Kenya is a magnificent culinary nation that is enhanced by a wealth of natural products and a rich cultural and traditional diversity. Each of the 42 Kenyan tribes spread across the country has special delicacies that can take a lifetime to sample while on African safari. The Rift Valley region is the main food basket of the country due to the rich volcanic soils, where most of the fresh vegetables and cereals consumed in the country are produced. On the other hand, the coastal region is the main source of tropical fruits and fresh seafood of all kinds.
Swahili cuisine: The coast is not only famous for the beaches along the Indian Ocean, but also for the rich Swahili culture that has a long history. The world-renowned Swahili cuisine is unique to the country, which is often a fusion of Middle Eastern Arab cuisine and African cuisine, usually the say community way of preparing delicious delicacies and refreshing traditional drinks with a unique and characteristic coastal touch.
The “Nyama Choma” Grilled Meat in the “Ugali” Nation: There is no doubt that dieters will have a problem with the way Kenyans enjoy meat, especially grilled meat, “nyama choma”. Most of Kenya’s major cities and even smaller market centers have “nyama choma” joints where meat lovers frequent for a bite of traditionally roasted meat. In Nairobi, Carnivore restaurant is one of the best places where you can try “nyama choma” and drink it with a bottle of Tusker, Kenya’s best beer.
The meat is usually roasted over an open fire or over charcoal. Goat meat, known as “mbuzi choma”, is plentiful. Served with “sukuma wiki” vegetables and the staple food of Ugali-Kenya, this is a meal like no other. There are some communities that cannot do without a meal of ugali for a day. It is a thick porridge of cornmeal that is served in freshly cooked and steaming pieces that are consumed with the meat.
The vegetarians: There are numerous Indian, Pakistani and other subcontinental restaurants in the country’s major cities that are frequented by the large, mostly vegetarian Asian population in the country. You can also try some of the best Indian cuisines along with great vegetarian meals.
Western region; Fresh Fish and Traditional Chicken: The western part of Kenya is mainly made up of the Luo and Luhya communities who share various cultural traits. In Kisumu, you can enjoy fresh fish from Lake Victoria that can be prepared to your liking. The main hotels in the city serve varieties of fish species, from tilapia to mud fish and many more. In the neighboring western province, chicken is served, the best gift for a worthy visitor.
World class kitchens: You can enjoy a wide collection of world cuisines at various restaurants in Nairobi. The collection ranges from the French Novelle, to the Korean BBQ or the Ethiopian Injera and many more. A safari in Kenya will definitely expose you to some of the world’s most respected cuisines and the best traditional foods among Kenyan communities.
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