar, look for cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper, along with spice blends, tea and coffee. Workshops, cooperatives and community projects are good places to buy directly from local craftspeople.
Frequently Asked Questions
What traditional Tanzanian dishes should I try?
Ugali, nyama choma, mishkaki, pilau and chipsi mayai are found widely on the mainland. On the coast and Zanzibar, look for seafood, coconut-based curries, biryani and urojo. Mandazi and kashata are popular sweeter choices.
What are the best things to buy in Tanzania?
Tanzanite, Makonde carvings, Tingatinga paintings, kanga and kikoi textiles, Maasai beadwork and woven baskets are among the best-known choices. Zanzibar is also a good place to buy locally grown spices and spice blends.
Where should I buy tanzanite in Tanzania?
Arusha is one of the principal places to shop for tanzanite, close to the mining area near Mererani. Buy valuable stones and jewelry from an established dealer and make sure you receive appropriate documentation for the gemstone and your purchase.
Can I bargain when shopping in Tanzania?
Bargaining is part of shopping in many markets and craft stalls, although it is not appropriate everywhere. Prices are normally fixed in malls, supermarkets, galleries and many established shops. When buying directly from an artist or craftsperson, remember that the price also reflects their materials, skill and time.
Can I bring Tanzanian food and crafts home?
Spices, coffee and packaged foods are popular purchases, but import rules depend on your home country. Restrictions can also apply to wildlife products, plants, untreated wood and other natural materials. Check the relevant customs and agricultural rules before buying anything that could be restricted.
Our local expert in Tanzania
How Finest Journeys Enhances Your Food and Shopping Experience in Tanzania
Private guides can introduce you to local restaurants, food markets, artists, craftspeople and community projects during your Tanzania vacation. We can also include cooking experiences, coffee farms and Zanzibar spice visits, with time to shop for locally made pieces; along with traditional food served on your Tanzanian safari.