Table of Contents
Introduction
I just left Kenya and had the most amazing time. The traditional foods of Kenya were just amazing not to mention the kindness and warm sprit of the Kenyan people. I would say even the activities were just memorising. Literally everything I could have ever dreamed of, and I thought, while I’m on my long journey back to London for a few weeks, that I should write a Kenyan food guide for you. So if you are looking for a Kenyan food guide, then you’ve come to the right place! Keep on reading.
One word can describe Kenyan food for me: WOW. An absolute wow. I haven’t really seen many people write or talk about Kenyan food, so I’m here to tell you everything you should taste in Kenya.
I had done my research before arriving, but nothing prepared me for how good the food would be. The spices, the sauces, the fresh juices, everything was packed with so much flavour. I think the growing Nigerian community and the Indian influence in Kenya make the food scene even more exciting.
One thing I loved? The way Kenyans cook their goat meat. They leave the fat on, which, in my opinion, is the best part! It makes it taste so good. During my trip, I booked a Kenya food tour with EatWith, which I would highly recommend if you want to explore a country through its food, like I usually do. You can book the same Kenya food tour here.
Here’s my detailed guide with everything you should taste in Kenya, plus restaurant suggestions so you know where to find them. Related post: A Kenya Solo Travel Food Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore and 10 Amazing Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya: Tried & Tested by MBV Guide
Oh, and I have added what you should get at each restaurant. Be mindful of traffic in Nairboi, there is surprisingly a lot.
Traditional Food of Kenya – Everything You Should Taste While in Kenya
1. Smokie
Smokies are Kenyan-style sausages, often sold by street vendors. And one of my absolute favourites, I got this more than once! They’re quick, cheap and perfect if you’re exploring Nairobi and need a snack on the go. The vendor will usually slice it open, add some spicy kachumbari (tomato-onion salad, which is an absolute delight), and drizzle with some chilli sauce. It’s the kind of street food that makes you feel like a local instantly.
2. Mayai (Egg) & Chapo Mayai
Chapo Mayai is one of the ultimate comfort foods. Imagine a freshly made chapati, nicely done when it is warm, with a slightly crispy and flaky wrap, and a fluffy omelette. It’s simple but so filling. It’s so delicious and perfect for breakfast or as a late-night snack after a night out in Nairobi. They can also add in kachumbari for extra flavour.
3. Chapati (“Chapo”)
If you love Indian food, you’ll be obsessed with Kenyan chapati. It’s softer and slightly thicker than Indian roti, with layers that tear apart beautifully. You can eat it with peanut stew, beans, or just by itself with a cup of chai. I had it almost every day, it’s that good.
4. Kachiri
This is dried, spiced mango, chewy, tangy, and sweet all at once. Think of it as Kenya’s version of fruit leather, but way more flavourful. You’ll find it sold in little packets in the markets.
5. Shawarma Kenyan Style
Kenyan shawarma is slightly different from Middle Eastern shawarma or Nigerian shawarma. It’s creamier, with a lot of mayo or garlic sauce, and usually stuffed with lettuce and fries. It’s indulgent, messy and super filling all at the same time and for good reason. I couldn’t finish it.
6. Viazi Karai
If you love potatoes, this is your dish. Viazi karai are potato chunks dipped in a spiced chickpea batter and deep-fried until crispy. You dip them in a chilli sauce for that extra kick. Street food perfection. I loved these!
7. Bhajia
Similar to viazi karai but thinner, these are spiced potato slices coated in gram flour batter and fried until golden. Light, crispy, and perfect with masala tea.
8. Ugali with Mboga and Nyama Choma
Ugali is the heart of Kenyan food or cuisine. It’s a national dish eaten pretty much anywhere, a stiff maize flour porridge that you eat with your hands, using it to scoop up greens (mboga) and meat. Pair it with nyama choma (roasted goat or beef) and you have a meal that is smoky, hearty, and truly Kenyan.
9. Mukimo
Mukimo is comfort food at its best, mashed potatoes mixed with green peas, corn, and greens. It’s often served and eaten alongside meat stew, and it’s so hearty and filling.
I have done a quick reel on Instagram and a video on TikTok so you can watch the food tour I did in Nairboi.
Drinks You Should Try
- Tamarind Juice (Ukwaju): Tangy, slightly sweet, and refreshing, perfect on a hot day.
- Fresh Passion Fruit Juice: Found everywhere in Kenya. Always fresh, always delicious.
Restaurants to Try in Nairobi, Kenya
Here are a few of my favourites for authentic Kenyan food:
- K’Osewe, Westlands order the coconut fish, chapati, and beef and get the tamarind juice.
- Mama Oliech is famous for its fresh fish, plantain, and chapati, and I had sugar cane for dessert!
- Amacia Restaurant is perfect for ugali, chapati, and fried fish with peanut sauce (you can dip the chapati in the peanut stew/sauce)
- Carnivore Restaurant, this is for all my meat-lovers (game meat, all-you-can-eat BBQ with so many different sauces!)
BONUS: You can also go to The Chocolate Bar the Skynest Residences by CityBlue, Nairobi and to the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel for Afternoon Tea. They are both worth it!
Final Views on Kenyan Food
And there you have it, a Kenyan food guide with everything you should taste in Kenya. Honestly, the food in Kenya completely blew me away. It’s packed with spice, flavour, and soul. Every dish honestly told a story, from the Indian-inspired chapati to the smoky, grilled nyama choma.
If you’re heading to Kenya soon, make sure you explore its food scene. Book a local food tour, try the street food, and sit down at a traditional restaurant at least once.
Have I missed any iconic dishes? Let me know in the comments which one you’d try first or if you’ve been to Kenya, which dish was your favourite! I always love to hear from you.
Related post:
- A Kenya Solo Travel Food Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya: Tried & Tested by MBV Guide
Speak soon,
MBV x
