Zanzibar pizza is a street food originating from the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. It is a stuffed, pan-fried dish that bears little resemblance to traditional Italian pizza, despite its name. The dish consists of a flattened dough filled with a variety of ingredients, including ground beef, vegetables, egg, processed cheese, mayonnaise, and cream cheese. After being folded into a packet, the dough is fried on a tava, producing a crispy exterior.
The origins of Zanzibar pizza are relatively recent, dating back to the late 1990s. It is believed to have been influenced by the keema chapati, a popular street food in Kenya, which in turn was inspired by Indian flatbreads. Zanzibar pizza also shares similarities with mutabbaq, a stuffed pancake found in Yemen and Southeast Asia. The dish reflects the cultural and culinary influences of Zanzibar, a historical trade hub that has long been shaped by Indian, Arab, European, and African traditions.
The dish is widely available at street food markets, particularly in Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Variations of Zanzibar pizza include both savory and sweet fillings, ranging from meat and vegetables to combinations like Nutella and banana.