Can I Get Jain Food While Traveling in Arusha?

If you’ve ever wondered, can I get Jain food while traveling in Arusha – the quick answer is yes. And I’m not talking compromises here. I mean real, strict Jain meals with no onions, garlic, root vegetables, or hidden surprises. From my firsthand experience, with a bit of prep and knowing where to go, Arusha can be unexpectedly friendly to Jain travellers.

Is Jain Food Available in Arusha?

Absolutely. Between Arusha’s small but growing Indian restaurant scene, international-quality lodges that accommodate dietary needs, and the rise of self-catering accommodations, you’ve got solid options. Whether you’re doing safari day trips or posting up at a lodge, finding Jain food is more than doable.

Your best bet? Head to Five Chutneys. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s the unofficial HQ for vegetarian and Jain travellers in Arusha. They serve authentic, pure vegetarian meals, and not just default veggie curries. Think street-food inspired dishes tailored to strict Jain diets, all handled with care by owners who truly get the lifestyle.

Why Does Jain Food Matter When You Travel?

What Are the Core Rules of a Jain Diet?

If you’re new to Jainism or explaining your needs to someone else—maybe your safari chef—here’s the deal. Jain food follows very specific spiritual guidelines designed to minimise harm:

• No roots: That means no onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, beets or other root vegetables.
• Absolutely no animal-derived products: No meat, eggs, or fish. Some Jains exclude dairy (vegan), while others include it (lacto-vegetarian).
• Avoid any form of violence to microorganisms: So fermented foods, yeast, and certain processed ingredients are often restricted.

It’s more than a preference—it’s a way of life. So when you’re travelling in Arusha, your meal isn’t just about “vegetarian.” It needs to be aligned with these values.

What Ingredients Are Available for Jain Cooking in Arusha?

At first glance, you might wonder if you can pull off a balanced Jain diet in Tanzania. The fresh produce scene here was a pleasant surprise for me. Here’s what I regularly found in markets and shops around Arusha:

• Legumes: Daal, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils.
• Whole grains: Rice, wheat flour, millet—all easily found in shops.
• Fruits & Veggies: Tomatoes, capsicum, okra, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and more. Local markets are loaded with Jain-friendly seasonal produce.
• Dairy: If you’re lacto-vegetarian, fresh yoghurt and milk are widely available.

Where Can I Eat Jain Food in Arusha?

Are There Any Jain-Friendly Indian Restaurants in Arusha?

The short answer: yes. But if you want trust, consistency, and food prepared truly the Jain way, I keep going back to one name—Five Chutneys.

Five Chutneys delivers 100% vegetarian Indian street food, with obvious care for Jain values. They use no onion or garlic in many menu items—and their team knows exactly what Jain means (no blank stares when you say “no root veg”). Plus, they make their own chutneys, paneer, and mayo in-house.

Visit Them:
Five Chutneys, Qutbi Building, Near Rushda Supermarket, Opposite Soko Kuu, Arusha, Tanzania.
Phone: +255 783 505 505
Email: fivechutneys@gmail.com
Check their full menu here.

Other Indian restaurants exist in Arusha, but many don’t really get the Jain specifics—so you’ll need to explain clearly or risk cross-contamination.

Can Hotels and Safari Lodges Provide Jain Meals?

The good news: most of the top international hotels and safari lodges in Arusha are used to travellers with dietary requirements. If you’re staying somewhere reputable, send them a dietary request sheet before arrival. Many safari-friendly lodges, especially those listed with trusted operators, will customise menus for Jain meals with the help of local chefs.

Big chains like Serena Hotels, Gran Melia Arusha and other safari lodges near Ngorongoro and Serengeti will usually accommodate Jain food if you communicate clearly in advance. It’s all about getting specific: state no onions, no garlic, no root vegetables – and ideally, share a printed Jain diet card.

How to Do Self-Catering as a Jain in Arusha?

If you’re renting an Airbnb, apartment or lodge with kitchen access, Jain cooking is 100% doable. Several supermarkets in Arusha stock lentils, spices, ghee and grains. I’d recommend the Shoprite supermarket near the central roundabout, or smaller shops on Sokoine Road for Indian staples like jeera, mustard seeds and even asafoetida (hing).

Open-air markets give you the freshest produce—and locals are helpful if you ask for mukate ya mchele (rice flour) or kunde (cowpeas). Just note that some popular veggies like carrots and potatoes are best avoided—and you’ll need to substitute with local leafy greens and gourds.

How Can I Find and Order Jain Food in Arusha?

What Kiswahili or English Phrases Help Order Jain Food?

When you’re in Arusha, many servers won’t know “Jain food” immediately. But if you explain with specific ingredients, you’re golden. Use the below phrases in English or Kiswahili to help kitchen teams understand:

• “Sina kitunguu na vitunguu saumu” – No onions or garlic.
• “Bila viazi” – Without potatoes.
• “Je, mna vyakula vya Jain?” – Do you have Jain food?

People in Arusha are incredibly welcoming. As long as you’re respectful and specific, they’ll do their best to accommodate.

Are There Any Apps or Communities to Help?

Google Maps and TripAdvisor are your best tools here. Look for reviews that mention Jain or custom vegetarian food. Some food delivery apps like Jumia Food may also have filters, though limited in Arusha. That’s where local Facebook groups (like “Vegetarians in Tanzania” or expat-focused pages) come in handy for asking questions or getting real-time food suggestions.

Should I Tell My Safari Operator About Jain Food?

Absolutely. Don’t assume your tour guide or camp cook knows what “Jain food” means. Share exact requirements—ideally backed with a written explanation—before you arrive. Many guides will organise packed Jain meals for game drives if you request them in time. Want a smooth trip? Loop in your lodge manager and guide early. They’ll plan meals accordingly and may even surprise you with some local Jain-friendly delicacies.

What Does a Sample Jain Menu Look Like in Arusha?

Breakfast

Start the day with moong daal chilla (lentil crepes) or upma made without onions. Fresh-cut fruit like mango and papaya is everywhere—and ideal for a light start. Add black tea or coffee, but ensure there’s no milk solids if you prefer a vegan version.

Lunch

Think Jain-style dal tadka cooked with cumin and hing, served with jeera rice or chapati. Pair it with a simple bhindi or bell pepper sabzi sautéed in light ghee or oil. Five Chutneys offers day-friendly lunch options that tick all the boxes.

Dinner

A bowl of vegetable pulao made without carrots, plus rajma curry served with salad tossed in lemon juice—clean, light, flavourful. Round off your meal with a warm herbal drink or glass of chaas if available.

Snacks & Dessert

Midday snack? Grab roasted makhana or a seasonal fruit chaat. For dessert, dahi with honey is a treat (if lacto-vegetarian). Five Chutneys often rotates snack specials, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff what can be Jain-customised on request.

Final Tips for Jain Travellers in Arusha

How Should I Plan for Jain Meals in Advance?

Take the guesswork out: email hotels and restaurants like Five Chutneys a week before your trip. Be clear, direct and share your needs in writing. I always travel with two printed Jain food cards—one in English, another in Kiswahili. Saves time, builds trust.

What Food Items Should I Carry from Home?

Don’t overpack—but do carry some dry snacks like roasted chana, trail mixes, and raw seeds. A mini stash of Hing (asafoetida) and your favourite spices can turn any basic lentils into a delicious Jain meal.

What If Local Ingredients Aren’t Available?

Sometimes, you won’t find exact matches—especially during off seasons. But keep it simple: swap root veggies for spinach or cucumber. Use local lentils like kunde in place of moong. Be adaptive, but stay true to what feels right to you spiritually.

FAQs About Jain Food in Arusha

Is Arusha safe for strict Jain travellers?

Yes. With good planning and clear communication, you can eat fully Jain meals throughout Arusha and on safari without much compromise.

Which is the best restaurant in Arusha for Jain food?

Five Chutneys is hands down the top pick. It’s pure vegetarian, family-run, and offers Jain-customised meals done right.

How do I explain Jain dietary rules to a local chef?

Use phrase cards or brief explanations: no onion, no garlic, no potatoes, no root vegetables, no eggs. A translated diet card goes a long way.

Can I find Jain food on safari?

Yes, if you plan ahead. Share your diet in detail when booking and remind your operator again before the trip. Lodges will often prepare custom meals.

What grocery markets sell Jain-friendly items?

Shoprite and local Indian markets carry lentils, rice, spices and veg. Open-air markets offer a wide range of Jain-friendly produce too.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Eat Jain Food in Arusha

So, can I get Jain food while travelling in Arusha? You bet. It’s not about luck—it’s about being informed and proactive. Find the right spots like Five Chutneys, connect with your lodge, and carry your essentials. The rich wildlife, culture, and warmth of Tanzania await—and you don’t have to compromise your beliefs to enjoy it.

When in doubt, head to Five Chutneys—you’ll find flavours as pure as your intentions. Safe travels and satvik meals await.