Sushi Waves and Crocodile Charms

Sushi is not the kind of meal to have daily. And so having it brings with it lasting memories to dwell on. This Japanese delicacy is prepared in a few restaurants in the part of the country I was in. I also had the opportunity to try out crocodile cuisines in the same area. And I must add that the delicious taste of crocodile delicacy should be celebrated independently of the animal’s behavior. It is natural to associate the behavior of crocodiles with consuming their meat. This will cause you to miss out on that unique taste crocodile has.

If you desire good sushi, Sea Spice Restaurant is the perfect place and I must say it did it for me. Eating ordinary is cheaper of course. But life is not meant to always be ordinary. Special moments come with special meals and celebrating a birthday is a good enough reason to have some sushi.

I tagged along on this sushi adventure. Sea Spice Restaurant offers diversity on its menu including sushi. I have only come to learn that I had Uramaki, Maki, and Rainbow roll sushi types. These are not the only types of sushi we ordered but that is what was at our disposal that I know by name.

I must admit there was some skill in the preparation of the sushi. The ingredients tasted fresh and I could see the innovation in the rolls. My absolute favorite was the Maki sushi. I feel I need lessons to use the chopsticks because I just can’t wrap my head around how to use them. My love for food has also taught me that one should never feel embarrassed to use eating tools the wrong way. Confession, I used a fork.

Having sushi goes hand in hand with a cozy environment. Sea Spice once called Ocean Basket experienced a transition in terms of ownership of business yet one thing is true about this place: I have had mouth-watering seafood in the same space.

I loved the simple design of this restaurant. Nothing too fancy. The walls were talking. The design was that of sea creatures which am sure were intended to match the theme of the restaurant. The restaurant is not just a sushi bar but one could enjoy samosas, prawns, oysters, mussels, calamari, and the like. You are at liberty to enjoy indoors or better still, outdoor meals.

This restaurant had attentive staff and this enhanced the experience.The food’s appearance and flavour exceeded all expectations, taking the dining experience to a new level of pleasure. It was clear that each ingredient had been carefully chosen and cooked, making for a delicious experience that remained long after the dinner was over.

Expect to spend about 20 dollars for both plates.

What a treat this was! I loved having what I usually don’t have. I couldn’t help but compare sushi to crocodile to see what tops my list.

I do recommend trying good crocodile dishes from Zest, Zambezi Cafe, and Avani Hotel. My first experience having well prepared crocodile was at Zambezi Cafe. These were crocodile spare ribs. This inspired me to give it a second shot at Zest and Avani Hotel.

Zest Restaurant is a small place that offers crocodile meat and has a bar.

As I mentioned earlier, there’s a common misconception that those with delicate taste buds or sensitive stomachs may prejudge crocodile meat based on the reputation of the creature itself. However, being someone who relishes culinary adventures, I decided to challenge any preconceived notions and embarked on a dining experience at Zest. With an open mind and an appetite for exploration, I opted for the intriguing choice of crocodile meat.

When the crocodile dish arrived, the presentation was impeccable — a testament to the chef’s skill and attention to detail. The aroma wafting from the plate hinted at the culinary journey about to unfold.

Savoring the crocodile meat, I was pleasantly surprised by the tender texture and subtle flavors. It was a revelation, challenging any preconceived notions I might have had. I loved sushi as well but my favourite dish from these two restaurants happens to be crocodile. If one critically thinks about what a crocodile eats, it would be a reason to never try it. I looked past all that and discovered a meal I will add to my list when I have an extra 15 to 20 dollars to spare on food not cooked from home! You must try it out too.

6 Zanzibar restaurants you should try out in 2023

Zanzibar and her sunsets

We travel for different reasons and one of these reasons are for the experience, food wise. Some people have selective taste buds while others choose to be adventurous and expose their mouths to much. It’s okay to be traditional but when you feel daring to do exotic foods, try out these eateries that will make you appreciate these foods.

One of the most captivating and serene African islands you will fall in love with is Zanzibar. There is lots you are gonna see but definitely lots to eat too. If you love dining out like I do, why not try out one of these:

1) Mangi Beach Bar and restaurant (in Nungwi)

The outside of Mangi Beach Bar and Restaurant

I wanted to know a bit more of Zanzibar than just its popular center which is Stone Town. I chose to do a day in the north of the Island. Having met some cool people that also wanted to head there, I tagged along. We had transport and just put some fuel and off we went. From Stone Town, it took us like one hour to get to the north of the Island. Have you ever been determined to have a meal with a view? Someone did alert me how the northern parts of Zanzibar particularly Nungwi are home to turquoise waters and I wanted to experience this. We started off at about 9 O’clock and got there at close to 11.

You are gonna love this restaurant for its views and outdoors (provided it’s not pouring). I particularly liked the pine trees am guessing I didn’t mistake for coconut trees. The other thing you may like is how there is provision for you to enjoy your own space or chill with others. This is not a restaurant you should go to on a date and dress to kill…. in heels…nop. There is beach sand and I think you now know what your dress code should be, should you find yourself on a special date. I loved their wide selection on their menu but my focus was more on my favorite mashed potatoes with chicken stir fry. Yummy…Their pizza is actually delicious.

2) Wild Dove Cafe (in Nungwi)

Now some restaurants in Zanzibar are well known and have a large following. For Wild Dove Cafe in Nungwi, I can’t say that is the case. It is an upcoming restaurant that I see making it big should they continue with the meals I found. The place itself is nothing too fancy and you find it near Highland Bungalows in Nungwi.

You will like this place for the fair prices. It is found just in the dusty small roads of Nungwi so I guess no charging high prices here for things like views. I must say I had at least two to three good meals here and this was enough times to recommend others to give it a try. Their menu had burger, in curry, grilled and fried selection. There was pasta and noodle selection as well. That wasn’t all. They also made sure to cater for those that do desserts.

3) Zenjis Food Lover’s Joint (in Stone Town)

This restaurant is one of the most popular ones on the island. I particularly liked the location. Sometimes we don’t want to go so far in the outskirts to have that meal with a view. It’s okay to be within reach.

The maze streets of Stone Town

This restaurant is found in the heart of Stone Town. As you enjoy walking through the maze streets of Stone Town trying to find your way around, you will find this restaurant. I had a meal here that has made me recommend this restaurant to others. The setting of the restaurant is more like outdoor with a gazebo and well arranged tables.

Zenji Food Lover’s Joint Restaurant

I had company and opted to try seafood. I am a sucker for well done spicy, fluffy mashed potatoes. Knowing very well I come from a landlocked country and seafood is sold but not the one fresh from the ocean, I ordered some prawns. They were one of the most fresh prawns I have ever tasted.

The food, I must say, was well prepared and we were surrounded by helpful staff willing to give help at our request. Whenever you are in Stone Town, do try out this restaurant.

4) Lukmaan (in Stone Town)

Another restaurant I heard people talk much about was Lukmaan restaurant found in the heart of Stone Town. It is highly rated and boasts the best local, dining experience award in previous years. I enjoyed two meals there. This place was packed both times I went there which can only mean that many find it a perfect dine in pick.

I wanted to try out seafood because it is actually expensive back home! I particularly loved their succulent prawns that were slapped with some salad. The restaurant has wide variety on the menu: Arabic food, fish, all sorts of seafood and pizza. The price range of food on their menu is from about 50 cents for the naan to about $15.

5) New Monsoon Restaurant

Walking around in Stone Town, I did find a restaurant just close to where I lodged. The New Monsoon Restaurant it was. It was beautiful inside out. You can dine from the outside or inside but with the scotching heat of the Island, I chose to sit outside. The view you have sitting outside is that of people walking down the paved roads. In the evening, you could catch a glimpse of street markets and ocean view. Forgive me for my love for mashed potatoes but I was at it again. The chicken mishkaki went perfectly with it. They made sure the salad was fresh and colourful. I tried looking for something to wash this food down and Indian Whiskey was just perfect.

New Monsoon Restaurant (Outside)

Should you be in Stone Town, Zanzibar for whatever reasons, do stop by because this place prides itself with the ability to offer multi cuisine, Indian and Indo Chinese food created at high standards.

6) The Silk Route (in Stone Town)

I felt like Indian food and because this place was just a stone throw away from where I lodged, trying it out was easy and it actually felt like visiting India! What I liked first about this restaurant was the view when on the next floor. You could see parts of the ocean and the busy town of Stone Town and am guessing it’s more heavenly in the evenings! The theme colors inside were orange, brown and cream.

The beauty about having someone to dine with was cost sharing which leads to having what we desired to have like….wait for it…lobster!!! It was my first experience and I didn’t regret it a single bit. It came with potato wedges and a salad. The second time around, I got rice and some beef stew which was medium hot spiced. Tasty! This restaurant has a wide selection on their menu and if you have a 15 cents to $20 on you, you could walk out of this place with a smile.

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