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What Food To Try in Nakuru and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Nakuru for 2025.

National currency: Kenyan Shilling, symbol — (international currency code KES).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Nakuru cafes and restaurants
$5 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.99
$19.9 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $9.97
$5 
Combo Meal
Starting from $2.49

What to Try in Nakuru

Must-try Dishes
Uji - Porridge (breakfast staple) - A smooth, fermented porridge made from millet or sorghum, often enjoyed warm and slightly sour. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast, usually shared among family members, creating a bonding experience at the start of the day.

Mutura - Blood Sausage (street food) - Grilled sausage made from goat or cow blood mixed with spices and served in a casing. Found at roadside stalls, it's a popular late-night snack for locals who often eat it with kachumbari (salsa) for an extra kick.

Nyama Choma - Grilled Meat (main course) - Tender meat, usually goat or beef, marinated and grilled over open flames, served with sides like ugali and vegetables. This dish is a staple at social gatherings, especially on weekends when friends and family come together for a hearty meal.

Chapati - Flatbread (local specialty) - Soft, flaky flatbread made from wheat flour, often served with stews and curries. It's a favorite during celebrations and family meals, with everyone tearing off pieces to scoop their food.

Matoke - Steamed Plantains (surprising combination) - Green plantains steamed and mashed, often mixed with onions and tomatoes for extra flavor. This dish is a delightful surprise, showcasing how locals often pair starches with savory accompaniments, typically enjoyed as a side with meat dishes.

Omena - Sardines (seasonal variation) - Small, dried sardines cooked with spices and served with ugali or rice, often during the rainy season when they’re plentiful. It's a comfort food for many, particularly enjoyed during communal gatherings when locals share stories over a plate.

Githeri - Maize and Beans (hearty combo) - A filling mix of maize and beans, often boiled with vegetables and spices, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal. It's a go-to dish for lunch, with a history tied to the Kikuyu community, making it a staple at homes across Nakuru.

Desserts & Drinks
Chai - चाय (spiced milk tea) - A warming blend of strong black tea, milk, sugar, and a mix of spices like ginger and cardamom. You’ll often find locals sipping this at roadside stalls in the late afternoons, taking a much-needed break from the day's hustle.

Juju Juice - Juju Tinge (mixed fruit juice) - A refreshing and energizing concoction made from a medley of ripe local fruits like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, blended with a bit of ice. Perfect for hot days, especially during the mango season, this drink is a hit at street corners where kids often gather after school.

Kenyan Lager - Beer (local brew) - Smooth and crisp, the local lagers are typically made from malted barley and hops. For a true Kenyan experience, enjoy one while relaxing with friends after a long day, especially during football match days when the atmosphere is electric.

Mandazi - Mandazi (crispy fried pastry) - These delicious deep-fried pastries are soft and slightly sweet, made from coconut milk, flour, and a hint of cardamom. They’re often served during family gatherings or festive occasions, and you can find many vendors selling them fresh during the weekends.

Ice Cream - Maziwa Malai (local creamy treat) - This smooth, rich ice cream, often flavored with local ingredients like passion fruit or mango, is a delightful cold dessert that’s best enjoyed during the hot Nakuru sun. You’ll spot friendly gatherings around ice cream kiosks, especially during community events or after local games.

Food and Groceries in Nakuru

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $0.5
Oranges $1.96
Potatoes $1.37
Apples $2.99
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.78
0.5L Local Beer $2.1
Imported Beer $2.49
Wine Rating >4.0 $7.47

Various Groceries
Chicken $6.78
Rice $1.2
Local Cheese $4.98

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

The hustle and bustle of Nakuru’s mealtime rhythm is something to behold. Watching a group of construction workers break for lunch around 1 PM at a roadside kiosk is a prime example of local life. Their laughter fills the air as they savor steaming plates of ugali and sukuma wiki, the cheap yet impactful meal usually costing around 150 KSh. Meanwhile, office workers seeking quick bites in downtown Nakuru typically frequent eateries from 12 PM to 2 PM, driving a surge in lunchtime activity.

Nakuru’s dining landscape is diverse, with vibrant neighborhoods like Kenyatta Avenue offering everything from informal street food to sit-down restaurants. Street vendors play a vital role, with samosas and mandazis priced between 20 KSh and 50 KSh, providing delicious on-the-go options or a quick snack during a busy day. Compare that with a sit-down meal in a casual dining spot where a main dish might set you back 600 KSh, which can be a decent value for lunch or dinner. Visitors sometimes mistakenly think they’ll find high-end options at every corner, unaware that local dining is heavily anchored in affordability and variety.

Payment customs here are straightforward. Cash remains king, although some places now accept mobile payments like M-Pesa, which is always convenient. From my own experience, those eager to pay with a card might encounter challenges, especially in smaller establishments. As for tipping, while not obligatory, a 10% addition for good service is appreciated in more formal settings.

A typical day in Nakuru’s dining scene runs from early morning breakfast around 7 AM to late-night snacks, often seen as late as 10 PM in the bar districts. The evenings, particularly Friday and Saturday nights, become lively times for dining out, with many flocking to restaurants. Surprisingly, some upscale venues might even insist on prior reservations during peak dining hours to avoid disappointment—something that’s easily overlooked by newcomers.

Nakuru locals have this innate ability to blend food with community. It’s quite common to see groups sharing a large platter, which not only enhances the dining experience but also reflects the local culture of togetherness. Seasonal changes can also influence this habit; during the cooler months, hearty stews and soups become popular, while fresher salads and lighter meals dominate the warmer season.

With increasing development in Nakuru, such as improved transport links connecting districts, we might see a gradual shift in dining patterns. The rise of food delivery services is also changing how people experience Nakuru’s culinary offerings, allowing for a blend of convenience and variety that aligns with modern lifestyles.