Learning to cook Swahili food will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey. This authentic experience begins with a visit to the local market, where you will have the opportunity to learn how the local people source their food products and ingredients to prepare their daily meals. Strolling through the stalls filled with colours and aromas will allow you to discover a wide variety of spices, fresh fruits, vegetables, and freshly caught fish—fundamental elements of Zanzibar’s cuisine. Here, you will be able to interact with local vendors, learn about the most commonly used ingredients, and personally select those that will be used in the cooking class.

The second part of this culinary journey will take you through the preparation and cooking process that makes Zanzibari cuisine unique. Under the guidance of an expert chef, you will participate in creating a traditional Zanzibar menu, which will include typical Swahili dishes such as Pilau rice, prepared with an aromatic blend of spices; chicken or seafood cooked in concentrated coconut milk, which provides a smooth and creamy flavour; and other dishes that reflect the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the island. In addition, the chef will teach you how to prepare a typical Zanzibar dessert, allowing you to explore the sweetness of local flavours.

As you progress in the preparation of these dishes, you will learn traditional culinary techniques and secrets of Swahili cooking that have been passed down from generation to generation. This workshop will not only enable you to master traditional Zanzibari recipes but also to understand the culture and history behind each dish. At the end of the class, you will enjoy a delicious meal that you have prepared yourself, sharing the fruits of your labour with the other participants. This culinary experience is a perfect opportunity to take home a piece of Zanzibar and its traditions, savouring every moment of this enriching adventure.