What is Zanzibar Spiced Coffee?
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. In this tropical paradise ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon are incorporated into many dishes, even drinks.
No, I’m not talking about wonderful masala tea (although it is readily available throughout the island), I am referring to coffee. Exquisite, spiced coffee that brings all the exotic flavors of the East African coast together.
When I lived in Stonetown, Zanzibar, I drank at least two cups of Zanzibar Spiced Coffee every morning.
Zanzibar Spiced Coffee forever changed my taste in coffee shop beverages. I no longer am intrigued by oodles of sugar or hazelnut-flavored syrups. If I am going to spruce up my coffee, I want rich, deep flavors from spices, not sugar or artificial flavors. Cinnamon is a good start, nutmeg is a touch of fun. Cloves always make me feel cozy and festive, and cardamon is a must.
Ginger? Well, if you’re adding ginger to your coffee you might as well go all-out and make a Zanzibar Spiced Latte. Starbucks, I don’t know what you’re waiting for – it’s delicious, would probably be a bigger fad than pumpkin spice (since it’s nearly September, why not mention this famous drink?).
If you think ginger is a weird ingredient for coffee, please bear with me: ever tried chocolate and ginger? There is something wonderful about the combination. Ginger has a unique bite, of course, but it actually pairs really well with cinnamon and coffee.
Where to drink Zanzibar Spiced Coffee
In Stonetown
Where to drink this tropical-spiced coffee? Stonetown, for starters. I recommend Zenji Cafe located on the waterfront, just across from the House of Wonders. They have free wifi, and if you are lucky enough you can grab one of their delicious desserts; sticky pudding (made with a natural date sauce) or a warm chocolate brownie. I don’t know about the nutritional value of these cakes, but I can assure you the brownie seems to be slightly undercooked in the best possible way. Order it warm, and the center will be a scrumptious fudgy mess. Add a scoop of toffee ice cream to really take it to the next level – you’ll just be enjoying this rich treat without a care in the world.
In the midst of all this, do not forget to order that Zanzibar Spiced Coffee!
It will be served hot, in a small stainless steel pot and have enough for two and a half cups of the delicious gingery coffee.
If you’re wandering the shops of Stonetown and happen to get lost (you will probably get lost – it’s alright, enjoy it!) try to find your way to the Post Office. It is along one of the few streets of the Old Town that is wide enough to allow for cars and offers some high-end shopping, clothing boutiques and tanzanite jewelry stores. Tucked in along here is the Book Cafe: a small book store with plenty of souveniers to decorate a coffee table back home, including photo books or novels written by Zanzibar authors. They also offer a simple menu for lunch and some cakes to go along with coffee and tea.
The Book Cafe’s Zanzibar Spiced Coffee comes in elegant pots, and everything is boiled up and brewed together, so the longer you linger over a little pot of coffee the more intense the cardamon and cinnamon flavors become. If you are feeling fancy and need a little break from the sun, this air-conditioned cafe is a perfect respite.
In Arusha
If you are in Arusha, I recommend the Zanzibar Spice Iced Latte (say that three times fast!) from Africafe. Upon ordering, they will ask if you want it made with vanilla ice cream or with milk – you want the ice cream, believe me. Decedent ice cream blended with strong, cold Zanzibar spiced coffee is something you should try at least once in your lifetime without inhibition.
At Home
Now, if you are unable to visit Tanzania and enjoy this deliciousness on-location, here is how to make your own Zanzibar Spiced Coffee at home:
Ingredients:
- Cardamon, crushed pods
- Cinnamon, ground
- Ginger, freshly grated
- Dash of nutmeg, freshly grated
- Tiny pinch of black pepper, ground
- Ground Coffee
- Turbinado Sugar
- Cream
If you want an exact, detailed recipe, I am sorry, I cannot provide one. As I inquired at my favorite cafes or my Zanzibari friend’s homes, they all came up with different amounts, portions and procedures. Hence, it comes down to personal preference.
Whenever I make Zanzibar Spiced Coffee in my kitchen, this is the method I use, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment, not even a french press!
Equipment:
- A small saucepan
- a filter or sieve to strain the coffee + spices
Steps:
- Start with 2 1/4 cups of water in your saucepan.
- Crack open 3 or 4 cardamon pods and remove little black seeds (that’s where all the flavor is) and add to the water.
- Next, I add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon or 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks (the water will turn pinkish if you are using whole sticks).
- Add 1/8 tsp of ground nutmeg or a few grates from a whole, fresh nutmeg. The whole spice gives much more flavor than the dried, ground option, so feel free to use less.
- Then, add in some freshly grated ginger, from a piece of whole, peeled ginger. A small piece, approximately the size of the tip of your thumb is sufficient.
- Boil all the spices together for 5-8 minutes. It should start to smell divine! ahhh…
- Then, add 1/4 cup of coffee grounds (Or your desired water-to-coffee ration – I like mine strong) to the water.
- As you add the coffee grounds, add a pinch of black pepper for a little kick that goes nicely with the ginger.
- Allow to boil 2-3 minutes, then remove and let steep for another 5 minutes, then strain and drink!
Cream
Cream: Please, for Zanzibar Spiced Coffee, indulge and use real, heavy cream. Even whipping cream is preferred to skim milk to truly enjoy this drink. I like to warm my cream up for 30 seconds or so and keep my whole drink nice and warm.
Sugar
Sugar: If you’re going for an authentic Zanzibar Spiced Coffee, please, please use turbinado sugar. It is natural sugar, with large crystals and has a unique flavor compared to ordinary white sugar. It is also what is used throughout Tanzania and I cannot imagine drinking Zanzibar coffee with anything else.
Share!
If you have tried authentic Zanzibar Spiced Coffee, please share your favorite place to drink this delicious beverage!
Tried my recipe? How did it go? Please share your thoughts.
Want to visit Zanzibar? Learn more about this incredible destination: Swim with Dolphins in Zanzibar and a fun, family getaway in Jambiani.
Coming to Arusha? Check out my favorite places to grab a coffee.
Planning to visit Zanzibar? Check out these links for more info and tips:
My First Visit to Zanzibar and why I fell in love with this destination
Why I suggest flying to Zanzibar
Photos from our weekend trip to Zanzibar
The amazing Mizingani Seafront Hotel in Stonetown