By Evelyn Kanorio Gitonga
Kenya is famous for its vast landscapes and friendly people. But did you know that you can explore the food of 40 cultures in this one beautiful country? Here is a guide to help you get the most out of Kenya’s exciting foodscape.
- Kenyans love meat
They grill it, boil it, braise it, fry it and cook it any way you can imagine! If you are a meat lover, this will be your paradise. For those seeking alternatives, however, vegan and vegetarian options are available at many Indian restaurants.
2. Expect multi-cultural influences
Kenya is a melting pot of different cultures. In addition to around 40 different tribal cooking traditions, Kenyan cuisine has adopted dishes from around the world. Do not be surprised to find iconic Indian foods such as chapati, samosa and dhaal widely available, and enjoy discovering the Arabian influences on Swahili food.
3. Street food is clean, tasty and affordable
You’ll be doing yourself a favour when you purchase a meal at a kibanda or a shed on the side of the road. Not only are the servings ridiculously generous, but they also offer amazing value for your money. Street food such as ugali, fish and ndengu is more likely to be organically sourced and made using traditional methods and skills at these outlets. This means that such dishes are likely to pack more flavour. Eating at these informal establishments has the added benefit of supporting small-scale businesses.
4. Lunchtime is a social hour
Kenyans respect lunchtime and will very rarely eat at their desks. This is an opportunity for people to take a breather, talk and laugh over a restaurant dish. If you are looking to make new friends, be sure to join a group as they head out to eat.
5. Food is the language of love
Kenyans express their generosity by cooking for guests. This means that potlucks are not as popular as they are in the Western world. If a Kenyan volunteers to host, it is expected that they will take care of all the food preparation. However, guests are encouraged to bring gifts in the form of milk, bread, juice, snacks, eggs or wine.
6. Tea trumps coffee
You are more likely to witness a Kenyan enjoying a jug of mixed tea for breakfast than a latté, or strungi (black tea) if they are not feeling fancy that day. This drink is often accompanied with a couple of mandazis, which are deep-fried pieces of bread similar to donuts. Another jug of tea will often be offered in the late
afternoon or during meetings and conferences.
7. Weddings are culinary feasts
If you want to sample all Kenyan cuisine at once, get yourself invited to a wedding. Here, everything that the country has to offer will most likely be on the table, along with a few traditional twists depending on the region.
8. Ugali and nyama choma are must-haves
Ugali is a maize-based meal similar to polenta. This starch is often plated with nyama-choma or juicy, barbecued meat. It is then served with kachumbari – a side dish of finely sliced tomatoes, onions and coriander. Finally, this meal is washed down with a chilled Tusker, which is considered the nation’s go-to beer.
9. Nairobi and Mombasa will have very different offerings when it comes to food
Coastal dishes favour seafood and are heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and Indian cultures. They therefore require an entirely separate food tour. In Mombasa, be sure to try biryani, viazi karai and samaki ya kupaka among others. Top off these main dishes with savoury treats like achari (dried mango), kashata (dry coconut) and kaimati (crunchy dumplings in sugar syrup).
10. Expect to eat your greens
Sukuma wiki or collard greens are a popular side dish in Kenya. These are usually sautéed with diced tomatoes and onions and served with ugali. The result is an affordable meal packed with fibre and nutrients and flavour. No matter which region you visit, you are sure to be warmly welcomed with a hearty plate of food.
At the end of the day, all you need is an open mind and a healthy appetite. Bon appetit!
Catch Making the menu on HONEY, DStv channel WAT (16:00) CAT (17:00) EAT (18:00)
