Best Budget Eats in Nairobi, Kenya
1. Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel
All-you-can-eat buffet with a variety of Kenyan and international dishes. Perfect for trying local delicacies without breaking the bank.
- Affordable Buffet: Offers an affordable all-you-can-eat buffet, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Variety of Dishes: Features a wide variety of dishes, allowing you to sample multiple Kenyan cuisines in one sitting.
- Convenient Location: Located on Mombasa Road, making it easily accessible from many parts of Nairobi.
2. Tamambo at the Carnivore
Casual eatery offering a diverse menu with an emphasis on seafood and pasta. Perfect for those seeking a break from traditional Kenyan fare.
- Seafood & Pasta Specialties: Serves a variety of seafood and pasta dishes, providing options beyond traditional Kenyan cuisine.
- Centrally Located: Situated near the Nairobi National Park, making it a convenient stop after a safari visit.
- Affordable Prices: Offers reasonably priced dishes that won't strain your travel budget.
3. Java House
Popular coffee shop chain offering light meals, sandwiches, and pastries. A great spot for a quick bite or snack.
- Wide Availability: Has multiple locations across Nairobi, making it easy to find one nearby.
- Variety of Food Options: Provides a wide selection of meals, sandwiches, and pastries for those with specific dietary needs or preferences.
- Comfortable Atmosphere: Features comfortable seating areas for a relaxing dining experience.
4. Kabete Market
Large open-air market selling fresh produce, spices, and ready-to-eat foods. A great place to experience the local food culture.
- Authentic Experience: Offers an authentic Kenyan food market experience.
- Fresh Produce: Sells a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices at affordable prices.
- Ready-to-Eat Foods: Features stalls selling ready-to-eat meals, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
5. Mama Oliech's
Famous eatery serving traditional Kenyan dishes such as ugali and nyama choma. A must-visit for trying authentic Kenyan cuisine.
- Authentic Kenyan Cuisine: Serves traditional Kenyan dishes that are popular among locals.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for trying local food.
- Centrally Located: Located in Westlands, a popular area with many restaurants and shops.
6. Artcaffe
Coffee shop chain offering a range of meals, pastries, and cakes. Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Features a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation.
- Wide Selection: Offers a wide variety of meals, pastries, and cakes to cater to different tastes.
- Convenient Locations: Has several locations across Nairobi, making it easily accessible.
7. Sarit Center Food Court
Large food court offering a diverse selection of food vendors. Perfect for satisfying any craving.
- Diverse Selection: Features a variety of food vendors, allowing you to choose from multiple cuisines.
- Centrally Located: Located in the Sarit Center Mall, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices at each food vendor, allowing you to try multiple dishes without breaking your budget.
8. Pampa Mall Food Court
Food court with a variety of vendors offering African, Asian, and Western cuisines. A great place to sample different foods.
- Diverse Cuisine: Offers a diverse selection of cuisines, allowing you to try many different dishes in one location.
- Centrally Located: Located within the Pampa Mall, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices at each food vendor, allowing you to try multiple dishes without breaking your budget.
9. Taste of Kenya Restaurant
Restaurant specializing in traditional Kenyan dishes such as nyama choma and ugali. A great place to immerse yourself in Kenyan culture.
- Authentic Kenyan Cuisine: Serves traditional Kenyan dishes that are popular among locals.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for trying local food.
- Centrally Located: Located in the heart of Nairobi, making it easily accessible from many parts of the city.
10. The Hub Karen
Outdoor shopping center with a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Features an outdoor setting that encourages relaxation.
- Diverse Selection: Offers a variety of food vendors and restaurants, catering to different tastes.
- Centrally Located: Located in Karen, a popular residential area with many amenities.
11. Kahawa Sukari
Café serving Kenyan coffee and pastries. A great spot for a quick pick-me-up or snack.
- Authentic Kenyan Coffee: Serves authentic Kenyan coffee, allowing you to sample a local favorite.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
- Variety of Pastries: Features a variety of pastries to choose from.
12. Bomas of Kenya
Cultural center showcasing traditional Kenyan music, dance, and cuisine. A must-visit for understanding Kenyan culture.
- Cultural Experience: Provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing you to learn about Kenyan traditions.
- Authentic Cuisine: Serves traditional Kenyan dishes that are prepared using local ingredients and techniques.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
13. Mama Oliech's Kibera
Second location of Mama Oliech's, offering traditional Kenyan dishes at affordable prices. A great place to experience the local food culture in Kibera.
- Authentic Kenyan Cuisine: Serves traditional Kenyan dishes that are popular among locals.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for trying local food.
- Located in Kibera: Situated in Kibera, one of Africa's largest urban slums, providing an opportunity to learn about and support the community.
14. Yaya Centre Food Court
Food court with a variety of food vendors offering African, Asian, and Western cuisines. A great place to sample different foods.
- Diverse Cuisine: Offers a diverse selection of cuisines, allowing you to try many different dishes in one location.
- Centrally Located: Located in the Yaya Centre Mall, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
- Affordable Prices: Offers affordable prices at each food vendor, allowing you to try multiple dishes without breaking your budget.
15. Sarova Panafric Hotel
Hotel offering a variety of dining options, including an international buffet. A great choice for those who want to sample multiple dishes.
- Variety of Dishes: Features a wide variety of dishes, allowing you to sample many different cuisines in one sitting.
- Affordable Prices (for hotel buffet): Offers affordable prices for a hotel buffet, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
- Centrally Located: Located in the heart of Nairobi, making it easily accessible from many parts of the city.