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Food & Drink in Kenya
Many Kenyan restaurants rely on local farms for fresh produce to serve wholesome and freshly cooked local foods. In addition, they make use of the best meat, fish, and in-season vegetables. So if you’re ready to indulge your digestive juices in convivial company cheaply, consider this your Kenyan food guide.
Ugali
Kenya’s local staple food is Ugali. It’s made from maize flour cooked in boiling water to a dough-like stiff solid. Tourists refer to it as thick porridge, although it’s thicker than Nshima in Zambia. Ugali is generally served with traditional green vegetables. However, every community has its traditional delicacy.
For example, coastal people and those around Lake Victoria enjoy it with fish. In cities and major towns, Ugali is enjoyed with Nyama Choma, green vegetables, and Kachumbari.
Nyama Choma
This is roasted or grilled meat. Nyama Choma is one of the most favorite dishes in Kenya. It’s a classic barbecue made mainly with goat or beef meat seasoned with salt and slowly grilled over hot coals. Nyama Choma is best enjoyed together with Ugali and Kachumbari.
Fish
Kenya has no shortage of delicious fish. The most common is tilapia, which is popular with communities along the shores of Lake Victoria. It’s fried and served either dry or wet, accompanied by Ugali and Kachumbari.
Kachumbari
Kachumbari is a Kenyan relish (uncooked salad) made with sliced tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and coriander (Ndania).
Githeri
In its original form, Githeri is a mixture of maize and beans boiled in a clay pot or Sufuria. It originated from the Kikuyu community of Central Kenya and is now popular across the entire nation. Sometimes Githeri is mashed with peeled potatoes and pumpkin leaves to make Mataha.
Wali
Communities along the Kenyan coast also have their delicious food, Wali. This dish is made of rice and differs depending on other ingredients and how it’s cooked.
The most popular include Wali wa Nazi (rice boiled in coconut milk), Wali wa Kukaanga (fried rice), and Pilau (rice flavored with spices).
Street Foods
Besides traditional dishes, street foods are popular along neighborhood streets and markets. The more popular ones in Kenya are Roasted maize, Mutura, Mabuyu, Mayai Pasua, and Samosas. If you can pronounce these words, ask around and experience the Kenyan street foods.
Tusker
Although it’s about food, this list could not be complete without a cold drink. Tusker is the most popular local beer. It’s best served cold after a safari, work, or while relaxing at the beach. The beer also goes well with Nyama Nyoma.
Best Restaurants in Kenya
Kenya is already renowned for its wildlife and incredible landscapes, but it also has a growing food culture. I love Kenyan Cuisine and I’ve been traveling around the country tasting the best of my home country’s delicacies since I was a child.
As a result, I have a unique perspective on so many Kenyan dishes that aren’t often touted in the guide books. The country has plenty of fantastic restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. So, if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Kenya, below are a few of my personal picks.
Talisman Restaurant
- Price range: $$ – $$$
Talisman is one of the best restaurants in Nairobi. The multicultural restaurant offers African, European, and Pan-Asian cuisine. Defined by beautiful nomadic carpets, elegant furniture, carved wood pillars, and green gardens, this restaurant is best for fine dining, coffee nights, and great cocktails.
Trout Tree Restaurant
- Price range: $ – $$
If you plan to explore Laikipia and northern Kenya, stop at Trout Tree The restaurant is located before Nanyuki, about 3 hours from Nairobi. It’s set in a calm environment with an unmatched ambiance. Trout Tree is known for its delicious fish and other vegetarian options.
Tamarind Restaurant
- Price range: $$ – $$$
Located in Nyali, Mombasa, the Tamarind Restaurant is not only elegant but also calm, with a variety of delicious dishes. Besides barbeque and other continental foods, they also serve the best seafood in the city. The Tamarind Group operates other equally great restaurants like Tamarind Dhow, Tamambo Karen Blixen, and Roast by Carnivore.
Nomad Beach Bar
- Price range: $ – $$
Located along Diani Beach, the Nomad Beach Bar and Restaurant offers quality local and continental dishes. Their menu includes pizza, seafood, and other dishes accompanied by drinks and an extensive wine selection. What I like most about this restaurant is the view. It provides a great spot to enjoy the sunset, watch sea activities, and listen to the breaking waves.
