With the trend of Indian restaurants permeating the city, The Island of Zanzibar is a refreshing treat in the South of Calgary. Located just off Macleod Trail South on the second floor at the Econolodge, you will not find any signs even indicating that this restaurant is there – it really is one of Calgary’s best kept secrets. When you walk in the doors you will find a very elegant, tastefully decorated restaurant with some of the nicest, gay friendly staff you can find, by whom we were greeted on their opening night.

Ruby and Aladeen Murji moved from Kelowna where they operated an award winning gourmet Indian restaurant, and now they have brought Ruby’s tantalizing culinary skills here to Calgary where she combines the tastes of Northern Africa with that of India.  She provides us with some typical curries that we are familiar with, and others that are new and bound to become favorites.

When we sat down we were first sampled some appetizers. Starting with their Bharta (spicy yoghurt-based Eggplant dip) and chips.  We will warn you now, the chips are addictive – they’re some of the lightest pita-style chips we have ever sampled. We were then treated to a taste of their vegetable fritters, and THE best Samosa we’ve ever had; lightly fried and crispy, yet not the slightest bit heavy or greasy.  Truly a delight and we highly recommend them to everyone, particularly with the tamarind sauce.

We were then treated to a curry dish that was completely unfamiliar to us – a spinach and broccoli curry that had a kick, with each individual spice doing dances on our tongues. When you couple it with the fresh, hand made naan that we used to scoop the sauce, it made for a perfect tease before our main course, the Kuku Pacca.

Kuku Pacca or Coconut chicken is a traditional Zanzibari dish, and while not overly spicy, this full flavoured and extremely tender chicken dish just melted in our mouths as we enjoyed each and every bite. The chicken had the rich taste of coconut combined with just the right amount of spice, and was served on a bed of Basmati rice and a curry with potato and egg on the side.  We had no idea that the Carrot Halvah dessert was to follow – we were ready to burst at the seams!  A phenomenal finish to an outstanding meal.

The Island of Zanzibar has a full liquor menu for those who enjoy a drink with their meals.  They have a seasonally changing menu, and since everything is prepared from scratch with the finest of ingredients, you can be assured that your meals will always be fabulous. They have your regular curry fare, some very unique dishes that you will only find here, and of course, deserts!  Check out their full catering menu if you wish to bring the flavourful food in to your own functions.

What really separates The Island of Zanzibar from the rest is the way Ruby and her family truly make you feel at home.  From the moment you arrive to the time you leave, you just can’t wait to come back for the food, the company and the hugs. We guarantee that once you discover this hidden little gem in the South, you too will be hooked. Just don’t forget that they have no signage outside, so this really is a hidden little place.

At the moment they are open Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm until close, however they will open for regular hours by late spring. Reservations are recommended but not necessary.

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Contributor Paul Alberstat |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Food |