Introduction
If you’re looking for an adventure, Nairobi is the place to go! There’s so much going on here that it would be impossible to experience it all in just one trip. And while we love all of our local restaurants, there’s nothing like experiencing different cuisines and flavors when traveling. So if you’re planning a trip to Kenya soon, here are some dishes from Nairobi that will make your mouth water:
Nakumatt Spicy Pasta
Nakumatt Spicy Pasta
A popular dish in Kenya, Nakumatt Spicy Pasta is made with spaghetti and tomatoes. It’s usually served with a side of beans or potatoes. The tomato sauce has a kick to it, so if you can’t handle the heat then this isn’t for you!
Sambesa Meat
Sambesa meat is a traditional Kenyan dish made with minced meat, beans and vegetables. It’s usually served with ugali and often eaten with a sauce made from groundnuts and tomatoes.
Ugali
Ugali is a staple food in Kenya, and it’s very similar to polenta. It’s made from cornmeal or millet flour that has been cooked into a thick porridge-like consistency. This dish can be eaten uncooked (as you would with polenta), but it is most often served alongside other dishes like meat or vegetables.
Ugali has existed for centuries and was originally prepared using the ash from the fire pit as an ingredient. Today, most Kenyans purchase their ugali at markets where it is sold fresh each morning by women who make it on site using traditional methods such as pounding grains between two rocks over hot coals until they achieve the right texture
Nyama Choma
Nyama choma is a traditional Kenyan dish that’s made of roasted meat. The word “nyama” means “meat” and “choma” means “to roast.”
- The main ingredients are beef, goat or lamb, marinated in spices like onion powder and garlic powder.
- It also contains tomatoes and onions for flavor as well as salt to enhance the taste of your food.
- You can eat this dish with ugali (a Kenyan cornmeal) or rice if you prefer not to have it with bread!
Kuku Choma
Kuku Choma is a Kenyan dish made with chicken, eggs, onions and tomatoes. It can be eaten by itself or with rice or chapati. Kuku Choma is also a common dish in other African countries such as Uganda and Tanzania.
Kuku Choma originated from Kenya’s coastal region where people would use the leftovers from their meal to make this dish the next day for breakfast or lunch.
Lungu Lungu Stew
If you’re looking for something a little different, Lungu Lungu is a traditional dish in Kenya. It’s made with beef and vegetables, and served with ugali (cornmeal porridge). This dish is served at most Kenyan weddings and special occasions–and it’s delicious!
Kikombe Cha Umoja (Baked Beans)
Kikombe cha umoja (baked beans), which means “unity porridge,” is a traditional dish that’s served at Kenyan weddings and other celebrations. It’s made with beans, maize flour and potatoes that are baked together in an earthenware pot called a kikombe (which literally translates as “gourd”). The result is a sweet and savory dish that tastes even better when served with fresh cooked greens like kale or collard greens.
To recreate this classic dish yourself, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of dry white beans (such as navy or great northern)
- 4 cups water + more if needed later on in the cooking process; plus extra for soaking overnight if possible! You want them fully submerged so they’ll soften faster
Roti (Chapati)
Roti is a flatbread made by baking unleavened dough on a hot surface. It’s very popular in Kenya and is often eaten with meat or vegetables. The roti can be served with a curry dish as well, like this one:
Puri Raita With Coconut Milk and Spinach
This dish is a popular breakfast dish in Nairobi. It is made with steamed rice dough and has a thin layer of coconut milk on top of it. This dish is usually eaten with meat or vegetables but can also be had on its own. It’s perfect for those who are looking for something warm and comforting before the day begins! Make sure you try this one!
Go on a culinary adventure through Kenya!
If you’re looking to try something new, Nairobi has a whole lot of dishes that are worth exploring. The food is delicious, healthy and affordable–and it’s easy to make at home! It also has a unique taste which will keep you coming back for more.
The following list includes some of Kenya’s most popular dishes:
Conclusion
So, are you ready to go on an adventure? We sure hope so! If you’re looking for some new dishes to try while in Nairobi, we’ve got just the thing: 12 delicious recipes that will transport you right back to Kenya. From Kikombe Cha Umoja (which is basically baked beans but better) to Nyama Choma (roasted meat), there’s something for everyone here. So grab a copy of this article, print it out and take it with you wherever your travels may take!
More Stories
Eight Iconic African Landmarks
The Journey of African Art From Traditional to Contemporary Forms
8 Ancient African Empires You Didn’t Know Existed