Zanzibar Pizza is one of the most famous street foods in Tanzania, especially in Stone Town night markets. It is not like Italian pizza. It is a thin stuffed flatbread cooked on a hot metal plate.
Traditionally, vendors use an oil-soaking method to stretch the dough very thin and make it crispy. They also use creamy processed cheese and mayonnaise to create a juicy filling. This recipe follows that authentic street-style method, prepared in a normal kitchen pan.
😌 Difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Preparation time: 45 min (includes resting)
🔥 Cooking time: 15 min
⏳ Total time: 1 hour
👥 Servings: 2
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 120 ml warm water
- 60 ml sunflower oil (for soaking the dough)
For the filling:
- 150 g minced beef or chicken (lightly cooked for 3 minutes)
- 2 portions creamy processed cheese (for example cheese wedges like Laughing Cow)
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For serving:
- Pili-Pili (thin chili sauce)
- Fresh cucumber slices
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt and warm water.
- Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth.
- Divide the dough into 4 balls (2 slightly bigger and 2 smaller).
- Place all dough balls in a small bowl and cover them completely with sunflower oil. Let them rest for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix the lightly cooked minced meat, onion, tomato, eggs, mayonnaise, salt and black pepper.
- Take one larger dough ball and place it on a lightly oiled surface.
- Use your fingers to stretch it very thin until almost see-through. Work slowly to avoid tearing.
- Place one smaller dough ball in the center and gently flatten it. This creates a stronger base.
- Spread one portion of processed cheese over the center.
- Add half of the meat and egg mixture on top.
- Fold the thin edges of the dough over the filling to form a square parcel.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat using a small amount of the soaking oil.
- Place the parcel in the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula.
- Turn carefully and cook another 5 minutes until deep golden and the egg inside is fully set.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Cut into small squares and serve hot with Pili-Pili and fresh cucumber slices.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
The oil-soaking step is the key to authentic Zanzibar Pizza. It allows the dough to stretch very thin without breaking and gives the crust its crispy texture. Processed cheese wedges and mayonnaise create the creamy, juicy filling that makes this street food special.