When visiting Stone Town, nothing beats a hands-on Swahili cooking class to understand the island’s rich spice heritage. Local instructors teach traditional recipes while explaining the cultural significance of Zanzibar’s signature spices and ingredients.
The best classes start with morning spice farm tours where you’ll learn about cloves, cardamom, and other aromatics that make this cuisine unique.
We especially like Mango Travel & Tours‘ intimate classes – they keep groups small and include everything from market visits to personalized cooking stations. Their guides are knowledgeable, transportation is reliable, and they even throw in drinks with your meal.
Check out these top cooking classes that showcase authentic Zanzibari flavors and techniques.
Good To Know
- Zanzibar Cooking Class and Spice Farm Private Tour offers a hands-on cooking class focused on Swahili cuisine with visits to a spice farm, cacao, and vanilla plants.
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class provides a 5-hour guided experience in Zanzibar City with a visit to a spice farm and cooking class for Swahili dishes.
- Zanzibar Spice Farm and Cooking Class offers a private setting to learn about Zanzibar’s diverse spices and a cooking process that includes a delicious lunch.
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class includes a visit to a local spice farm and a cultural cooking class, with a delectable lunch and private vehicle transportation.
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson builds on the immersive spice farm tour experience, featuring a menu of regional specialties and an accessible venue.
Spice Tour and Cooking Class (Local Food)
Embark on an immersive culinary journey with the Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Nungwi, Tanzania.
Learn the traditional cooking methods of Zanzibar while picking fresh ingredients at the local spice market.
The class culminates in a hands-on cooking session where you’ll prepare a sample menu featuring spice rice and various local dishes.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor the flavorful meal, accompanied by local beverages.
This private tour is perfect for travelers seeking alternatives to standard restaurant dining and an opportunity to explore Zanzibar’s vibrant food culture.
At $155 per group of up to 2 people, it’s a value-packed culinary adventure.
Read our full review: Spice Tour and Cooking Class (Local Food) Review
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Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili Food Test ] and Spice Farm Private Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary adventure can partake in the Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili Food Test] and Spice Farm Private Tour.
Offered by Mango Travel & Tours Ltd, the 4.5-star rated experience includes lunch, private transportation, and alcoholic beverages. Guests enjoy a hands-on cooking class showcasing Swahili cuisine, as well as visits to a spice farm, cacao, and vanilla plants.
Though the cooking setup may differ from promotional images, reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide Amina and the enjoyable culture.
Travelers should note the early 9 AM start time, bring cash for tips and purchases, and be ready 10 minutes before departure from their hotel.
Read our full review: Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili Food Test ] and Spice Farm Private Tour Review
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5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar
This 5-hour guided experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, offers travelers an immersive culinary adventure.
Led by an English or French-speaking local guide, the tour takes guests to a spice farm, where they’ll learn about the island’s rich spice heritage.
Participants then head to a cooking class, where they’ll prepare a menu of Swahili dishes, including fragrant pilau rice, coconut-infused plantains, and a tasting of seasonal tropical fruits.
Lunch is provided, and transportation to and from hotels is included.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, this hands-on experience provides an intimate and authentic look into Zanzibar’s vibrant food culture.
Read our full review: 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar Review
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Mnemba Dolphin Tour, Cooking Class, Spice Tour, Horseback Riding
Visitors to Zanzibar have the opportunity to enjoy a diverse array of experiences, from observing playful dolphins off the coast to learning the intricate culinary traditions of the island.
The Mnemba Dolphin Tour allows travelers to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, while the Cooking Class and Spice Tour provide a deeper understanding of Zanzibari cuisine and culture.
For those seeking adventure, the Horseback Riding option offers a unique way to explore the island’s landscapes.
With private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive amenities, these tours provide a well-rounded and convenient experience for visitors to Zanzibar City.
Read our full review: Mnemba Dolphin Tour, Cooking Class, Spice Tour, Horseback Riding Review
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Zanzibar Spice Farm and Cooking Class
Exploring the vibrant flavors of Zanzibar’s culinary heritage, the Zanzibar Spice Farm and Cooking Class offers visitors an immersive experience in the island’s rich spice culture.
The 4-star rated tour, priced from $60 per person, provides a private, intimate setting where participants can learn about Zanzibar’s diverse spices and try their hand at local cooking.
While the cooking process is limited, the tour includes a delicious lunch, transportation, and all fees.
Travelers should note the expected tipping at various stations, which has been noted as a downside by some.
Read our full review: Zanzibar Spice Farm and Cooking Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class
Embarking on a captivating journey through Zanzibar’s spice-infused culinary heritage, the Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class immerses visitors in the vibrant flavors and traditions of the island.
At a price ranging from $75, this private tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a visit to a local spice farm, a cooking class showcasing Zanzibar’s cultural cuisines, and a delectable lunch.
Travelers are transported in a private vehicle, with entry fees, bottled water, and a professional tour guide included in the package.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most participants and conveniently located near public transportation in Zanzibar City.
Read our full review: Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Zanzibar Cooking Lesson
The Zanzibar Cooking Lesson builds upon the immersive spice farm tour, offering travelers a hands-on opportunity to explore the island’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Located in Zanzibar City, the lesson features a menu that showcases regional specialties, including the decadent ndizi za nazi dessert and two main dishes: plain rice with kingfish and the aromatic pilau kuku.
Included in the experience are lunch, private transportation, and all fees. Travelers will be picked up from their hotel lobby at 9:00 am and can enjoy the accessibility of the wheelchair-friendly, stroller-accessible, and public transportation-nearby venue.
With a private tour and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this cooking class provides a personalized, flexible, and authentic taste of Zanzibar.
Read our full review: Zanzibar Cooking Lesson Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Zanzibar offers a variety of cooking classes showcasing its rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re interested in learning traditional Swahili dishes or exploring the island’s renowned spices, there’s a class to suit your taste. With hands-on experiences and knowledgeable instructors, these classes provide a unique opportunity to learn about the vibrant flavors of Zanzibar’s cuisine.