A Guide to Eating Out in Arusha & Moshi
Arusha and Moshi are two of Tanzania’s most popular traveler hubs, known as gateways to safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro. But beyond wildlife and adventure, these towns also have vibrant food scenes. Vegan travelers will be happy to discover plenty of restaurants, cafés, and local eateries offering plant-based dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. This guide highlights what to expect when eating out in Arusha and Moshi.
Vegan-Friendly Dining in Arush
Arusha, often called the safari capital of Tanzania, has a growing number of restaurants catering to international visitors. Many places include vegan options on their menus.
- Cafés & Juice Bars: Arusha has several small cafés serving fresh fruit smoothies, vegetable wraps, and salads.
- Indian & Middle Eastern Restaurants: Thanks to cultural diversity, many Indian and Middle Eastern eateries serve vegetarian curries, dal, chapati, falafel, and hummus that are vegan-friendly.
- Local Eateries: Don’t miss Tanzanian staples such as ugali with greens, vegetable stews, and roasted plantains.
Eating Vegan in Moshi
Moshi is a smaller town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, but it still offers great food options for vegans.
- Local Specialties: You’ll find chapati with beans, mchicha (spinach with coconut), and fried cassava sold by street vendors.
- Guesthouse & Lodge Kitchens: Many guesthouses and eco-lodges in Moshi prepare vegan meals on request, often using fresh vegetables, legumes, and tropical fruits.
- Fruit Markets: Moshi is famous for its bananas, mangoes, avocados, and pineapples, making fruit an easy and healthy snack for visitors.
Street Food Options
Both Arusha and Moshi have vibrant street food scenes where vegan-friendly snacks are widely available:
- Roasted maize (corn on the cob)
- Fried sweet potatoes or cassava
- Vegetable samosas
- Mandazi (fried dough, often vegan when made without milk or eggs)
Tips for Vegan Travelers
- Ask About Ingredients: Use the Swahili phrase “Sili nyama, samaki, mayai, wala maziwa” to explain that you don’t eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy.
- Choose Busy Spots: Food turnover is quicker, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Plan Ahead: Inform your lodge or restaurant about your vegan preferences in advance for personalized meals.
- Stay Open-Minded: Many traditional Tanzanian dishes are naturally vegan, exploring them is part of the cultural experience.
Eating out in Arusha and Moshi as a vegan is easier than many travelers expect. From fresh tropical fruits and hearty local stews to international cuisines with plant-based twists, you’ll have no shortage of delicious options. These towns are not only gateways to Kilimanjaro and safaris but also to exciting vegan food adventures.
For personalized vegan travel itineraries and bookings.
- Email: info@mandaritravel.com
- Call/WhatsApp +255 750 900 811
