What Food To Try in Mombasa and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Mombasa for 2025.
National currency: Kenyan Shilling, symbol — (international currency code KES).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Mombasa cafes and restaurants
$1.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.42
$25
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $25
$2.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $2.13
What to Try in Mombasa
Must-try Dishes
Uji - Fermented Porridge (breakfast staple) - A smooth, warm mixture of milled maize and sometimes millet, lightly fermented for a tangy flavor. It’s commonly enjoyed in the morning, often shared with family gathered around the table.Chips Mayai - Potato Omelette (street food) - A hearty dish of crispy fried potatoes enveloped in fluffy eggs, often seasoned with spices. Street vendors serve it hot and fresh for a quick lunch or snack, perfect between errands in the bustling markets.
Biryani - Spiced Rice Pilaf (main course) - Aromatic basmati rice cooked with marinated chicken or beef, layered with saffron and a myriad of spices. This dish is a favorite for celebrations, often served during family gatherings, where you savor every aromatic bite.
Swahili Mboga - Vegetable Curry (local specialty) - A colorful blend of local vegetables simmered in coconut milk with spices, served with rice or chapati. This nutritious dish embodies the coastal culture and is usually enjoyed during Sunday family meals, bringing everyone together.
Fish Masala - Spiced Fish (surprising combination) - Freshly caught fish marinated in a zesty spice mix, then grilled or fried for a crispy exterior. It’s commonly paired with ugali, embracing the local palate's love for combinations that balance spicy and savory flavors.
Supu Ya Njia - Roadside Soup (seasonal variation) - A warming beef or chicken broth full of seasonal vegetables and spices, perfect for cold evenings. Often enjoyed during rainy seasons, it’s a comforting dish that brings the community together, typically slurped down at local kiosks.
By the way, locals often share food from the same plate, enhancing the communal feeling during meals.
Desserts & Drinks
Kahawa - قهوة (local coffee) - Strong, aromatic coffee brewed using finely ground Arabica beans and cardamom. Locals enjoy it throughout the day, often served in small cups and traditionally accompanied by a piece of sugar cane for sweetness. Soda Jeruk - Soda Jeruk (fresh orange soda) - Refreshing blend of fresh orange juice and soda, creating a zesty, fizzy drink perfect for the hot climate. You’ll find it at beachside cafes, ideal for cooling down after a long day in the sun, especially during the mango season for an added twist.
Wali wa Nazi - Wali wa Nazi (coconut rice) - Fluffy rice cooked with coconut milk, bringing a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with local dishes. While not a dessert, it’s often served as part of celebratory meals like weddings, embodying the essence of Mombasa's coastal cuisine.
Dongo - Dongo (fried unleavened bread) - Crispy, golden deep-fried pastry made from flour and typically enjoyed with a sweet dipping syrup. Best savored during evening strolls along the beach, but you might mistake it for other pastries if you don't specify it on the menu!
Jin Mbuzi - Jin Mbuzi (local goat's milk yogurt) - Creamy yogurt made from goat's milk, delightfully tangy and served chilled with fruits or honey. Locals enjoy it during celebrations or family gatherings, particularly popular during the long rainy season when the milk supply is abundant. By the way, the texture is smoother than cow's milk yogurt!
Food and Groceries in Mombasa
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.49 |
| Bananas | $1.15 |
| Oranges | $2.13 |
| Potatoes | $0.89 |
| Apples | $1.56 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.44 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.87 |
| Imported Beer | $2.49 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.11 |
| Milk 1L | $0.9 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $6.91 |
| Chicken | $5.26 |
| Cigarettes | $3.2 |
| Rice | $1.7 |
| Local Cheese | $6.86 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The lunchtime rush in Mombasa is always a vibrant affair. By midday, streets are buzzing with locals heading to their favorite eateries, where enticing aromas waft through the air. A typical meal here usually starts around 1:00 PM and stretches well into the afternoon.
You'll find that meal prices can vary significantly based on the district. For example, a hearty plate of biryani in the Old Town will set you back about KSh 600, while the same dish at a swankier spot in Nyali could easily rise to KSh 1,200. This kind of price difference is reflective of the areas; Old Town’s offerings are often more affordable as they cater to local clients, whereas the upscale locales also serve tourists willing to spend more.
When it comes to payment methods, cash remains king, but many places are gradually adopting mobile payment options such as M-Pesa. It’s convenient and widely accepted, though some smaller vendors may not have the capability, so keep an eye out to ensure you have some physical cash on hand. For locals, cash transactions often come with the understanding of negotiating prices, especially in markets or among street vendors.
Tipping isn’t as obligatory here as it might be elsewhere; rounding up your bill is a nice gesture but nobody expects it—different from the common practices in the West. However, a small token of appreciation can be well-received in places where service is particularly attentive.
One unique local dining habit is “swallowing” food, especially during communal meals. Instead of using utensils, many locals enjoy scooping up rice or ugali with their hands. This practice creates a sense of sharing and community with one another. You might also notice that people often eat with a shared dish, emphasizing togetherness at the table.
Locals usually avoid dining out right at 12:00 PM; the lines can be daunting during this peak hour. If you can manage to arrive around 2:00 PM, not only will the rush have dissipated, but you’ll also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and quicker service.
Oh, and before I forget, if you want to experience a more authentic side of Mombasa's food culture, making reservations for popular spots is wise—especially on weekends when families tend to gather for traditional meals. The local dining scene is rich and diverse, reflecting the vibrant traditions and customs of the community. It’s always evolving, and it feels exciting to witness!
You'll find that meal prices can vary significantly based on the district. For example, a hearty plate of biryani in the Old Town will set you back about KSh 600, while the same dish at a swankier spot in Nyali could easily rise to KSh 1,200. This kind of price difference is reflective of the areas; Old Town’s offerings are often more affordable as they cater to local clients, whereas the upscale locales also serve tourists willing to spend more.
When it comes to payment methods, cash remains king, but many places are gradually adopting mobile payment options such as M-Pesa. It’s convenient and widely accepted, though some smaller vendors may not have the capability, so keep an eye out to ensure you have some physical cash on hand. For locals, cash transactions often come with the understanding of negotiating prices, especially in markets or among street vendors.
Tipping isn’t as obligatory here as it might be elsewhere; rounding up your bill is a nice gesture but nobody expects it—different from the common practices in the West. However, a small token of appreciation can be well-received in places where service is particularly attentive.
One unique local dining habit is “swallowing” food, especially during communal meals. Instead of using utensils, many locals enjoy scooping up rice or ugali with their hands. This practice creates a sense of sharing and community with one another. You might also notice that people often eat with a shared dish, emphasizing togetherness at the table.
Locals usually avoid dining out right at 12:00 PM; the lines can be daunting during this peak hour. If you can manage to arrive around 2:00 PM, not only will the rush have dissipated, but you’ll also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and quicker service.
Oh, and before I forget, if you want to experience a more authentic side of Mombasa's food culture, making reservations for popular spots is wise—especially on weekends when families tend to gather for traditional meals. The local dining scene is rich and diverse, reflecting the vibrant traditions and customs of the community. It’s always evolving, and it feels exciting to witness!