Food in Kenya: The national dish and 6 other delicious specialties

Kenyan cuisine is very diverse. Numerous ethnic groups native to Kenya each have their own culinary traditions and tastes. Accordingly, common dishes vary from region to region and are influenced by the traditional cooking techniques and ingredients of these groups. Traditional African, Indian, Arabic and British influences contribute to the unique diversity of Kenyan cuisine.

Ugali- the national dish of Kenya

Ugali is a staple food and national dish in Kenya. This dish is made of corn flour and water and has a whitish color and a consistency reminiscent of bread dough. It is often served as a side dish with various vegetables, meat or fish and is also common in other parts of Africa. As a result, it is called differently depending on the region and language, for example "papa" in Lesotho or "nfundi" in Congo.

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Chapati

The thin flatbreads, also called chapati, originated in Pakistan and northern India and were brought to East Africa by emigrants from these regions. They are now considered traditional and indigenous there as well. They are made from wheat flour, water and oil and are often served with many dishes of Kenyan cuisine, especially with meat, vegetables and sauces.

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Nyama Choma- a must for all barbecue fans!

Nyama Choma is grilled meat cut into bite-sized pieces and served with vegetables or ugali. It is usually goat meat, but other meats can also be used for this purpose. The meat is often marinated with salt, pepper and spices before grilling. This delicious dish is an absolute must for meat lovers and barbecue fans!

Sukuma Wiki- The Kale of East Africa

This dish is a common side dish with many meals in Kenya. Sukuma Wiki consists of the African vegetable of the same name. This cabbage-like vegetable, or alternatively spinach, is sauteed together with onions, tomatoes and spices in a pan. The vegetarian dish is both healthy and very delicious.

Nyama Stew- a delicious stew

As the name suggests, this is a stew. This is usually prepared with beef. In addition, Nyama Stew usually contains tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes and various spices. It is often served with rice, ugali or chapati. 

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Mandazi- the popular snack

Mandazi are sweet fried dough balls or dough triangles and are popularly served as a snack or dessert in Kenya and also other parts of East Africa. They are relatively easy to prepare and are eaten with tea or coffee, for example. So if you're in the mood for a tasty snack in addition to vegetables and meat, you should definitely try these dough balls.

Githeri

Githeri is a traditional Kenyan dish and consists of a mixture of beans and cornmeal. The stew is cooked until the beans are soft and well cooked. The consistency here varies according to preference. This dish is an important part of the Kenyan diet and is often prepared with vegetables and spices.

You want to convince yourself of these specialties?

Kenyan cuisine, as you can see, is very diverse and promises unique culinary experiences. In addition to the traditional dishes, you should also immerse yourself in Kenya's street food culture during your trip. Apart from the culinary diversity, Kenya also has aromatic coffee to offer. Learn more about this unique country of East Africa, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine as well as local Coffee plantations and breathtaking Sunset spots explore. Feel free to check out our Kenya round trip and experience the Kenyan culture on site. 

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