Top 10 Things to Eat while in Kenya

Top 10 Things to Eat while in Kenya

Kenya is known as a land of many beauties, with an extensive portfolio of wildlife, it has become the chosen destination for many seeking nature trails. Its mountainous terrains and urban cityscapes make it a diverse holiday destination. Along with its vibrant variety of local delicacies.

1. Ugali (Cornmeal Staple)

Ugali is the staple food for many Kenyans. Made out of cornmeal and hot water it is a dense porridge-like consistency which keeps your tummy full for a long time.

Ugali with stew

2. Irio (Mashed Peas and Potato Mix)

Potatoes and peas are a common sight in many home gardens, hence its use in traditional Kenyan dishes is widespread. The main ingredients for Irio include boiled potatoes and peas which are then mashed into a thick consistency. In order to add more starch to this meal, corn is mixed. This meal is mainly served with roasted nyama choma meat.

Irio – Mashed Potatoes with Veggies. of East Africa.dish found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

3. Githeri (Beans and Corn)

A combination of boiled beans, corn kernels, and an assortment of mixed vegetables are the main ingredients of this meal which is traditionally Kenyan.

Maize and Beans; Githeri

4. Kenyan Pilau (Spiced Rice)

The local version of fragrant rice – Kenyan Pilau is rice which is cooked in spices which are bursting with vibrant fragrances. This is mainly eaten with meat stew or tomatoes and onion sambal.

Kenyan Chicken Pilau, Kenyan Chicken biryani

5. Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice)

Rice has been a staple meal in Kenya, the natives have found numerous ways in exciting this meal. Wali wa Naziis a popular dish along the Indian Ocean coast. The rice is boiled with thickly grated or cut coconut, providing it a rich milky taste.

Sharing platter of a traditional Kenyan dish, Nyama Choma accompanied by kachumbari salad, sukuma wiki, chapati and roast potatoes. The roasted goat has been slow cooked outdoors. Eldoret, Africa.

6. Sukuma Wiki (Collard Greens / Kale)

Leafy greens are abundant in this land of plenty. Kale is a favorite which is used in many traditional dishes. Sukuma wiki consists of Kale, tomatoes, and onions which are cooked in oil giving it a thick consistency. This meal is then flavored with Mchuzi mix (the local version of the stock cube).

7. Kenyan Stew

Like many stews, this can be made out of any type of meat.  The meat is placed in a large pan along with garden grown vegetables which usually include potatoes, carrots, peppers, and peas. Water is added to his mix and allowed to boil for a long which until the water becomes a non-transparent liquid. Mchuzi mix is then added to improve the flavor)

Kuku Paka, Kenyan chargrilled Chicken stewed in creamy spicy Coconut Sauce in a earthenware saucepan on a black wooden table

8. Nyama Choma – Pride of Kenyan Food

This dish is mainly made out of beef and goat meat, and involves the slow roasting of the cured meat over a pit fire. A variety of spices are mixed together in curing the meat giving it a tantalizing flavor.

Grilled lamb meat with tomato salad and ugali

9. Matoke (Banana Stew)

Bananas, a home-grown fruit which is eaten in a variety of different ways is abundantly available in Kenya. Bananas are with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilies and seasoned with salt and lemon juice which gives it a rich tangy flavor.

A delicious plate of home cooked matoke (ibitoke, matooke, ebitookye) ready to be served; a national dish in Rwanda and Uganda.

10. Kenyan Bajias

This local delicacy is made with potatoes which are thinly sliced, seasoned and deep fried. It is then served with Kenyan stew or tomato salsa.

Kane Parker
Kane Parker

I'm a fellow at the Travel Center in London, which is a leading European travel company established in 1987 by Moresand Ltd. I have been writing contents based on holidays and tours for the last five years at Travel Center. My passion is to help people who love travelling and are looking for the ideal travel tips on destinations all around the world. Like a lot of people, I hoped travel would solve everything. I set off - convinced my trip would be all about incredible, life-changing moments; ones full of sunsets and rainbows and meaningful experiences. Instead, I stumbled headfirst into a disaster.

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