Puzzle Coffee Shop

Puzzle Coffee Shop is a small café in Shangani, the seaside quarter of Stone Town where many hotels and restaurants are clustered. The café's own website explains that it is owned by a Brazilian couple who are passionate about coffee, and that sets the tone: this is a place where the coffee is taken seriously, in an old town where traditional black coffee from street sellers is still the norm.

The menu is short and focused. Arrival Guides describes premium Brazilian coffee alongside treats such as Brazilian cheese bread, the small, chewy pão de queijo rolls that are a staple of Brazilian cafés. The café's own site mentions homemade pastries and a range of coffee-based drinks. It makes a good contrast with a visit to Jaws Corner, where the coffee is strong, black and spiced: try both on the same day to see two very different coffee cultures in a few streets.

Arrival Guides lists the address as 74 Shangani and the opening hours as Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, closed on Sundays, and notes that the café also runs workshops for coffee enthusiasts. Hours can change in the low season, so check before making a special trip. Arrival Guides publishes a phone number and email for the café, which are useful for asking about upcoming workshops or larger orders. As a daytime café it is best for breakfast, a mid-morning break or an afternoon pick-me-up rather than an evening stop.

It suits solo travellers, couples and anyone who wants a carefully made espresso drink and a snack between sights. As a daytime coffee shop rather than a restaurant, it is better for a short stop than a long meal. The café states its values as being passionate, honest and yourself, and the friendly, personal feel is part of the appeal.

Shangani is a convenient part of the old town to explore on foot. From Puzzle, the Freddie Mercury Museum, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel and the Shangani waterfront are a short walk away, and Forodhani Gardens is a stroll along the seafront. It is a good place to start a door-spotting walk, as Shangani has some of the finest carved doors in Stone Town.