The world-famous Forodhani Market in Zanzibar’s historic Stonetown is a waterfront, street-food bazaar with row and row of grills with fish, squid, prawn, lobster, crab claw and seafood kebabs.

If you get there before sunset, you can watch the chefs and workers methodically set up each station and fire up their respective grills. The aroma starts to saturate the air with hunger-inducing smells. Not a fan of seafood? Don’t worry. Freshly pressed juices, fried potatoes, chapatis, salads, beef skewers, falafel and Zanzibar ‘pizzas’ are also there to tempt you.

The city’s locals frequent the market, placing orders and waiting in the low light of the gas lamps. Groups of adolescents, families, couples socialize while getting their nightly fix while tourists, like myself, stand out like sore thumbs, unmistakable in their hesitation and bewilderment.

NOTE: The vendors WILL sniff you out (pun intended), follow you, and badger you for a sale (and that’s putting it mildly). I’m embarrassed to say I let it get to me. But it’s a reminder that life here is a hustle to survive.

The verdict? Forodhani deserves a walk through. And apparently, Anthony Bourdain agrees.

Trishna Patel aka Trishlist is a cultural curator, photographer, and host specializing in travel and the human experience. Follow her latest adventures as she explores New York City and beyond!