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Zanzibar (Tanzania)
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Main course
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
580kcal
38gProtein
50gCarbs
20gFat
3gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Allergens
🌾 Gluten
Spice Pilau
How to order / say it
Say it
Pilau ya Viungo — [pee-lau yah vee-oong-goh]
Order
I'd like the Spice Pilau, please.
Locally
Naomba pilau ya viungo, tafadhali.
Say locally
Spiced rice cooked with meat or vegetables, widely enjoyed in Zanzibar.
Why try it?
Spice Pilau is a testament to Zanzibar's rich trading history, showcasing a blend of spices that define the island’s cuisine. It embodies the essence of Zanzibari culinary tradition and tells the story of the island’s past as a trade center.
How it tastes
It offers a warm, aromatic experience with flavors of cumin and cinnamon, combined with the savory taste of meat or vegetables. The texture is fluffy and slightly sticky, making it a comforting dish often served at festive occasions.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Originating from 19th-century Zanzibar, Spice Pilau combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Arab cuisines, reflecting the island's history as a spice trading hub. It became iconic due to its use of local spices and its ability to be adapted with locally available ingredients.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🌾 200 g basmati rice
- 🥩 300 g beef
- 🧄 1 large onion
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic
- 🧂 1 inch ginger
- 🧂 1 tsp cumin
- 🧂 1 stick cinnamon
- 🧂 4 cardamom pods
Method
- 1 Rinse rice and soak for 30 minutes.
- 2 Fry onions and garlic until golden, add beef and spices.
- 3 Add rice and cook with water until absorbed.
- 4 Simmer on low heat until rice is tender and aromatic.
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