If you’re staying in one of our beautiful self-catering villas in Paje, you’ll soon discover that life here moves to a slower, more authentic rhythm. Unlike major cities with supermarkets on every corner, Paje has no malls or big grocery stores. Instead, visitors enjoy the charm of shopping at the local market, meeting friendly vendors, and discovering the fresh, flavourful ingredients that make meals in Paje so special.

Shopping for Fresh Ingredients in Paje

The heart of meals in Paje begins at the local market. Here, you’ll find stalls overflowing with tropical fruits, freshly caught seafood, aromatic spices, and vegetables straight from nearby farms. Expect to shop the Zanzibari way — with baskets full of fresh produce, a smile, and perhaps some friendly bargaining.

A few essentials to pick up before cooking your own meals in Paje:

• Fresh fish or prawns straight from the fishermen on the beach in the morning.

• Coconut milk, either freshly grated or canned (ask for “nazi”).

• Rice, plantains, and cassava — local staples that make up most Zanzibari dishes.

• Local spices such as cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom — the same ones that earned Zanzibar its “Spice Island” nickname.

• Seasonal fruits like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit for desserts or smoothies.

Cooking Local Dishes in Your Villa

One of the joys of self-catering accommodation in Zanzibar is the freedom to experiment in your own kitchen. Meals in Paje often combine African, Arab, and Indian influences, creating rich, flavourful dishes that are easy to make. Below are five simple local recipes you can try during your stay.

1. Coconut Fish Curry

Ingredients: Fresh fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, curry powder, and coriander.
How to make:
Sauté onions and garlic, add chopped tomatoes and curry powder, then pour in coconut milk. Add fish pieces and simmer until tender. Serve with rice or chapati.

2. Zanzibar Pilau

Ingredients: Rice, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, onions, and beef or chicken.
How to make:
Fry onions and spices until fragrant, add meat, and brown slightly. Stir in rice and water, then cook until the rice is fluffy and aromatic. A true classic when it comes to meals in Paje.

3. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)

A popular street food from Stone Town but loved everywhere.
Ingredients: Gram flour soup, boiled potatoes, cassava, chutney, and crispy bhajias.
Layer ingredients in a bowl and pour the tangy soup over. Add a squeeze of lime for the perfect balance of spice and sourness.

4. Fried Plantains

Ingredients: Ripe plantains and coconut oil.
Slice plantains diagonally and fry until golden. They’re perfect as a snack or a side to your meals in Paje.

5. Octopus in Coconut Sauce

Ingredients: Fresh octopus, garlic, coconut milk, and turmeric.
Boil the octopus until tender, then simmer it in coconut milk with garlic and turmeric. This creamy, flavour-packed dish is pure Zanzibar on a plate.

Tips for Eating in Paje

While many visitors love to prepare their own meals in Paje, there are plenty of local eateries worth exploring. Most restaurants and beach cafés offer simple but delicious menus featuring seafood, grilled meats, and fresh tropical juices. Here’s what to expect:

• Simple settings, incredible flavours. Don’t be surprised if your favourite meal comes from a small beach shack rather than a fancy restaurant.

• Freshness is key. Many spots serve the catch of the day — literally caught just hours before it hits your plate.

• Local timings. Meals might take longer to prepare, but that’s part of island life. Relax, sip a coconut, and enjoy the view.

• Respect local customs. Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so modest dress and polite behaviour are appreciated when shopping or dining in town.

Experience Meals in Paje Your Way

Whether you’re experimenting with spices in your villa kitchen or tasting street food under a palm tree, meals in Paje offer a window into Zanzibar’s culture. Cooking your own meals connects you to the island’s people and traditions — turning every dish into a memory of flavour, warmth, and community.

So shop local, cook fresh, and enjoy every bite of your meals in Paje.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meals in Paje

1. Are there supermarkets in Paje?

Not really. Paje doesn’t have large supermarkets or shopping malls. Most visitors buy ingredients from the local market or small roadside shops. This makes preparing meals in Paje a more authentic, community-based experience.

2. Can I find vegetarian or vegan options in Paje?

Yes! Many local dishes and restaurants naturally cater to vegetarians and vegans. Dishes like vegetable curries, coconut rice, and fried plantains are delicious staples of meals in Paje.

3. Where can I buy fresh seafood in Paje?

Head to the beach early in the morning to meet local fishermen returning with their catch of the day. It’s the best way to enjoy the freshest fish for your meals in Paje.

4. Are local markets open every day?

Yes, most local markets are open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It’s best to shop early for the best selection of ingredients for your meals in Paje.

5. Is it safe to eat street food in Paje?

Absolutely — just choose vendors that are busy and prepare food fresh in front of you. Street food like urojo (Zanzibar mix) is a delicious and authentic part of meals in Paje.

6. Can I find international restaurants in Paje?

Yes. While traditional meals in Paje are the highlight, there are also restaurants offering Italian, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes, especially along the beachfront.

7. What time do people usually eat in Paje?

Lunch is typically served around 1–2 pm, and dinner around 7–8 pm. However, many beach cafés stay open later, especially for tourists enjoying relaxed evening meals in Paje by the ocean.