As a team born and raised in Paje and the surrounding east coast villages, we know every kitchen, every grill and every family restaurant on this stretch of coast. Here are our genuine local recommendations — the places we actually eat and the experiences we recommend to every guest.
Fresh Seafood on the Beach
The finest eating experience in Paje is the simplest — fresh fish grilled over charcoal right on the beach. Several small beach restaurants and family setups along the Paje shoreline offer the morning's catch grilled and served with wali (rice), kachumbari (tomato and onion salad) and coconut chutney.
Look for the smoke rising from charcoal grills in the late afternoon as fishing boats come in. The fish — snapper, kingfish, barracuda and whatever else was caught that morning — is grilled whole and served immediately. It does not get fresher or more honest than this.
Prices are local prices — significantly cheaper than tourist restaurants. Point at what you want, smile and say asante (thank you) when it arrives.
The Local Mama's Kitchen
The most authentic eating in Paje is not in a restaurant — it is in the small family kitchens that serve lunch to local workers and schoolchildren every day. These are not on any tourist guide or social media account. You will recognise them by the plastic chairs outside and the pot of pilau cooking on an open fire.
Walk in, greet everyone properly (Habari — how are you, Nzuri — fine), point at what looks good and sit down. You will eat the most authentic Zanzibari food of your trip for less than $3. The people around you will be delighted that you came.
Beach Bars and Sunset Drinks
Paje has several beach bars that come alive in the late afternoon as the kite surfers come in and the sun gets low over the lagoon. The atmosphere is relaxed, international and beautiful.
Fresh coconut with a straw, local Kilimanjaro beer, passion fruit juice and the occasional cocktail while watching the kites swoop over the lagoon is one of Paje's great pleasures.
East Coast Village Cooking Classes
One of the most rewarding food experiences in Paje is not eating in a restaurant but learning to cook. Several local families and small operations offer cooking classes where you learn to make pilau rice, coconut curry and mandazi under the guidance of local women who have been cooking these dishes their whole lives.
We can arrange cooking class experiences for our guests — contact us on WhatsApp at +255 688 686 983.
A Note on Food Safety
The freshest and most authentic food in Paje is always the safest. Fish grilled immediately after being caught is far safer than imported ingredients that have been in a fridge for days. Trust your eyes and nose. If something looks and smells fresh and the kitchen is busy with local customers — it is.
Our Honest Advice
The best restaurant in Paje is whichever one the local fishermen are eating in today. Ask your HuShop team — we are in Paje every day and we always know where the best food is right now.
Come and visit us in Paje. Our store is right on the beach road and our team will point you towards the best food, the best beaches and the best experiences on the east coast.
Contact us on WhatsApp at +255 688 686 983 — karibu Paje. Welcome to Paje.
HuShop Team
Paje, Zanzibar · Travel writers & local experts