Harbour Indian Kitchen by Chili & Lime

The restaurant "Harbour Indian Kitchen" is a colorful corner of Indian gastronomy located in the labyrinth of streets in the historic center. Situated in Zanzibar City, this establishment offers guests the authentic taste of dishes that have shaped the island's culinary landscape for centuries. Here, Indian traditions intertwine harmoniously with local hospitality.

This place is ideal for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the rich aromas of curry, freshly baked naan bread, and spicy masala tea. The interior often reflects the cultural mix characteristic of the country of Tanzania, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for lunch or dinner.

"Harbour Indian Kitchen" attracts both locals and travelers with its attention to ingredient quality and fidelity to traditional recipes. It is not just a food outlet, but an opportunity to take a small culinary journey without leaving the limits of Stone Town.

To help you plan your visit, we have gathered the available contact information for the establishment. We recommend checking the details before visiting, as the data may change.

The main thing to do at "Harbour Indian Kitchen" is, undoubtedly, tasting the dishes. Try classic Indian hits such as Butter Chicken, biryani, or vegetarian dals prepared using famous Zanzibar spices. Don't miss the opportunity to order fresh seafood cooked in an Indian style — this is a unique feature of the local cuisine.

Enjoy the atmosphere and people-watching. If the restaurant has an open terrace or tables by the window, it is an excellent spot to watch passersby and absorb the rhythm of Stone Town. Order a refreshing lassi or spicy tea and simply allow yourself to relax after a long walk.

It is also a wonderful place for socializing. The cozy setting encourages long conversations with fellow travelers or friends. You can ask the staff about the ingredients of the dishes and learn more about how Indian culinary traditions have taken root on this African island.

The easiest way to get to "Harbour Indian Kitchen" is on foot, as it is located in the historic part of the city — Stone Town. The narrow streets of this area are often inaccessible to cars, so a walk will be an integral part of your route. Look for Soko Muhogo St, which is situated in a lively area near popular tourist paths.

If you are coming from another part of the city or from resort hotels on the coast, it is best to take a taxi. Ask the driver to drop you off at one of the nearest points accessible by car (for example, near Forodhani Gardens or Darajani Market), and then walk for 5–10 minutes, enjoying the architecture of the old town.

Although "Harbour Indian Kitchen" itself may be a relatively modern addition to the city's gastronomic map, it is inextricably linked to the deep history of the Indian diaspora in Zanzibar. Indian merchants have crossed the Indian Ocean for centuries, bringing with them not only goods but also their culinary traditions, which over time have intertwined with the local Swahili culture.

The area where the restaurant is located is part of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The buildings here hold memories of the Sultanate era, when Zanzibar was a hub for the spice trade. The cuisine offered here serves as a living reminder of how spices — cloves, cardamom, cinnamon — have shaped the island's economy and daily life for centuries.

It is interesting to note that many restaurants in this part of the city are housed in historic buildings with thick coral walls, which naturally keep the interior cool even on the hottest days. Visiting such a place is not just lunch, but a touch of Zanzibar's multicultural heritage.

We recommend setting aside approximately 1–1.5 hours to visit "Harbour Indian Kitchen". This time will be sufficient to leisurely study the menu, enjoy the preparation of the dishes, and soak in the atmosphere of the establishment.

If you are planning a large dinner with a group or want to try several courses of traditional Indian cuisine, it might be worth allocating up to 2 hours. Service in Zanzibar establishments often favors a measured relaxation ("pole pole", which means "slowly-slowly"), so there is no need to rush.

Unfortunately, the exact opening hours of "Harbour Indian Kitchen" are not currently listed in public sources. In the tourist areas of Zanzibar, restaurants usually open by lunch (around 12:00 PM) and work until late evening (until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM).

We strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the establishment's official social media pages or Google Maps before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Exploring the surroundings of "Harbour Indian Kitchen" will allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere of Stone Town. This district is literally steeped in history, and many iconic places are just a few minutes' walk away, making it easy to combine a gastronomic experience with a cultural program.