Spice · 16 March 2026 · 3 min read
Where To Buy Zanzibar Spices
There are three realistic ways to buy Zanzibar spices, and they suit different travellers.
Markets and Stone Town shops
Best for browsing, smelling and buying small quantities cheaply. Packaging is usually basic, so plan to repack before flying.
Spice farms
Good for context. Seeing cloves drying or vanilla curing explains why some spices cost what they do. Farm shops typically sell small bags aimed at same-day buyers.
Online, prepared to order
Best when the spices are a gift, when you want sealed packaging, or when you are no longer on the island. A made-to-order box is filled after you order rather than sitting on a shelf.
Keeping them fresh
Store whole spices in sealed containers away from light and heat, and grind only what you need. Whole cloves, cinnamon and cardamom hold their aroma far longer than ground equivalents.
ZAWADI prepares luxury Zanzibar gifts to order on the island and ships them worldwide. Browse the collections or commission something bespoke.
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