13 Breathtaking Kenyan Food You Should Try

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In every country, there will always be food particular to them or common to their traditional people. There are also some staple foods which the country people are fond of eating and are usually available to most families.

Kenya just like some African countries is a multi-ethnic group giving them access to a variety of cultures and food. However, some foods are quite common in the country which everyone should try to have a taste of.

Kenya has lots of natural, tasty and nutritious food available for consumption by both natives and foreigners.

Sadly, because of the multi-ethnicity, even as an indigene of the country you may not get to eat or taste most of these foods. As you travel around the country, foods eaten by the people vary due to ethnic differences, special preferences, and resources available.

Key Takeaway

In this article, you will be pampered with premium Kenyan dishes to try when visiting and how they are prepared. Below is a list of some universal Kenyan dishes that should be a part of your family’s diet.

1. Ugali

2. Nyama Choma

3. Sukuma Wiki

Having mentioned the most common and universally eaten dishes that can be found in Kenya, East Africa. We’ll also be going over to other Kenyan food available in different ethnic groups of the country. They include the following;

4. Mutura

5. Pilau Rice

6. Githeri

7. Mandazi

8. Chips Mayai

9. Kachumbari

10. Mrenda

11. Kuku Paka

12. Wali Wa Nazi

13. Makai

14. Karanga

15. Kenyan Stew

16. Matoke

Top Traditional Kenyan Food You Should Try

Ugali

Ugali is made from maize flour. Sorghum or millet flour could also be used depending on your choice. It is a common food universally eaten by most ethnic groups in Kenya and can be found on every Kenyan family’s menu. It weighs that of a brick and is also dense.

To prepare Ugali, first, boil water, then add the flour to the pot of boiling water until the mixture becomes dough-like. The denser the Ugali, the more filling it will be. This Kenyan food is a good source of Iron and is commonly known as cornmeal.

Nyama Choma

An experience of this Kenyan dish is one you will cherish if you happen to have one. It is the Swahili translation of grilled meat. Kenyans are meat lovers and one can find several nyama choma joints all around the country.

Business deals and some other agreements like political decisions are made at nyama choma joints. It can be fish, goat and chicken. This can be done using charcoal or grilled over an open fire.

This Kenyan food can be taken alongside Ugali or whatever you so desire. The choice is entirely up to you.

Sukuma Wiki

Sukuma wiki is a famous household Kenyan dish. It is made with locally available ingredients and contains tomato and onions. This Kenyan food is made of a lot of leafy vegetables and is worth the taste especially if you are a vegetarian.

Even as a non-vegetarian the great taste is something you should dream of having a taste of. Sukuma wiki is a Swahili translation for ‘stretch the week’. Sukuma wiki is an affordable meal, hence the name. It can be eaten with Ugali.

Other Kenyan Food You Would Love

Mutura

Mutura is a meaty snack rich in protein. It contains ground meat parts, cooled blood and tripe, and it is boiled until almost cooked. After which it is grilled to dehydrate the meat and give it a smoky taste. Mutura is traditionally eaten during festive occasions like marriage festivals.

On any occasion in Kenya where a goat or cow has been slaughtered, it is usually not complete until this African snack has been made. There are usually some persons who have great skill in preparing Mutura and just as expected this part of the work is often left for them. Then, it used to be prepared by the men and only females enjoyed it but now, anyone can prepare and eat Mutura.

In the preparation of this delicious snack, pepper, chilli, salt, and onions, are used to add flavour to it while it is grilled over a charcoal stove or open fire until it is golden brown.

Pilau Rice

Pilau rice is also called spiced rice and is a combination of various spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, etc in their right proportion. The rice is cooked in a broth of chicken or meat etc. It can also be eaten with meat stew, garnished with slices of tomato and onion.

This Kenyan food is commonly served with Kachumbari and during occasions. The spices or ingredients used in cooking Pilau is what gives it its unique taste. Pilau rice can be made with either chicken or beef, depending on what is desired.

Cooking Pilau Rice

Some of the needed ingredients for cooking Pilau rice include beef or chicken, pilau masala, Onion, Rice, turmeric, ginger and garlic, tomatoes, vegetable oil, etc.

Prep Proper

Heat oil in a pot over medium heat, add onions and cook until brown. Add all your spices and fry for some time, say 3-4 minutes.

Add the meat and fry together until cooked.

After this pour the rice in and stir to allow it to mix with the meat.

Add water and allow to boil over high heat without covering the pot.

Lower the heat when the water level has gone down and cover it with aluminium foil if you wish to conserve the vapour. This part would last for about 2-3 minutes before it is completely dried and ready to be served.

Pilau rice is also an energy-giving food and contains a combination of carbohydrates and vitamins. It can be taken alongside kachumbari.

Githeri

Githeri is a popular Kenyan food made of corn and beans. It is indigenous to East Kenya and Africa in general. Githeri is made with not so many ingredients but is highly nutritious.

Preparing Githeri

Ingredients for Githeri:

The only added ingredients are oil, salt, pepper, garlic, onions, etc. Beans and Corn, the major constituents of Githeri are a staple food in Africa. The method of preparation of this meal has also evolved as some people now add other proteins such as smoked fish, meat, etc.

Any variety of beans can be used to prepare this Kenyan food, you can also use canned beans. To make things easier, you can buy and boil the beans in bulk, and then freeze them. Whenever you want to use it you can then unfreeze it.

Preparation:

To prepare this, have your beans, corn, oil, and ingredients available. Some ingredients you can use include; coriander, spring onion, garlic, etc.

Cooking Proper:

Allow the oil to heat in a pot, over medium heat, add onion, and wait till it is soft, add garlic if available, and stir for some time at least 30-40 seconds. Pour in other available spices like curry powder and stir.

Next is the beans, corn, and tomatoes. Pour them into the pot. Add water, salt and cover the pot. Allow cooking for about 15-20 minutes.

Then open and add spring onion if available, leave for a little bit, then bring it down and serve. If coriander leaves are available, mix with the chopped vegetables before serving.

Githeri is highly nutritional with high carbohydrate content and other nutritional content.

Mandazi

Popularly known as Kenyan Doughnut. Mandazi is a popular African snack that can be taken alone or with other meals. It can also be served as breakfast with your tea, snacks at night, or appetiser.

Preparing Mandazi

To make Mandazi, you need the following ingredients;

Flour, baking powder or yeast, milk and egg for fluffiness if wanted, water, sugar, salt and vegetable oil.

Preparation Proper:

Mix the dry ingredients(flour, sugar and baking powder) first. Mix the oil and water then start incorporating it into the flour mixture.

Knead the dough as you gradually add more water to the mixture until you achieve a smooth and elastic consistency.

Allow to rest for a few minutes, then divide the dough into 6 balls according to the quantity of dough you have. For each ball, flatten it and cut it into 4 equal parts. Then leave for several minutes.

If yeast was used, it should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before cutting. Oil should be heated in a pan, then fry as much quantity as possible at a go, so long as the quantity placed can move around comfortably in the pan without touching each other.

Turn the mandazi dough carefully so that all parts will fry well and a golden brown colour is observed all around the snack.

Chips Mayai

Chips mayai is a snack originally from Tanzania, mayai means eggs in Tanzania. It is a street food that is very popular among Kenyans. This Kenyan dish can also be taken as breakfast. Chips mayai can be described as a French fry omelette. It is made from the Kenyan kind of french fry covered with egg and cooked together. Chips mayai is a highly nutritious food mostly because it contains eggs and is served with chopped tomatoes.

Preparing Chips Mayai

The ingredients needed to make this Kenyan dish include; eggs, French fries(Kenyan recipe), oil, salt and pepper.

To prepare chips mayai, the following method should be followed;

• The French fries should be prepared according to taste, which is the Kenyan type of fries.
• After preparing this, the egg should be whisked together with salt, and pepper to taste. Also, add the fries to the mixture and beat them together.
• Heat the oil in a pan then add the egg mixture to it. Cook for about 4-5 minutes and flip to the other side.
• Garnish with chilli tomato sauce, and serve hot.

Kachumbari

This is one of the most popular Kenyan food, mostly because it can be taken with lots of food. It is a salad made with fresh tomatoes and onions. Other ingredients include chillies, grilled meats, coriander, drops of lemon juice if preferred, etc. Kachumbari can be taken with Ugali, Pilau, Nyama Choma, etc.

Mrenda

This is also known in the English Language as Jute Mallow. It is native to the people of the Luhya community in Western Kenya. This is a vegetable that when cooked has the texture of Okra. It is also very bitter and slimy when cooked.

The slimy nature of this vegetable causes it to not be appreciated by everyone, but if someone can get past this nature then the amazing health benefits can be maximized.

The leaves of Mrenda are boiled in salty water or milk and can be served with Ugali.

Some of the health benefits of the meal include;

• Improving eyesight. It contains vitamin A and B6 which are both very crucial to maintaining a healthy eye and proper vision.
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties. This leafy vegetable contains anti-inflammatory properties that help heal arthritis, and ease joint pains and stomach aches.
• Regulating menstruation. For ladies with irregular menstruation, mrenda helps to heal and regularise their menstruation.
• It contains fibre which aids in digestion.
• It controls blood pressure and diabetes.

Some of the nutrients contained in this super Africa vegetable include the following; protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12(thiamine), B-Carotene, dietary fibre, etc.

Kuku Paka

Kuku Paka is a Kenyan food made of chicken cooked in coconut curry. The word ‘Kuku’ means chicken in Swahili. The chicken can be grilled before adding to the coconut broth. Kuku Paka is common to the Mombasa people of Kenya and is widely cooked by both women and men alike.

Preparing Kuku Paka

This Kenyan food has over the years been tweaked to suit different tastes. However, to prepare Kuku Paka, some of the basic ingredients you will need to include your chicken, onion, chopped chilli pepper, ginger, garlic, curry powder, tomato sauce, coconut milk, salt and pepper.

Cooking Proper:

Just as initially mentioned, there have been several tweaks to this meal. For example, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, the chicken can also be grilled before adding it to the sauce. Some may decide to include cooked potatoes in the curry.

The general method of preparation is as follows;

First, blend the onion, ginger, garlic and chilli pepper until it is smooth. A little water can be added if deemed necessary.

Then heat the oil in a big pot over medium heat and add the blended puree.

Add the onion and curry, and stir for about 8 minutes. If the liquid has reduced, the tomato can then be added, leave for about 3 minutes, then add the chicken, salt, pepper and coconut milk.

Leave for about 30 minutes to one hour until the chicken is cooked. More water can be added if deemed necessary.

More salt and pepper can be added if necessary then serve with rice.

The meal is a very delicious and nutritious one, that anyone visiting Kenya should have a taste of.

Wali Wa Nazi

Wali wa nazi is common to the coastal people of Kenya. It is simply coconut rice relished with chicken curry or bean stew. It is very easy to prepare. In wali wa nazi, white rice is prepared using coconut milk or its flakes. Nazi as a word means milk in Swahili.

Basic Method in preparing wali wa nazi;

• Allow the coconut milk to boil while the rice is being washed. While cooling, add salt and oil.
• After this, put your washed rice and mix. Leave to boil.
• Once the water has dried out, your delicious wali wa nazi is ready to be served.
• This Kenyan food can be taken with Kenyan Stew, Kachumbari, etc.

Makai

Makai is simply, roasted maize, and can be found on almost every street corner. It is usually roasted over charcoal and is rubbed with lemon and chilli salt when it is ready. Makai is a delicious snack you should try once you are in Kenya.

Karanga

Karanga is usually served with Ugali or rice. It is a Kenyan type of stew made with beef and potato. Karanga’s nutritional contents include the following; proteins, carbohydrates, calories, sodium, cholesterol and fat.

To prepare this Kenyan food, you need your chicken thighs, tomatoes (fresh and can), potatoes, canned corn, onions, oil, mushroom, curry powder, pepper and salt to taste.

Cooking Proper:

Firstly, coat the chicken thighs with curry seasoning. After which you heat your oil in a large pot and fry the chicken thighs until golden brown on all sides.

Next, pour the can and diced fresh tomatoes, potato, onions, mushrooms, corn, and pepper into the pot.

Cover the pot and cook it over low heat until the potato is soft and the flavour has been absorbed. This could take about 3-4 hours. Serve with Ugali or rice.

Kenyan Stew

In preparing this Kenyan food, different kinds of meat can be used ranging from chicken, beef, or goat.

It is prepared by using several chunks of meat and vegetables like potatoes, peppers, peas, carrots, etc cooked and combined to get a thick consistency. Kenyan stew is known for its highly inviting aroma which can be perceived from many restaurants in Kenya.

A list of ingredients needed to make this delicious Kenyan stew includes beef or chicken as desired, tomato paste, oil, and spices which can include curry powder, paprika, black pepper, turmeric, etc You can also have vegetables like carrots, onion, pepper, coriander, etc.

Preparing Kenyan stew

Cooking Proper:

• Cut your meat into chunks using a chopping board or ask the butcher to do it in the market.
• Marinate the chicken or beef for at least 30 minutes using curry powder, salt, turmeric, black pepper etc.
• The next thing to do is to blend the tomato, onions, smoked paprika, and pepper.
• They also blend or pound the garlic and ginger.
• After this, heat the oil on a big pan, pour in the diced meat and fry until brown on all sides, this should take about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the ginger and garlic and also cook for some time, then add the tomato mixture and stir.
• If you are using potatoes, also add at this time and allow all to cook for about 40-45 minutes.
• As the potato is boiling, it helps to thicken the stew, so it is better to add the potato uncooked. You are also allowed to add more water as the case may be.
• This delicious Kenyan dish is ready then be served.

Matoke/ Plantain Banana Stew

Matokes are also known as East African Highland Bananas. They are cooked in a pot containing oil, tomatoes, chilli, meat if available, onions, garlic, etc and can be combined with beans. It is cooked until the bananas become soft and soak up the ingredients to form a thick sauce. Matoke is indigenous to the Ugandan people and popular among Kenyans.

Preparing Matoke

To prepare this Kenyan food with beans, you’d need the green matoke. But the green matokes usually do not have their skin come off easily. For easier removal, it can be boiled first before cooking with the beans. To your list of ingredients, you can also add meat, fish, ginger, garlic, coriander etc.

After boiling the bananas, allow cooling before removing the back. Then heat oil in a pan, add your onions, stir, add ginger, garlic, stir then add your chopped tomatoes, if available. Also, add the beans and stir. Add the water, salt and pepper, cover the pot and allow to boil for some time so that the beans can get soft.

Pour in the banana and leave to simmer for about 4-5 minutes under low heat. Add the coriander and stir with a wooden spatula. Also, use the spatula to mash the mixture to the consistency of your choice.

This delicious Kenyan food is ready to be served.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Kenyan’s National Dish?

Kenya’s national dish is Ugali. It is a type of stiff maize flour porridge whose main ingredients include: Cornmeal and mielie-meal (white maize).

What Is a Traditional Kenyan Breakfast?

Generally, a traditional Kenyan home starts its breakfast with Chai, which is tea in the Swahili language. This Kenyan dish is usually eaten with bread, Mkate in Swahili, and a piece of fruit.

Wrapping Up

Kenyans are lovers of food. Their cuisine is made up of mainly four(4) core types of food; meat, vegetables, grain, and fruits. Kenyan food has the availability of several nutritious vegetables and fruits. As a foreigner visiting Kenya for the first time, tasting their food should be on your list of to-dos. This article contains a collection of most of these Kenyan dishes which even you as a citizen can try for the first time and rest assured that you will enjoy them.

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