As Deborah Cater as soon as properly mentioned, “You have to taste a culture to understand it.”
When you image Kenya, you may think a satisfaction of lions traversing the huge plains of the Serengeti, large hippos bathing in Lake Naivasha, or the unimaginable migration of wildebeest, antelope and zebra within the Maasai Mara. Kenya is, unquestionably, top-of-the-line locations on the planet to go on safari. But if you wish to expertise Kenya’s wealthy and vibrant tradition, it is advisable eat the meals.
From melt-in-the-mouth meats slow-grilled over sizzling coals to creamy coconut hen curry, listed here are 10 must-try dishes to eat in your journey to Kenya.
1. Ugali
First up we’ve got ugali – the staple of Kenyan delicacies. Made from white or yellow cornmeal, salt and sizzling water, this starchy, spongy aspect dish is served with virtually each meal. It’s normally served on a platter in the midst of the desk so everybody can take some. The finest approach to eat it’s by tearing off a chunk, rolling it right into a ball, and hollowing out the center along with your finger to make use of as a spoon. It’s the proper approach to mop up stews, soups and grilled meat or fish. Plus, meals tastes so significantly better while you eat along with your arms.
2. Irio
Irio (pronounced eer-e-o), also called mukimo, is initially a dish of the Kikuyu individuals of Central Kenya, and is now a household favorite throughout Kenya. Made with a nutritious combination of mashed potatoes, corn, peas, and sometimes spinach, kale or beans, it’s an improve in your normal mashed potatoes and is scrumptious served with stews, or barbequed meat and fish – though you could possibly merely dig right into a bowl of it with a spoon.
3. Githeri
Githeri is one other dish that originated from the Kikuyu individuals. This comforting one-pot stew is in style in lots of elements of Africa, however the Kenyan model is made with purple beans, potatoes, onion, meat and corn in a wealthy tomato and beef gravy that’s spiced with curry powder, paprika and chilli. It might be served as an appetizer or as a major meal with chapati or rice. It’s a well-liked lunch in Kenya and also you’ll typically see and scent it simmering away in a giant pot on the road.
4. Matoke
Matoke is a kind of inexperienced cooking banana native to southwest Uganda. This dish is a agency favorite throughout East Africa, and also you’ll discover it on the menu at most eating places in Kenya. Kenyan matoke stew is a wealthy mixture of inexperienced bananas, tomatoes, onion, garlic and flavoursome spices that are simmered in a big pot till the bananas soften up and create a thick gravy sauce. It’s served with rice, ugali or chapati and likewise tastes nice with roasted meat.
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5. Nyama choma
Nyama choma means ‘grilled meat’ in Swahili, and it’s thought-about to be the unofficial nationwide dish of Kenya. This dish is so simple as it will get: meat (the standard meat of selection is goat however beef, hen and fish are additionally in style) which is seasoned with salt and slow-cooked over sizzling coals. The meat is so ridiculously succulent it’ll soften in your mouth. You can dig into nyama choma by itself, but it surely’s additionally scrumptious with rice, chapati and kachumbari – a tangy relish of purple onions, tomatoes, coriander, chilli and lime juice. You’ll discover nyama choma all over the place from the best eating places in Nairobi to native avenue distributors cooking up a storm. The scent alone will probably be sufficient to make you salivate!
6. Nyama
Nyama, or Kenyan stewed beef, is a kind of dishes that may style totally different every time you eat it. Every household and restaurant has their very own tackle the dish, which is why it’s nice to strive it a number of instances in your journey. The base components embody braised beef, onions, tomatoes and carrots, but it surely may additionally have a bunch of different veggies reminiscent of potatoes, peas and plantains. It’s then seasoned with spices and left effervescent over the range till all of the flavours merge and the sauce thickens. Enjoy nyama with ukama wiki and a beneficiant serving to of chapati to absorb the sauce.
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7. Mutura
Mutura is among the hottest Kenyan snacks. A bit much like Irish black pudding or Spanish morcilla, mutura is comprised of animal intestines – normally goat, cow or lamb – which is full of a combination of meat, onions, herbs, spices and animal blood. It’s then rolled right into a sausage spiral, boiled and grilled over sizzling coals to provide it a smokey flavour. It’s an acquired style, however you would possibly prefer it in case you just like the salty, fatty style of meat. It tastes nice washed down with an ice-cold beer.
8. Sukama wiki
If you’re keen on your greens, you’ll be hooked on sukama wiki. This earthy, aromatic aspect dish is comprised of leafy greens or kale, garlic, onions, tomatoes and spices reminiscent of turmeric, cayenne pepper and paprika. It’s wholesome, full of flavour and tastes scrumptious with nyama choma, or mopped up with ugali.
9. Kuku Paka
Kuku paka is the Kenyan tackle a hen curry. It’s in style alongside the East African coast and is a primary instance of Kenya’s culinary affect from India. This creamy bowl of goodness is made with charcoal-roasted hen which is simmered in a pot of coconut milk, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger and numerous different spices to provide it an fragrant and barely fiery kick.
10. Mandazi
To end off we’ve got mandazi, Kenya’s favorite candy deal with. Mandazi is sort of a doughnut, besides it’s infused with coconut and aromatic cardamom and fried within the form of a samosa. Eat like an area and have one (or two) for breakfast with a cup of tea or espresso, or seize one on the go as a sugary snack.
Hungry for journey? Check out our Kenya excursions.