Mamas of Zanzibar: Unique Cultural & Culinary Experience

Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle of Zanzibar and indulge in delicious traditional cuisine with Mamas of Zanzibar. Experience a non-touristy, authentic, and engaging cultural adventure!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • V6X8+CP5 - 09:00 Arriving + Greet and Meet
    09:15 Menu Introduction + Day Routine
    09:30 Heading to Local Market
    10:15 Back at Pishi HQ to prepare for cooking
    10:30 - 11:30 Prepare cooking Items + Cooking Classes
    11:30 - 12:00 Free time as we arrange for lunch + Explore the neighbourhood + Discover the boutique Shop + Henna Painting
    12:15 Lunch Time
    13:00 End of lunch + Experience End

Go to our website for other experience choices and better rates.

**day may not go as above planned as classes depend on the group stories and extra fun activity may pop up :)

Karibu Tena

What's Included
  • Authentic hands-on training by a traditional Zanzibari woman
  • Finish with a delightful home-cooked lunch
  • Complimentary glass of juice included
  • Explore the local fish market
  • Take-home easy-to-follow recipes
  • Variety of drinks available
  • Tasty snacks provided
What's Not Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
Meal Options
  • Fresh Fish - Fish from the local market
  • Grounded Cassava Leaves in Coconut - Served with Rice
  • Sweet Banana in coconut
Additional Information

Ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the native lifestyle of Zanzibar, bonding with the charming locals and savouring the mouth-watering Island dishes? Hope for an authentic and less commercialized Zanzibar adventure?

Welcome aboard to Mamas of Zanzibar :-) Here, we reveal a side of Zanzibar which is typically untouched by travellers - a community life that’s genuine, sanitary, enjoyable, tasty and family-friendly.

We’re a bunch of enthusiastic Zanzibari women, thrilled to offer a glimpse of our daily way of life and our rich culinary heritage. You’ll receive hands-on training in cooking traditional Zanzibari food at our homes, while learning about it.

We are happy to accommodate vegetarians and make provisions for special dietary needs.

Karibu Kupika - Time to Cook!

*Kindly refrain from taking away pictures without permission from your Mamas!

Location
V6X8+8H Zanzibar
Our Home. Enter the road to Ngalawa Hotel at Meli Nane. Follow the dirt road past the bump, on the first turn, go right. Head down the small slope, right infront there is a house with a red gate. Please call us when you reach here to come collect you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(35 Ratings)
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784juliettea
Jul 19, 2024
Highly recommended experience ! - We loved the Mamas of Zanzibar experience! The Mamas were all very welcoming and friendly. After having been dressed in traditional clothing we went to the local market to get the ingredients needed for cooking the dishes. Back at the kitchen we had coffe and snacks and we prepared a lot of tasty dishes that we enjoyed all together later. The food was delicious and the whole experience was so wholesome. The story behing Mamas of Zanzibar is touching and we enjoyed being part of the comunity for a day. Next time we’re in Zanzibar we’ll visit again! Thank you Mamas!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vicki_w
Jul 9, 2024
Wonderful Culinary Experience in Zanzibar - What a fun culinary experience this was. The Mamas were such a joyous bunch of ladies. I enjoyed every minute & great insight into local life plus the food was delicious. Would totally recommend this tour the best tour i did during my stay in Stone Town.
Review provided by Viator
S4465acrachelb
Jul 7, 2024
Wonderful experience - A truly wonderful experience, full of soul and fun. Had a great time going to the market, learning how to use an mbuzi, sharing cooking skills and seeing how women prepare food for their family. Our lunch was one of the tastiest meals we had during our holiday. This community based project directly improves the lives of the women involved. You'll have a memorable time, so do go along.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O3669xuellenb
Jul 1, 2024
Highlight of our holidau - We visited Masket and the Mama's of Zanzibar, and had a lovely morning cooking with them as well as learning about their lives and culture. Masket was happy to arrange for us to be picked up from our hotel, which made things a lot easier for us. When we arrived we received a very warm welcome from the mamas and soon got involved with making chapatis, preparing coconuts and vegetables, and cooking rice and fish dishes. The mamas made us tea, coffee and snacks, which we shared during breaks in the cooking. At the end of the morning we ate lunch with Masket, her family and the mamas. The food was delicious, we'll definitely be making the chapatis at home! Masket shared her and the mamas story, the work they're doing to improve the lives of those in the community is amazing, and it was great to be able to support this. We felt so safe and welcomed throughout the whole time, Masket and the mamas put so much effort into good hygiene and hospitality throughout the class. At the end we bought a khanga with a Swahili phrase on it, which turned out to translate as "marriage can be a livelihood if you manage it" which matched us being on honeymoon! The trip was one of the highlights of our holiday, it was relaxed, we learnt so much from the mamas and really enjoyed being part of an authentic experience. Asante sana!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisaby532yc
Jun 20, 2024
The best cooking class in Zanzibar! - Incredible experience, we were so well received, beyond a cooking class it is a real immersion in the daily life of the Mamas. It was a moment of sharing, authentic, in joy and good humor. I recommend with my eyes closed, thanks again to Mamas of Zanzibar!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valerielenoire
May 21, 2024
The best experience of Zanzibar! - What an amazing experience at Mamas of Zanzibar! We were warmly greeted by a number of mamas and then enjoyed fresh homemade juices. The men were given “kofia” (hats) and the ladies were wrapped in a “kanga” cloth. Then we went together to the local market. Maskat had planned a special menu, but at the market, we first looked at what was fresh to later prepare. The local market was quite an experience, picking out coconuts, fish, vegetables, and fruits. On the way back, we also stopped at her shop for clothing and kanga’s. Once back, we started with a cup of coffee and some sweet treats, and then proceeded to prepare the authentic traditional dishes. From grating coconuts to kneading, rolling, and folding chapatis (delicious!). Then we all enjoyed the dishes together with the mamas. This experience is absolutely recommended for anyone visiting Zanzibar! Mama’s & Maskat, thank you so much for your hospitality and warmth! Asante sana!! ♥️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maria
May 5, 2024
Culturally enriched experience - The Mamas of Zanzibar cooking class is an immersive and delightful experience that stands out as a highlight for any culinary enthusiast visiting the island. Located in the heart of Zanzibar, this class is not just about learning to cook; it's about understanding the soul of Zanzibari cuisine and the community that cherishes it. From the moment the class starts, participants are greeted with the warm, infectious smiles of the local women, known affectionately as the "Mamas," who are not only experts in traditional Zanzibari dishes but also passionate about sharing their culinary heritage. The class often begins with a visit to a local market where the Mamas explain how to select the freshest ingredients, a fundamental step in Zanzibari cooking. This market visit isn't just educational; it's an authentic peek into the daily lives of the island's residents. Back in the kitchen, the Mamas guide participants through the preparation of classic dishes such as biryani, pilau, urojo (Zanzibar mix), and various savory and sweet snacks. The hands-on experience is enhanced by the Mamas' teaching, which is filled with tips, tricks, and personalized attention, ensuring that even novice cooks can follow along. What makes the Mamas of Zanzibar cooking class truly special is the atmosphere of communal dining. After cooking, everyone sits together to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This setting not only allows for a taste of authentic Zanzibari flavors but also fosters a unique cultural exchange. It's a place where stories are shared and friendships are formed, all over delicious, home-cooked meals. For anyone looking to dive deeper into Zanzibar's culture and cuisine, the Mamas of Zanzibar cooking class is a must-do. It offers a rich, engaging, and tasty educational experience that celebrates the culinary traditions of this beautiful island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bobaf96il
Feb 18, 2024
Mamas of Zanzibar... Zanzibar Cooking class! - My wife and I took a cooking class with the Mamas of Zanzibar, a project that helps women in the village secure a better future. They were all so welcoming... from helping us to explore the local market to teaching us how to prepare a coconut to cooking - and eating - a fantastic meal. Kudos to Muscat for putting together such a brilliant activity and Hi! to all the mamas from Bebe and Baba. We will never forget our time spent with all of you, and maybe we can do it again some day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurabholsen
Jan 25, 2024
Recommendable! - Fantastic experience! You really experience the local culture and get an insight into life on Zanzibar among the locals. An experience to remember!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nickandpooja
Jan 11, 2024
One of the most unique Zanzibarian experiences! - Last week my husband and I had the pleasure of cooking with the Mamas of Zanzibar. It was an unforgettable experience - both for its authenticity as well as the warmth and love that the mamas bought to the cooking experience! The day began with shopping for traditional ingredients at the local markets - coconuts, fruits, fresh fish and vegetables - followed by a hands on lesson in cleaning and preparing the ingredients, which also included making coconut milk from scratch - a messy but worthwhile experience :) After a delicious breakfast, we marinated the vegetables and fish and were taught step by step how to cook each of the nine dishes that were to be our lunch for the day! My husband and I learnt a great deal about the carefully balanced flavours that make up Zanzibar cuisine and by the end of the day felt ready to cook our own dishes! We also had the opportunity to learn about local Zanzibarian culture and tradition, as well as the changing attitudes towards gender norms and religious practices. The mamas were patient, kind and incredibly generous with their knowledge and we hope to return again soon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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