What to Eat in Kenya: Traditional Dishes You Must Try

kenya traditional dishes

Kenya is a country of breath-taking views, bright culture and culinary heritage. The country boasts of many tastes of tradition whether in the coastal regions, in the highlands etc. One of the activities that one cannot afford to miss when planning his/her Kenya Tour is the exploration of local cuisine, which is not just sightseeing. The food in the country is not only tasty but also has a lot of roots that are tied to the cultural and historical heritage.

When you are going to book Kenya Holiday Packages or even acquire your Kenya travel visa, you will not consider your trip complete unless you get a taste of some of the foods that Kenya is renowned to. In case you are coming to the Middle East, then the Oman Kenyan visa is your gateway to this delicious trip. This is the tipsy-turvy guide on what to eat in Kenya and the traditional foods you cannot leave your trip without trying.

1. Ugali

Ugali is a thick porridge made of maize flour and is one of the most popular staple foods in Kenya and is eaten with virtually all meals. It is usually accompanied by sukuma wiki (collard greens), beef stew or fish. This is a heavy meal, simple to make, and it is the staple of most Kenyan dishes.

2. Nyama Choma (Grilled meat)

Nyama Choma means roasted meat and it is a national delicacy. The meat is normally prepared using goat or beef, slowly grilled on open fire and combined with kachumbari (fresh tomato and onion salad). It is one of the food items that can be found in every single party and it tastes the best with friends and a cold drink.

3. Chapati

Kenyan chapati is a flatbread that is made in a layered manner and is therefore soft and is influenced by Indian cooking. Kenyan chapati is richer than the Indian one and is usually served with beef stew, or beans or lentils. It is popular at breakfast or it is served as a side dish.

4. Sukuma Wiki

This is a healthy side meal of collard greens that are sauteed and as common as Ugali. Sukuma Wiki is a Swahili word meaning to stretch the week; it is a cost effective but tasty side dish that goes with meals. Locals usually prefer it because of its healthiness and low cost.

5. Githeri

Githeri is boiled maize and beans which is a classic Kikuyu cookery. It is thick, nourishing and occasionally supplemented with veggies or beef. It is common in Kenyan cooking and in the lunch schemes.

6. Mutura

It is known as the sausage of Kenya, and Mutura is prepared in goats intestines filled with delicious blood and minced meat. It is flavoured, boiled and grilled and is usually served as street food across neighborhoods.

7. Pilau

Pilau is a spiced rice, which has a deep Arab and Indian origin, particularly among the coastal counties of Kenya. It consists of rice that is prepared using spices such as cardamom, cumin and cloves usually served alongside beef or chicken.

8. Mandazi

Mandazi is a bit sweet deep-fried pastry that looks similar to a doughnut but less sweet. It goes well with chai (tea) or as a snack or even for breakfast. People love to come to it as it is soft on the inside and crunchy outside.

9. Irio

Irio is a mash combination of peas, corn and potatoes that originates in the Kikuyu tribe. It is normally eaten with meat or stew and is sometimes combined with spinach or any other greens.

10. Tilapia Fry

In case you are in the vicinity of Lake Victoria or the Kenyan coast, you should not miss fried tilapia. It is freshly caught and deep-fried till crispy, and is accompanied by Ugali and kachumbari to make a complete Kenyan sea food meal.

Conclusion:

The Kenyan food culture has the essence of taste of authenticity and diversity in Kenya. Visiting the busy streets of Nairobi or spending time along the shores of the ocean, you will not be able to forget your Kenya Tour due to the variety of traditional dishes offered to the tourists. Kenyan food is not only a matter of food: there is food as sharing, connecting with culture through taste.

Therefore, ensure that your Kenya Visa is sorted out, before planning to travel. When you seek Kenya visa in Oman, then the experience is simple and fast so that you can have smooth travel. Select the Kenya Holiday Packages that offer food tours to have a real experience of the local lifestyle.