Dar es Salaam is a city where the aroma of sizzling grills and freshly fried treats fills the air—especially after sunset. Whether you’re a local resident, a member of the Tanzanian diaspora coming home, or a leisure traveler eager to taste real Swahili flavors, the city’s vibrant street food scene is unforgettable.
Dar es Salaam is a city where the aroma of sizzling grills and freshly fried treats fills the air—especially after sunset. Whether you’re a local resident, a member of the Tanzanian diaspora coming home, or a leisure traveler eager to taste real Swahili flavors, the city’s vibrant street food scene is unforgettable.
Staying at the Amariah Boutique Hotel & Apartments puts you just steps away from the best bites in town. Here’s your guide to must-try Dar es Salaam street food —plus one special dish you can enjoy right at the hotel.
Juicy skewers of marinated beef or chicken, brushed with spicy sauce and grilled over open flames. Pair them with a cold soda or fresh coconut water for the ultimate late-night treat.
Where to find it: Street vendors around Mikocheni, Upanga and Msasani are famous for smoky, flavorful mishkaki.
The country’s classic maize meal, served with beef stew, vegetables, or fried fish. Simple, filling, and authentically East African.
Tip: Try it at small neighborhood cafés near Mbezi Beach for a hearty lunch after a morning at the shore.
Crunchy lentil fritters seasoned with garlic and spices, perfect with a cup of spiced chai from a roadside tea stall.
Tip: These crispy lentil fritters can also be found in places where they sell urojo also known as the iconic zanzibar mix.
Golden, flaky pockets filled with spiced meat or vegetables. Best enjoyed hot from evening vendors nearly in every bakery or coffee shop in Mikocheni, Masaki or Upanga.
A tangy turmeric-based soup with potatoes, fritters, and tamarind—an explosion of coastal flavors for adventurous eaters.
Crispy fried cassava sprinkled with salt and lime. Ask for a drizzle of **pili pili** hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Smoky, slightly sweet corn roasted over hot coals and brushed with saltwater or coconut milk—perfect for a Coco Beach sunset walk.
A Northern Tanzanian specialty made from green bananas slow-cooked with beef or chicken until creamy and rich.
Where to enjoy it: While you can find mtori at select food stalls, **Amariah Boutique Hotel & Apartments proudly serves this comforting dish in-house**, so you can taste authentic Tanzanian flavors without leaving the hotel.
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When you choose Amariah Boutique Hotel & Apartments, you’re not just booking a room—you’re placing yourself at the heart of Dar es Salaam’s street food culture. Our locations in Mikocheni, Bahari Beach, and Mbezi Beach are surrounded by local markets, night vendors, and neighborhood cafés where you can sample these treats just minutes from your door.
From smoky mishkaki to comforting mtori, Dar es Salaam street food is a feast for all senses. Book your stay at the Amariah Boutique Hotel & Apartments and discover a world of authentic flavors.
Looking for a stay that’s stylish, convenient, and genuinely welcoming? Book your next visit with Amariah Hotels and discover the difference for yourself.
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