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Tanzania Cooking Class: Traditional Food Journey
5.0
39 Ratings
Arusha
Discover Tanzania’s culinary secrets with a market tour and cooking class. Shop, cook, and savor traditional dishes like Ugali and Pilau.
Discover Tanzania’s culinary secrets with a market tour and cooking class. Shop, cook, and savor traditional dishes like Ugali and Pilau.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Arusha - Clients will first visit the central food market for a 30-minute tour before proceeding to the cooking lesson. This market is an excellent spot for travelers to immerse themselves in Tanzanian local life, offering a variety of local foods, mostly sourced from within the country, with a small percentage being imported. Visitors will have…
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Arusha - Clients will first visit the central food market for a 30-minute tour before proceeding to the cooking lesson. This market is an excellent spot for travelers to immerse themselves in Tanzanian local life, offering a variety of local foods, mostly sourced from within the country, with a small percentage being imported. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the charming and friendly locals. With the guidance of our knowledgeable guide, they will explore and learn about the different foods available and their traditional uses, ensuring a comprehensive market experience.
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Sanawari - Following the market tour, clients will head to the Sanawari area, which is a bit further from the central market. Here, they will gain insights into Tanzanian culture and traditions and experience a popular form of public transport from the central market to Sanawari. Sanawari is the destination for the cooking class, where clients will meet their chef. The cooking lesson will focus on the local foods selected for the day.
What's Included
- Pickup and Drop-off at your hotel near the city center
- Guided tour in the central food market and cooking class lesson
- Local Kitchen for great experience about Tanzania how we cooked daily
- Cost for shopping the ingredients, fresh from the market
- Normal and common transport where local we use often to shopping in the market
- Meals after cooking…
- Pickup and Drop-off at your hotel near the city center
- Guided tour in the central food market and cooking class lesson
- Local Kitchen for great experience about Tanzania how we cooked daily
- Cost for shopping the ingredients, fresh from the market
- Normal and common transport where local we use often to shopping in the market
- Meals after cooking is for the traveler and all who participate can have it for Lunch or Dinner
What's Not Included
- Drinks (Water, Soda, or beer is not included) but on the way our guests can buy it.
- Tips (Not must, but traveler can tips according to the satisfaction of the tour)
- Spice from the market
- Drinks (Water, Soda, or beer is not included) but on the way our guests can buy it.
- Tips (Not must, but traveler can tips according to the satisfaction of the tour)
- Spice from the market
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural experience of Tanzanian cuisine, starting from selecting fresh ingredients at the market to preparing a delicious meal that lets you savor the flavors like a local. Once you book, you will receive a confirmation via WhatsApp or email. On the day of the tour, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha city…
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural experience of Tanzanian cuisine, starting from selecting fresh ingredients at the market to preparing a delicious meal that lets you savor the flavors like a local. Once you book, you will receive a confirmation via WhatsApp or email. On the day of the tour, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha city and take you to the vibrant food market for an exciting tour. After exploring the market, the guide will introduce you to various local foods, and you can choose two dishes for a cooking lesson. Following a brief shopping trip, you’ll head to a location where a local chef will guide you through a cooking lesson. Please note that the kitchen setup is authentically local to enhance your experience. After cooking, you’ll enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, with the option to take some food away. Our guide will then return you to your hotel, marking the end of the tour.
Location
Arusha
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(39 Ratings)
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754gotzone
Jun 11, 2025
We Cooked Ugali, Local Vegetables, and Banana Plantain – A Heartwarming Experience! - From the moment we met our local hosts at the at our hotel, I knew this was going to be more than just a cooking class. They greeted us with such warmth and immediately started sharing stories about the city — its history, how it's changed over the years, and even little local secrets you wouldn't get from a guidebook. It felt like being welcomed by old friends.
The market tour was a highlight on its own. We walked through colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and ingredients I’d never seen before. Our hosts explained everything — how to choose the best cassava, what makes local greens taste the way they do, and even gave us tips on how to recreate some flavors back home. The interactions with vendors were genuine, and it felt like we were part of the community, not just passing tourists.
Back at the cooking space, it was all hands-on. We learned how to cook ugali from scratch — a simple but incredibly satisfying dish. The locals showed us the right consistency and tricks to stir it just right (and it’s definitely a workout!). Then came the local vegetables, which were full of flavor, sautéed with fresh spices and a touch of something special I still can’t quite describe but loved. Finally, we made banana plantain, sweet and savory at once — the perfect finish.
But beyond the food, it was the conversations that stuck with me. We talked about everything — family, culture, even local music and politics. It wasn’t scripted or rushed. We shared a meal together like old friends, laughing and connecting across cultures.
I walked away not only full but full-hearted. I truly felt like I experienced a piece of the city that most travelers don’t get to see. If you’re looking for something real, local, and full of flavor (in every sense of the word), don’t miss this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
4600jennifer
Jun 6, 2025
The best local experience. - Tanzania food is delicious, we had a nice moment and spent our time with the locals, who showed us the food market and also the cooking class, we didn't expect such an amazing experience.
We had the pleasure of booking this experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
760alicia
Jun 4, 2025
Great walking in the food market, with super session of Tanzania Cooking class - We had an amazing time in Arusha with our guide Jack and super nice greetings and briefing of what is ahead of the experience that was prepared for us.
The Arusha food market is amazing and super, and always smells of the fresh ingredients. The people in the markets are friendly, nicer and they are welcoming in kindness. Jack explained to us a lot and how they use it in Tanzania daily life the food that we found and after the market they drove us to the home where the lesson of cooking happened there. We met a chef who knows so much about Tanzania food, after the cooking class we stayed down and had lunch together.
This is one of the experiences that will stay in our heart.
Without hesitation for anyone who wants a local experience, this tour is the best option.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K6683nomonical
Jun 1, 2025
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience in Arusha with Israel - Our cooking class in Arusha was truly one of the highlights of our time in Tanzania. The experience began with an eye-opening tour of the local food market, led by our guide, Israel, whose knowledge and passion for Tanzanian cuisine and culture were immediately apparent. He walked us through the vibrant market stalls, explaining the uses and significance of various local ingredients — from exotic fruits and spices to different types of grains and vegetables. It wasn’t just a walk-through; we interacted with local vendors, tasted some items, and learned how important food is to daily Tanzanian life.
After the market tour, we headed to the cooking class, where everything we had just seen in the market came to life. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, and we got hands-on with preparing traditional dishes. With guidance from Israel and the cooking instructors, we learned step-by-step how to make classic Tanzanian recipes — from chopping and grinding spices to cooking over open flames. What stood out the most was how interactive and genuine the whole experience felt. We weren’t just observers; we were part of the kitchen, sharing stories, laughs, and of course, the food we made together.
By the end of the day, we not only had a full stomach but also a deep appreciation for Tanzanian food culture. Israel’s insight and friendly nature made the day both educational and incredibly enjoyable. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Arusha — it’s more than a cooking class, it’s a cultural journey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luganog2025
May 29, 2025
More than just a cooking class, it's true local experience - From start to finish, this experience was beyond exceptional. Our guide and chef was not only incredibly friendly and welcoming, but also deeply knowledgeable about Tanzanian culture and cuisine. What made this class so special was that it wasn’t just about cooking – it was a full cultural immersion. We started the day by heading to the local market, where our guide walked us through the colorful stalls, introducing us to fresh ingredients, spices, and local produce we had never seen before. His explanations were insightful, and he helped us interact with the vendors, making us feel like part of the community instead of just visitors.
After the market, we drove to the cooking class location, where we were warmly welcomed and set up in a cozy, open-air kitchen. The chef was incredibly patient and enthusiastic, teaching us step-by-step how to prepare traditional Tanzanian dishes from scratch. From chopping and grinding spices to cooking over fire, every moment felt authentic and hands-on. We made dishes like ugali, pilau, and fresh coconut beans – and the best part was sitting down together at the end to enjoy the delicious meal we had created.
This wasn’t just a cooking class; it was a beautiful exchange of culture, laughter, and flavors. If you're visiting Arusha and want to connect with the real Tanzania, do not miss this experience. It's 100% genuine, thoughtfully guided, and one of the most memorable parts of our trip. Highly, highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
967penny
May 28, 2025
A perfect blend of Culture, Food and Fun! - We had an awesome and incredible time while on this tour -- easily is one of the highlights of our trip in Arusha and Tanzania.
The experience started when our guide James came to pickup at our hotel and gave us a briefing of the day literally. James was very knowledgeable, friendly and easy to be around.
The Arusha Central food market is a great and true local fresh food market, we learned many new things going through the market, we had a chance to buy the ingredients in the market with James that is super experience and then the cooking experience was perfect!
We made 3 different local delicious dishes, with our Chef Juliana who was guiding us for cooking class, she knows much about Tanzania food and culture, with her we felt blessed to have in our tour of cooking class.
We enjoyed a delicious meal that we cooked with our support from team of James and Juliana.
This a true local experience and from the market, the kitchen is really local and we feel to enjoyed local experience and not anymore touristic.
If you are trying to decide on a cooking experience don't pass with this one up! You will be much happier to make the decision
Review provided by Tripadvisor
23451tuscano
May 27, 2025
A Real Taste of Tanzania with Nelson - Spending the day with Nelson exploring the local market and learning to cook traditional Tanzanian dishes was one of the most genuine and enjoyable experiences we’ve had while traveling. From the moment we started the tour, it was obvious how connected Nelson is to his city—he seemed to know every vendor, every ingredient, every story behind the spices and produce. Walking through the market with him felt like being shown around by a local friend who genuinely wanted us to understand not just the food, but the culture behind it. He explained how different ingredients are used in everyday Tanzanian cooking, and how they tie into local life and history. Later, during the cooking class, he was patient and engaging, guiding us through each step while sharing personal insights and traditions. It wasn’t just about making food—it was about experiencing a way of life. We walked away not only full and happy but also feeling like we’d really gotten to know a piece of Tanzania through Nelson’s eyes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
9980dan
May 24, 2025
A Truly Authentic Tanzanian Cooking Experience! - From the moment we were picked up from our hotel, the experience was seamless and welcoming. The transfer was punctual and comfortable, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. Our guide Jack was warm, knowledgeable, and made us feel at home right away. The highlight of the day was learning to cook traditional Tanzanian dishes with the incredible Chef Nayma, who guided us with such passion and patience. The class was hands-on, fun, and full of flavor—an authentic taste of Tanzanian culture. This is more than just a cooking class; it’s a heartwarming cultural journey. Highly recommend booking with this amazing team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
456louis
May 19, 2025
A true delicious taste of Tanzania food and best food market experience - From the moment we were picked up at our hotel, our day of immersive Tanzanian culture began with warmth and excitement. Our guide, James, greeted us with a welcoming smile and a passion for sharing his heritage. He led us to the bustling heart of Arusha—the Central Food Market. This wasn’t just a walk through a market; James took the time to explain the origins and uses of countless ingredients, from exotic spices to fresh produce, revealing layers of culture behind every aroma and texture. We weren’t just observers—we were participants, tasting, smelling, and learning about the roots of Tanzanian cuisine through the people who grow and sell it.
After the market tour, we were taken to a charming outdoor kitchen space, where we met our chef, Name, whose enthusiasm was contagious. The cooking class was hands-on, interactive, and deeply personal. We prepared two traditional Tanzanian dishes—both chosen for their cultural significance and rich flavors. The chef guided us through each step, sharing personal stories and techniques passed down through generations. The scent of simmering spices and freshly chopped herbs filled the air as we cooked, laughed, and learned together.
Sitting down to enjoy the meal we had just prepared felt like a true celebration. Each bite was not only delicious but carried the story of the ingredients, the people, and the land. This wasn’t just a cooking class—it was a profound and joyful connection to the heart of Tanzania. It’s a memory we will carry for a lifetime, and we can’t thank James, Name, and the team enough for this incredible experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Corrinamatthews
May 22, 2025
Wonderful traditional experience - This cooking class is a total traditional experience. Don’t expect a kitchen with bench tops and sinks let alone a stove. We cooked in a room with a low table two charcoal burners and a gas burner, a couple of large tubs and basic implements. Having said this Naima was amazing. Very organised and expert cooking skills. The timing of the huge meal we cooked was impeccable and it all came together in the end so well. I would have to say that it was one of the most delicious meals we have had so far in Tanzania.Israel was a wonderful guide in the markets and the food we purchased was so fresh and tasty.
Highly recommend this class for a truly traditional experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
