Duyen - Vietnamese Homecook by Kim — Restaurant in Unguja

Let me just start out by saying I’m Vietnamese and I went back to this place 3 days in a row because I kept wanting more!

I wanted to try something different after living off grilled seafood and local stew dishes for 6 days, and this was exactly what I needed! Food here is so fresh and delicious, Kim (the owner) did an amazing job at transporting us back to Vietnam from this island paradise. I absolutely loved the summer rolls, seafood soup (I had this 3x!), tuna tataki with fried rice and stir fried glass noodles.

All the staff members were so welcoming, they really made our experience here even more pleasant (as if dining by the beach and having yummy Vietnamese food wasn’t enough!).

I saw some reviews commenting about the price – yes, it has a higher price point compared to average Zanzibar prices, but I’d happily pay even 2x more for being able to have authentic Vietnamese food in an island in East Africa by the ocean. The beach setting is absolutely beautiful, you can just stay for hour and hours. It’s honestly worth every penny.

Last but not least, Kim is so lovely, puts her heart into everything she does and has a truly amazing story of how she got to where she is now.

I’d also really recommend visiting Hanoi House Café in Paje as well for a cozy Vietnamese food and...

Visited twice so far and we will be coming for more over the duration of our holiday. First of all - the beach restaurant has simply the most relaxed atmosphere. With views like these, you almost don't care what you eat. ALMOST. The food is simply stunning. We came on Monday, and learned the Asian food was not served that day, so we ordered from the local menu - fish burger and veggie curry, and both dishes were fantastic. And today we finally get to order from the Vietnamese menu - and likewise, we were really happy. The dishes were fresh, warm, fantastically seasoned, beautifully plated and lovely colorful. Really, nothing missing, fantastic authentic experience. One of the better places on the beach to come to eat 😁 As I mentioned at the beginning - the views are gorgeous, and what I appreciate most is the shadow from lunch on, because the heat is intense. Service is chill, nothing is problem, we got a great recommendations for the desert, so all good. We'll be...

I can’t recommend this Vietnamese restaurant enough! They have three locations across Zanzibar, and while I’ve tried them all, this one became my absolute favorite — so much that I went three times in a row during my stay.

After weeks of island food, I was really craving proper Asian flavors, and this place was a true lifesaver. The dishes are full of freshness, balance, and depth — honestly, even better than some of the meals I had during my trips to Vietnam. The pho broth is incredibly rich and aromatic, the herbs are fresh, and every dish bursts with authentic flavors that immediately transport you to Vietnam.

The staff are warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere feels both relaxed and vibrant. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to linger, share plates, and come back again the next day (which I clearly did!).

Kim, if you’re reading this — please open a shop in Tokyo someday! 🙏

For anyone in Zanzibar craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this is an...