Part of our Africa Middle East guide.
Three dining guides from our Africa Middle East coverage, each zeroing in on specific restaurants worth your time. Start with Zanzibar’s seafood-heavy scene, move to Aqaba’s family-run kitchens, and finish in Kampala’s street-food corners.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Africa Middle East, Where To Stay In Africa Middle East, Itineraries For Africa Middle East, Middle East Travel Tips In Africa Middle East, Hidden Gems In Africa Middle East, and Getting Around Africa Middle East.
10 Must-Try Restaurants In Zanzibar That Will Surprise You
Zanzibar’s food scene runs on fresh catch and spice plantations. The island’s diverse history—Swahili, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese—shows up in every plate, from octopus curry to coconut-laced rice.
For the best seafood, head to the night market at Forodhani Gardens, where grilled skewers and Zanzibar pizza (a stuffed pancake) appear after sunset. For a sit-down meal, Lukmaan Restaurant in Stone Town serves local staples like biryani and urojo (a tangy soup) at budget prices. If you want a beachside setting, Kendwa’s Rockfish offers catch-of-the-day grilled over open flames—arrive early for a table facing the water.
Don’t skip spice-infused dishes: try pilau rice with cardamom and cloves, or a fresh passion fruit juice to cool down. The island’s Indian influence also means excellent masala chips and samosas at roadside stalls. Each of these ten spots delivers a distinct flavor, but all share one thing: ingredients sourced within a day’s travel of the kitchen.
Aqaba You Need To Try
Aqaba’s location on the Red Sea gives it a natural edge for seafood, but the city’s real draw is its mix of Bedouin and Levantine cooking. These ten hidden gems range from a family-run fish shack near the port to a rooftop grill with views of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Start with a traditional Jordanian breakfast: falafel, hummus, and fresh bread at a local joint like Al-Muhab, then come back for dinner to try their grilled lamb chops. For a lighter meal, head to the downtown market area and order a bowl of lentil soup or a fattoush salad loaded with crispy pita and sumac. The city’s proximity to the desert also means you’ll find dishes like mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt) served on special occasions—ask any local where to get it.
For dessert, look for knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup, at a small shop near the beach. Wash it down with mint tea. Aqaba’s dining scene is casual and unpretentious; most places close by late afternoon, so plan lunch as your main meal. If you’re staying at one of the big resorts, take a short taxi ride into the city center—the food is better and the prices are half what you’d pay at the hotel.
10 Must-Try Restaurants In Kampala You Haven't Heard Of
Kampala’s food scene is a mix of Ugandan staples—matoke (steamed green bananas), posho (cornmeal), and groundnut stew—plus influences from the city’s Indian and East African communities. These ten restaurants are the kind of places locals queue for, but tourists rarely find.
Start with a rolex, a rolled chapati filled with eggs and vegetables, sold from street stalls near the taxi park. For a sit-down meal, try a place like Kampala’s own Faze 3, which serves grilled tilapia with a side of kikomando (beans and chapati). If you’re after something spicier, head to the Indian quarter for a thali or a chicken biryani at a family-run spot.
For dessert, don’t miss a cold glass of passion fruit juice or a slice of banana bread—both are common at local cafes. The city’s night markets, such as the one in Nakasero, are good for trying multiple dishes in one go. Prices are low: a full meal with a drink rarely exceeds 20,000 Ugandan shillings (about $5). Just remember to carry cash—many of the best spots don’t take cards.
