Recipes · 3 April 2026 · 3 min read
How To Use Zanzibar Spices At Home
Zanzibari cooking is layered rather than fiery. These four uses will get you most of the way there.
Pilau
Fry onions slowly until deep brown, add pilau masala and whole cloves and cinnamon, then the meat, then the rice and stock. The colour comes from the onions and spice, not from tomato.
Chai
Simmer water with crushed cardamom, a cinnamon stick, ginger and a clove or two, add tea, then milk and sugar to taste. Simmer, do not boil hard.
Coconut curry
Bloom the curry blend and turmeric in oil, add coconut milk and simmer gently before adding fish or prawns near the end so they stay tender.
Everyday
Grate nutmeg over greens or potatoes. Add a cinnamon stick to coffee as it brews. Crack black pepper at the table rather than during cooking.
ZAWADI prepares luxury Zanzibar gifts to order on the island and ships them worldwide. Browse the collections or commission something bespoke.
Send A Piece Of Zanzibar
Choose a collection, add your personalisation and we will prepare your gift on the island.