The spice collection

Zanzibar Spices

Ten spices and blends form the core of our collections. We describe how each one smells, tastes and behaves in the kitchen — and where it sits in Zanzibar's culinary heritage. We make no medical or health claims.

Zanzibar Cloves

Aroma: Warm, sweet and resinous, with a hint of woodsmoke.
Flavour: Intense and sweetly pungent; a little carries a long way.
In the kitchen: Pilau, biryani, chai, braises, poached fruit and mulled drinks.
Heritage: Cloves have been central to Zanzibar's agricultural story for generations, and remain the island's most recognised spice export.

Cinnamon

Aroma: Sweet, papery and gently floral.
Flavour: Mellow warmth rather than heat; rounds savoury and sweet dishes alike.
In the kitchen: Pilau rice, chai, slow-cooked meats, baking and coffee.
Heritage: A staple of the island's spice farms and of Swahili coastal cooking.

Cardamom

Aroma: Bright, camphorous and citrus-lifted.
Flavour: Cool, perfumed and slightly sweet.
In the kitchen: Chai, coffee, rice dishes, custards and pastries.
Heritage: An essential note in Zanzibari spiced tea and celebratory rice.

Black Pepper

Aroma: Fresh, woody and sharp when cracked.
Flavour: Clean heat with a fruity finish.
In the kitchen: Everyday seasoning, marinades, sauces and spice blends.
Heritage: Grown alongside cloves and nutmeg on the island's smallholder farms.

Nutmeg

Aroma: Sweet, nutty and faintly woody.
Flavour: Rich and rounded; softens dairy and root vegetables.
In the kitchen: Sauces, greens, baked goods, spiced drinks.
Heritage: Often sold in the shell with its scarlet mace on Zanzibar spice tours.

Vanilla

Aroma: Deep, creamy and floral.
Flavour: Sweet and rounded, with a long finish.
In the kitchen: Desserts, custards, coffee, syrups and infusions.
Heritage: A prized crop, cured slowly by hand over many weeks.

Turmeric

Aroma: Earthy and slightly peppery.
Flavour: Bitter-warm with a golden colour that carries through a dish.
In the kitchen: Curries, rice, lentils, marinades and spiced milk.
Heritage: Widely grown and used across Swahili coastal kitchens.

Pilau Masala

Aroma: Clove-forward, sweet and savoury at once.
Flavour: The signature Zanzibari rice blend — layered rather than hot.
In the kitchen: Pilau rice with beef, chicken or vegetables.
Heritage: The blend most associated with Zanzibari celebration cooking.

Zanzibar Curry Blend

Aroma: Golden, warm and aromatic.
Flavour: Gently spiced and coconut-friendly rather than fiery.
In the kitchen: Fish and prawn curries, chicken, vegetables and lentils.
Heritage: Reflects the island's Indian Ocean trading history.

Chai Spice Blend

Aroma: Cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and clove.
Flavour: Sweetly warming, built for milk and sugar.
In the kitchen: Zanzibari chai, coffee, oat milk lattes, baking.
Heritage: Poured all day in Stone Town's tea houses.

Made to order in Zanzibar

Spice Boxes

Four collections, each prepared after your order is placed and finished by hand before it leaves the island.

6 spices

Classic Zanzibar Collection

Six premium Zanzibar spices in a handcrafted wooden box. An accessible luxury Zanzibar souvenir, prepared to order on the island.

$89

View collection Bestseller

Signature Zanzibar Collection

The flagship ZAWADI gift. Eight premium spices, luxury wooden presentation and recipe cards, wrapped and prepared especially for your recipient.

$129

View collection 10 spices

Heritage Collection

Ten premium spices with a Zanzibar heritage booklet and recipe collection — a deeper journey through the island's spice tradition.

$179

View collection 12 spices

Collector's Edition

Our most complete spice library, presented in a large luxury wooden box with a numbered collector certificate and personalisation.

$249

View collection

Cook Zanzibar At Home

Choose a collection, add your personalisation and we will prepare your gift on the island.

Shop Zanzibar Gifts Create A Bespoke Gift