With vibrant culture comes tasty food, and Kenyan food is a prime example. Once you get a taste of it, you’ll be craving more long after you’re back from your vacation!
Listed below are the ten best Kenyan street food you must try.
- Mshikaki
Mshikaki, the Kenyan kebabs, are one of the most popular street foods. It is a meat skewer that often contains the meat of chicken, beef, or goat. The skewer is grilled on open coal. Marinated for hours in a blend of Kenyan spices, the kebabs are a tasty snack to munch on.
- Ugali
Made out of millet or sorghum, Ugali is a Kenyan staple. It is often served as an afternoon meal in many local restaurants. This cheap yet hearty meal is very common in Kenya.
- Grilled maize
Grilled maize – the shopping staple. This popular street food is simple yet delicious. Cooked on open charcoal and brushed with butter, chili, lime, and salt, this snack has a sweet taste and crunchy texture. You can easily get hold of this while strolling around the streets of Kenya.
- Sukuma Wiki
Sukuma Wiki translated into Swahili means ‘week-pusher,’ which is another Kenyan staple. It is made of collard greens and meat. This simple yet flavorful dish is loved by Kenyans and is quite affordable.
- Maandazi/Mahamri
The deep-fried doughnut is a people’s favorite. Eaten as a breakfast item in Kenya, this dish is made out of yeast, sugar, coconut milk, and cardamom. It is often paired with a cup of chai (tea) which complements the fresh coconut flavor in it.
- Chipsi Mayai
Chipsi Mayai is a flavorful combination of French fries with an omelet. It is served with tomato sauce and kachumbari. It is a perfect evening snack that you can munch on while walking through the Kenyan markets.
- Smokie Pasua
Smokie Pasua is a sausage split to make a pocket which is then filled with kachumbari (freshly cut tomato and onion salad). This fast food is easily available on Kenyan streets and liked by many because of its elite flavor! The sausage is usually made out of chicken or beef meat.
- Mutura
Mutura is another sausage dish that is made up of fresh meat. The sausage is spiced with garlic, ginger, green or red chilies, and scallions. This is usually eaten as an appetizer paired with beers and fresh drinks that further enhances its taste.
- Fried Cassava
The widely grown Kenyan vegetable Cassava is a street food favorite too. The cassava is finely cut and deep-fried to make it crispy. It is topped with spices and lemon to enhance its flavor. If you’re avoiding fried, then you can go for the boiled ones, which are equally delicious.
- Nyama Choma
This roast beef dish is extremely popular in the Kenyan streets. The meat is cooked to perfection and made so tender that it can be eaten by hands. These long, fatty and meaty ribs are a must-have!
So, what are you waiting for? Try these delicious Kenyan foods and savor every bite!
Take the Best of Kenyan safaris while you’re still in the beautiful country.
