Pilau Rice

More than a side dish, Pilau is the essence of Zanzibari family gatherings and feasts. Rice is cooked slowly with whole spices—clove, cinnamon, cardamom—and often mixed with beef, chicken, or vegetables. The aroma is rich and festive, rising from large pots in homes during weddings, Eid, or Sunday meals. Every family has its variation, passed down through generations, with secrets in spice blends and timing. Served with kachumbari (a fresh tomato-onion salad) or plain yogurt, Pilau brings people together—flavorfully and symbolically.