Cuisine in Kenya

Ugali

Staple food made from maize flour porridge. Torn by hand to scoop side dishes.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Maize flour, Water

Nyama Choma

Charcoal-grilled goat or beef. Essential for weekend socializing.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Meat, Salt, Lemon

Sukuma Wiki

Home-style dish of kale stir-fried with tomatoes and onions.

• Region: Central Highlands
• Main ingredients: Kale, Tomatoes, Onions

Pilau

Spiced rice dish. Arab-origin staple of coastal regions.

• Region: Coastal areas
• Main ingredients: Rice, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Beef

Chapati

Indian-origin flatbread. Popular for breakfast and snacks.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Oil, Water

Githeri

Simple dish of beans and maize stewed together.

• Region: Western regions
• Main ingredients: Kidney beans, Maize, Salt

Irio (Mukimo)

Kikuyu traditional food mixing potatoes with beans and maize.

• Region: Central Highlands
• Main ingredients: Potatoes, Beans, Maize, Greens

Samaki wa Kupaka

Fish dish stewed in coconut curry sauce.

• Region: Coastal areas
• Main ingredients: Fish, Coconut milk, Spices

Kachumbari

Refreshing condiment salad of tomatoes, onions, and chili.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Tomatoes, Onions, Chili

Mandazi

Sweet doughnut-like fried bread in triangular shape. Popular with tea.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Sugar, Yeast