The Top 7 Kenyan Dishes To Try
When you’re planning a trip somewhere, one of the first things you think about is the food you’re going to eat there. Crepes, bread, and cheese in France, pasta and wine in Italy, noodles and rice in Asia, and tacos and burritos in Mexico. But while many of us are familiar with those cuisines, not many of us know about Kenyan cuisine.
There are a variety of amazing Kenyan dishes that you’ll want to try on your trip. From warm, starchy ugali to sweet, fluffy mendazi, Kenyan food is filled with gorgeous flavors and rich spices. Read on to discover some Kenyan dishes you have to try while you’re on your safari experience.
Nyama Choma
If you want to go straight for the centerpiece on a Kenyan celebration table, you need to try nyama choma. This roast is somewhat the equivalent of a Thanksgiving turkey in the United States. The meat roasted is usually goat or beef and can vary in preparation from region to region.
In the western part of Kenya, nyama choma is often goat meat roasted over eucalyptus wood. But in Nairobi, the roast is closer to what we might think of as a normal beef roast. It is served with kachumbari, a sort of salsa made from tomatoes, onions, chili, and lime juice.
Ugali
The other dish you’re likely to run into a lot in Kenyan culture is ugali, a corn-based dish. This polenta-like dish comes served in a slab and is considered the perfect starchy comfort food for Kenyans. However, ugali can be somewhat of an acquired taste, so keep an open mind.
Ugali can be considered bland if you aren’t used to it, but give it time. Mashed potatoes might be considered bland, too, but they’re the perfect side dish for heavier meaty meals. And with the right blend of spices, ugali can come to life and be every bit as much a star of the show as nyama choma.
Uduvi Wa Kupaka
Seafood is popular in Kenya, in particular, tilapia, which is the most common fish in the country. Most freshwater fish come from Lake Victoria, which Kenya shares with Tanzania and Uganda. But shrimp and prawns are also a popular seafood staple in Kenya.
Udivi, which means shrimp, and kamba, which means prawns, are common in Kenyan cuisine. Oftentimes, you’ll see them served wa kupaka, which literally means “with a rich coconut curry stew.” This wa kupaka preparation is popular with a variety of meat preparations, including kuku kienjeyi, a sort of free-range chicken.
Sukuma Wiki
Sukuma wiki is one of Kenya’s most popular staple vegetable dishes. The dish name means “end of the week,” which shows the history of a country that has often had to scrape to make food last through a whole week. You’re more likely to find this on an everyday Kenyan dinner table than nyama choma, which is more a dish for special occasions.
Sukuma wiki consists of collard greens cooked with onions and spices. You may also see kanzira, manage, and terere, all different varieties of Kenyan greens. You may also hear the term “mboga” used; this is the generic Kenyan term for vegetables.
Githeri
If you’re not a huge fan of greens, you may want to try githeri. This dish is part of a group of Kenyan cuisine called pulses, which are similar to what we would call casseroles. Other popular pulses include ndegu, or mung beans, and njahi, or black beans.
Githeri is a casserole made mostly of corn and beans, a starchy dish that would be at home in Southwestern cuisine. It’s often served with a side of avocado and is flavored with curry powder and white pepper. If you’re visiting Nigeria or Camaroon on your trip, you may also see this dish called adalu or corn chaff and served with meat, smoked fish, or oil.
Mendazi
If you have something of a sweet tooth, you need to give mendazi a try while you’re in Kenya. These pastries are shaped like samosas, which are also popular in Kenya. But far from the savory spice of samosas, Kenyan mendazi taste like doughnuts and are a popular breakfast treat.
Mendazi may also look similar to beignets, as they’re light and fluffy and served with powdered sugar. They’re made with coconut oil and seasoned with cardamom and cinnamon to create a lovely sweet breakfast pastry. If you want something with a little more substance, try vibbi, a sort of rice and coconut pancake.
Chai Masala
Chai masala may sound like an Indian drink, but it’s very popular in Kenya. This drink is a sort of spiced tea with a milky base that’s the perfect warm accompaniment to a breakfast of mendazi. The tea uses a black tea base and adds spices like ginger, cardamom, nutmet, cloves, cinnamon, saffron, and pepper.
Although Kenyans’ first love is tea, they also grow amazing coffee. In fact, if you’re a coffee enthusiast, you’ve probably seen Kenyan coffee at your favorite coffee shop. So if you enjoy a cup of joe, take any opportunity you get to try Kenyan coffee live and in-person while you’re visiting.
Discover Amazing Kenyan Dishes
Kenyan cuisine is amazing, a warm, spicy blend of Indian and South American-style cuisine. It’s filled with savory vegetable pulses, rich spiced meat dishes, light fluffy doughnuts, and warm, milky tea. No matter what you try, it’s hard to go wrong, but any of these Kenyan dishes will give you a solid introduction to the beautiful food culture that this country has.
If you’d like to experience Kenyan cuisine first-hand, check out the rest of our site at African Sermon Safaris. We have tours of Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and various combinations of these countries. Check out our Kenyan safaris today and experience an amazing dive into this unique African culture.