Kanga shopping? No problem!

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The kanga is a colourful garment traditionally worn by women in Tanzania and Zanzibar. It’s a piece of printed cotton fabric with a border along all four sides and a central part, which decorations are different. 

Following the tradition, even nowadays kangas have a message in Swahili along the longer edge - often in the form of riddles or proverbs.

Beside being clothes, a kanga can be used in many ways - as home finishing or blanket… colors and decorations are so nice and colorful! It’s a good idea to buy some as souvenirs to bring back home after your holidays. You will find a wide choice around shops and markets.

For now, here you are a picture of amazing African prints! 

When the plan is Spa...

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Beauty traditions are one of the hidden secrets of the Tanzanian coast… and we mean it! A precious heritage that still shows elements of the cultures’ mix living in these areas during the centuries, made even more unique by the production and use of natural cosmetics flavoured tropical fruit, flowers and spices.

"Singo" scrub praparation at Mrembo Spa in Zanzibar.

Amazing scrubs, made by dried ylang ylang, jasmine, rose and other flowers, clove, sandalwood, geranium and rosewater, and many more, are probably the most typical treatment loved by many local women. It’s a party for your sense of smell, especially if you add also some aromatherapy and relaxing massages with oils and essences. The best of the best? Choose a Zanzibari "singo" scrub, and you won't get wrong!

You can also try the henna tattoo decoration. Henna is made by pounding the dried leaves of ‘mhina’ plant, which is then mixed with water to form a paste. Decorations (floral are the most typical in Zanzibar, but also the Indian style is quite diffused, especially in the area of Dar Es Salaam) can be made on hands, feet and ankles: after the application you have to wait until the paste is completely dried, before removing the excess brushing gently.

To keep with you a little piece of history that belongs to millions of women, don’t forget to buy some perfumes, oils and essences… the best way to get back, sometimes, to the wonders of the Tanzanian art of beauty spa.

The spices of the Tanzanian coast, in your kitchen

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Spices mania! Discovering the amazing and tasty food of the coast and islands of Tanzania is a travel across taste, history and traditions of this areas...

Spices are the special touch, and local people really know how to use them to make unique dishes. You will probably buy some of them, if you visit any market. So, why not to learn as well how to use and mix properly?

It will be fun to try some experiments in the kitchen, and get back memories of your holidays with tasty and aromatic food. Let’s see how to do!

Ginger

It's a perfect seasoning for meat and fish, such as in the Zanzibari tradition. But it is good also for baked recipes, like cakes and bisquits - put some sweet and spicy together!

Cinnamon

Enjoy its taste in sweet recipes made with apples, chocolate or cream. Pulverize, maybe, on whipped cream. Or use it to flavour tea... delicious!

Black Pepper

Common in the Western kitchen as well, it is commonly used to flavour any kind of salty food. Perfect with meat and for sauces, it can be used in grains or grinded.

Cloves

Both for sweet and salty dishes! Good to flavour fowl and cheese, but also dessert made with apples, wine and liqueurs. Excellent also in infusions, during the cold season.

Nutmeg

A classy touch for dessert, especially pudding and creams. Used also to flavour mashed potatoes and white sauce… at its best, used in the filling of stuffed pasta.

Cardamom

A very versatile spice, commonly used all over the World in very different ways: for curry in India, with coffee in Arabic countries, with wine and hot cakes in Scandinavia, and with many other sweet and salty dishes.

Vanilla

One of the most popular ingredients in bakery. It is widely used as flavour for sweets, cakes and chocolate. In Africa and Asia, suprisingly, also in salty recipes. To try!