Weather :

Tags : Street Food & Drinks

Timing : Open 24 hours

Entry Fee : Free

Night Market Timing : 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Time Required : 1 hour

Street Food Cost : No item at the night market costs more than $4

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Also Refered As:

Forodhani Park /Jubilee Gardens / Night Market

Forodhani Gardens, Zanzibar Overview

Forodhani Gardens, also known as Jubilee Gardens and Forodhani Park, is a small park in Stone Town, Zanzibar, with a nice view of the Zanzibar harbour. When the sun sets, it becomes a lively open-air food market, attracting both locals and tourists who come to enjoy a variety of Swahili and Zanzibari street foods.

During the day, life around Forodhani Gardens is laid-back. People take a casual stroll along the seawalk, displaying the diverse cultures and cuisines of Zanzibar. As you walk along the seawalk, you can explore historical sites like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. In the evening, the atmosphere changes, and Forodhani Gardens becomes a lively food market, offering a dynamic experience for everyone. The famous Zanzibar Pizza is a must-try.

Must Know Before You Visit Forodhani Gardens

Night Market Tips for Forodhani Gardens :

  1. Bring Cash and Bargain: Have Tanzanian shillings on hand and be ready to negotiate to get a fair deal on street food.
  2. No Alcohol Allowed: Remember, alcohol isn't allowed in Forodhani Park. If someone offers you a beer, it's a scam. Head to nearby bars for drinks.
  3. Watch for Pickpockets and Scams: The night market attracts crowds and pickpockets. Keep belongings safe, carry small cash, and be wary of scam waiters.
  4. Handle Pushy Vendors: Some vendors can be persistent. Politely decline if not interested to avoid hassles during the evening.
  5. Check Food Temperature: Make sure street food is well-cooked, especially grilled seafood. Confirm it's served at the right temperature.
  6. Agree on Prices Upfront: Negotiate and settle the price before ordering to prevent surprises. This helps avoid overpaying for snacks or meals.
  7. Order from Stalls, Not Touts: Stick to ordering food directly from the stalls to ensure authenticity and fair prices, avoiding touts.
  8. Eat Local Favorites: Look for stands with long queues to try local specialities like Urojo, chipsi mayai, pilau, cow soup, and chipsi with mishkaki. Don't miss fresh pressed sugar cane juice.

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Must-Try Foods at Forodhani Gardens Night Market

  1. Grilled Seafood and Skewers: Grilled seafood and seafood skewers with lobsters, crabs, octopus, shrimp, scallops, fish, and more—fresh flavours from the Indian Ocean.
  2. Zanzibar Pizza: A local favourite - it's a thin, crispy crust filled with various delicious ingredients.
  3. Urojo Soup (Zanzibar Mix): A flavorful soup with potato balls.
  4. Ndizi Choma (Grilled Plantains): Grilled plantains that strike a perfect balance between sweetness and smokiness—a popular local choice.
  5. Chicken Shawarma: A well-seasoned street food combining chicken with tasty condiments.
  6. Drinks - Sugar Cane Juice and Madafu (Coconut Water): Drinks like Sugar Cane Juice and Madafu (coconut water) provide a cool break in the lively atmosphere of the night market.

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