Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Nairobi, Kenya

1. Biryani at Carnivore Restaurant

Experience a flavorful, spiced rice dish with succulent meats at Africa's premier dining destination.

Authentic Taste: Carnivore specializes in African cuisine, offering an authentic taste of Kenya.
Variety: Over 50 different types of meat are served, ensuring a unique experience for every visitor.
Atmosphere: Dine under the stars in a traditional Kenyan boma setting, adding to the exotic ambiance.

Savor the traditional Kenyan staple of ugali (maize meal) served with githeri (beans and corn), available in bustling Muthurwa Market.

Authentic Experience: Muthurwa Market offers a genuine, local experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Kenyan culture.
Affordability: Prices are generally low, making it an accessible option for travelers on a budget.
Freshness: The produce is fresh and prepared daily, ensuring you get the best taste possible.

Enjoy a refreshing tomato and onion salad with fresh herbs, perfect as a side or light meal at popular coffee shop, Java House.

Freshness: Java House prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients for its dishes.
Convenience: Multiple locations across Nairobi, making it easy to find a Java House wherever you are.
Variety: Java House offers a range of dishes and beverages, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Pair grilled meats (nyama choma) with sweet fried dough called mandazi, a popular Kenyan snack found at nyama choma joints.

Taste: The combination of savory meats and sweet mandazi creates a unique flavor profile.
Casual Atmosphere: Nyama choma joints provide a relaxed, informal dining experience.
Popularity: Nyama choma is a favorite among Kenyans and visitors alike, making it a must-try dish.

Savor fresh tilapia prepared in various ways at the upscale Sarova Stanley Hotel.

Quality: Sarova Stanley uses high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure a delicious dining experience.
Diverse Menu: The hotel's restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including both Kenyan and international cuisine.
Elegant Atmosphere: Sarova Stanley provides an elegant dining experience in a historic, colonial-style setting.

Savor traditional Kenyan dishes, including kianda (steamed fish and vegetables), in the Sky Restaurant at KICC.

Authenticity: The Sky Restaurant serves traditional Kenyan dishes, providing an authentic dining experience.
View: KICC's Sky Restaurant offers panoramic views of Nairobi, making for a memorable dining experience.
Variety: The restaurant also serves international dishes, catering to diverse tastes.

Indulge in a tasty, fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas found at vendors throughout City Park.

Taste: The combination of savory spices and crispy pastry creates a delightful snack.
Affordability: City Park samosas are affordable, making them a convenient choice for travelers on a budget.
Convenience: Vendors can be found throughout City Park, allowing visitors to easily find a snack.

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Variety: Westlands Mall Food Court offers a wide variety of dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Convenience: The food court is located in a shopping mall, making it easily accessible and convenient.
Comfortable Atmosphere: The food court provides a comfortable, air-conditioned environment for dining.

Start your day with fresh mandazi (fried dough) and chai (tea) in the bustling Kibera Market.

Authentic Experience: Kibera Market offers a genuine, local experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Kenyan culture.
Affordability: Prices are generally low, making it an accessible option for travelers on a budget.
Freshness: The produce is fresh and prepared daily, ensuring you get the best taste possible.

Savor free-range chicken (kuku kienyeji) at The Ole Polos Restaurant, known for its commitment to sustainable farming.

Quality: The Ole Polos uses high-quality ingredients, particularly its free-range chicken.
Sustainability: The restaurant's farming practices are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Atmosphere: The Ole Polos offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere, providing a refreshing contrast to urban Nairobi.

Indulge in crispy, fried corn or cassava fritters called bajia found at vendors throughout Gigiri Market.

Taste: The combination of spices and crispy exterior creates a delightful snack.
Affordability: Gigiri Market vendors offer bajia at affordable prices, making them a convenient choice for travelers on a budget.
Convenience: Vendors can be found throughout Gigiri Market, allowing visitors to easily find a snack.

Savor traditional Kenyan dishes, including makande (a maize and bean stew), in the elegant dining room at The Lord Erroll Hotel.

Authenticity: The Lord Erroll Hotel serves traditional Kenyan dishes, providing an authentic dining experience.
Elegant Atmosphere: The hotel provides an elegant dining experience in a colonial-style setting.
Diverse Menu: The hotel's restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including both Kenyan and international cuisine.

Sample traditional Maasai cheese (mursik) at the vibrant Maasai Market.

Cultural Experience: Maasai Market offers a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the Maasai culture.
Taste: Mursik has a distinctive, tangy flavor that sets it apart from other cheeses.
Affordability: Prices are generally low, making it an accessible option for travelers on a budget.

Experience a creamy maize and bean dish called mukimo, available at The Carnivore Kitchen Deli.

Authenticity: The Carnivore Kitchen Deli offers authentic Kenyan dishes, providing an authentic dining experience.
Convenience: Located in the same area as The Carnivore Restaurant, making it easy to find if you've already visited there.
Variety: The deli also offers a range of other dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Savor strong, brewed coffee called kahawa chungu (black coffee) at the trendy Mavuno Coffee House.

Taste: Kahawa chungu has a robust flavor that sets it apart from other coffees.
Atmosphere: Mavuno Coffee House offers a trendy, urban atmosphere for coffee lovers.
Quality: Mavuno Coffee House uses high-quality beans to ensure a delicious brewing experience.