What Food To Try in Nairobi and Food Prices

Uji - Porridge (breakfast staple) - A smooth, fermented porridge made from maize or millet, often served warm. Locals enjoy it in the mornings, often accompanied by fresh fruits or honey for added sweetness.

Mutura - Intestines (street food) - Spiced and grilled goat intestines stuffed with a mix of blood and spices, resulting in a rich, savory flavor. This popular street food is best enjoyed late at night when vendors are bustling at roadside stalls, providing a unique culinary experience that brings the community together.

Nyama Choma - Grilled Meat (main course) - Succulent chunks of marinated beef or goat, charcoal-grilled to perfection and served with a side of kachumbari (fresh salsa). Commonly served during gatherings or on weekends, it's a social meal where friends gather around the grill, sharing stories over hearty bites.

Omena - Lake Sardines (local specialty) - Tiny, sun-dried fish typically cooked with tomatoes and spices, served with ugali (stiff porridge) for a wholesome meal. This dish is often enjoyed by coastal communities, filling the air with a distinct fishy aroma that many locals adore.

Chapati and Sukuma Wiki - Chapati with Collard Greens (surprising combination) - Soft, flaky flatbread served alongside sautéed collard greens, sometimes with a smear of avocado. This combo is a common household meal, featuring a delightful mix of textures and flavors, enjoyed mainly during lunch or dinner.

Matoke - Steamed Plantains (seasonal variation) - Green plantains that are peeled, steamed, and mashed, usually served with a savory sauce. This dish shines during the harvest season, bringing families together around hearty meals filled with regional stories and traditions.

By the way, when ordering Nyama Choma, locals often shy away from asking for it well-done; they prefer it juicy and a little rare for the best flavor!

Chai - चाय (spiced milk tea) - Rich black tea brewed with milk, ginger, and cardamom, served hot and often sweetened. You’ll spot locals sipping chai at roadside stalls during morning commutes and afternoon breaks, usually accompanied by a small snack.

Juju - जूजू (herb-infused drink) - This refreshing drink is made from fresh hibiscus flowers and mixed with water, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Best enjoyed on hot afternoons, it’s a staple at local gatherings, especially during family celebrations or as a walk-around drink at markets.

Tusker - Tusker Lager (local beer) - A smooth, pale lager made from barley and maize, often enjoyed ice-cold in social settings. Most Nairobians indulge in Tusker during weekend get-togethers, and an interesting ritual is raising the bottle for a toast while sharing stories about the week.

Mazuri Cake - Mazuri Keki (layered pastry dessert) - A delightful layered cake with flavors of coconut, known for its rich texture and sweetness. This treat typically makes an appearance during significant life events like weddings or birthdays, always best served chilled with a hot beverage.

Ice Cream - Maziwa na Mbaghara (frozen dessert) - A creamy frozen delight made with locally sourced fruits like mangoes or passionfruit. It’s perfect for cooling down during the sweltering days, especially popular at street stalls during school holidays, and locals often eat it while walking around the city.

By the way, you’ll want to check the timing for fresh ingredients in your drinks and desserts, as some flavors shine brightest in their respective seasons!