Joanna James
When you hear the word Kenya, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the Olympic athletes who always seem to run like the wind. But Kenya offers so much more as well from great hospitality to wonderful wildlife to explore. It doesn't stop there; the local cuisine of Kenya is also a culinary journey worth exploring on your visit. Discover the essence of Kenya through its flavours as you try out the best dishes listed below.
Ugali is the staple dish in Kenya and is simply delicious and easy to prepare. Maize flour is added to boiling water and mixed until it reaches a dough-like consistency. Some households use millet flour instead of maize flour. It is served with meat or fish stew and vegetables. The best part about the dish is that you can roll in between your fingers, scoop up some stew and bit in! This is dish is not just a staple but plays an important role in the lives of the women here. This is because, in some parts of the country, a woman's cooking is judged by how good her Ugali is. If you'd like to try the dish, you are sure to easily come across the dish at any restaurant serving local food.
Kenyan food is all about healthy eating and Mukimo is a shining example of this. Served at all special occasions from weddings to newborn parties and funerals, an occasion is never complete without Mukimo. The main ingredient of this dish is potato which is mashed up with corn and other grains such as rose cocoa beans and cowpea are added into the mix for extra nutritional value. If you happen to be invited to a local wedding, you'll get to try this amazing dish. If you don't, but still want to try it, the best place in town to head to would be Nyama Mama Delta not far from Nairobi serviced apartments.
Yet another commonly found dish in Kenya, GItheri is a corn and bean broth. Beans and corn are mixed in a pot of heated water until boiled. Some may prefer the fried version of this dish with tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, and coriander for a burst of flavour. It is a meal on its own and can be bought from street vendors located close to Somerset Westview Nairobi or even restaurants and hotels. Be cautious about purchasing Githeri from street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.
Yes, the first thing that comes to mind is the Indian flatbread, but this is more of an Indian-Kenyan fusion flatbread. Just like Mukimo, it is served on special occasions in Kenya and is a little bit oilier than the Indian chapati. The Kenyan version is more like a paratha. This flatbread is served with fish or meat stew.
This is one of the top 5 foods in Kenya that you cannot leave without trying out! It is roasted meat, usually mutton or beef. The locals love it, and you are sure to love it too. This dish is mostly served at drinking joints along with mukimo, ugali, kachumba or roasted potatoes. Kiserian and Ngong are two places on the outskirts of Nairobi well-known for their Nyama Choma.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
