Best Kenyan Street Food

Oh Kenya, I love you. The beaches, the night life, and the food – the Kenyan street food. Who would’nt enjoy  nyama choma? Or mutura? In Africa we are big meat eaters, just like the big four cats, and we love it that way.

 

Kenya is my neighbour to the east (I am Ugandan). It is the land of the Mau Mau who made the life of the British miserable, resulting in near anihilation of resistance fighters; the Maasai warriors who eat with lions, and Kenya’s big shots – the Kenyattas, Mois, Kibakis, and the Odingas who led the country to independence and post-independence.

 

When I was a child my dad used to disappear into Kenya for weeks, bringing us gifts upon return. Mombasa is the city he mainly visited. I was too young to ask him what took him there, but now I think I know, without doubt, LOL. In fact, I do the same things he did and I know my babies will love Mombasa too. Adventure is in our blood.

 

That said, I am not here to yap about my dad’s escapades but to tell you about Kenyan street food. Maybe I will convince you to try mahindi choma (mahindi is corn and choma means roast in Swahili), or something else? I have chosen 5 of the best Kenyan street food. Up to you if you don’t trust me, but I am a regular in Kenya and I know what is best for you. Ready to join me on this culinary adventure? Let’s go!

1. Nyama Choma

5 of the Best Kenyan Street Food

You haven’t been to Kenya until you try nyama choma. It is the big deal in bars, night clubs and campsites.  Nyama choma is made from chicken, cow, goat, and pork meat. Or even crocodile and ostrich meat like I once found out the hard way at the Carnivore Restaurant in upscale Langata. Please, crocodile meat is delicious and tastes like chicken – trust me.

This dish is mainly served with ugali, a meal made of maize, and kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad. Wash it down with tusker malt, Kenya’s best beer, and you are ready to hit the dance floor paka chini.😅

2. Mutura

You know that feeling when you first try an unfamiliar food like I recently did when I tried chicken feet at Gwangjang market?

Yes, that is how you might feel when you first try Mutura but then, you will soon LOVE IT.  This uncommon street food treat is a Kenyan version of a sausage, similar to the mighty South African Boerwors I used to prep in my food van.

 

Mutura is filled with animal intestines using a mixture of minced meat, typically goat or cow, and various spices. Perfectly cooked on an open flame, Mutura is frequently paired with a cold drink and kachumbari. It is delicious, trust me!

3. Roasted Maize

Roasted maize, or “mahindi choma,” is a popular Kenyan street food snack. Unlike the Asian cobs which are dusted with a zesty concoction of lime and chili, in Kenya and other African countries fresh maize is roasted and eaten immediately without adding spices just like in the picture below. Sometimes though, it is cooked until soft and served hot or cold.

4. Mandazi

Mandazi, a popular street snack in Kenya, and most of East Africa, is a deep-fried pastry that resembles doughnuts and tastes best when paired with a warm cup of milk tea. These golden-brown treats are frequently sprinkled with sugar and are shaped into various forms and sizes.

 

Growing up in beautiful Africa, I loved feasting on these. You gotta try it.

5. Sumbusa

These triangle-shaped snacks are trendy. Crispy deep-fried samosas are filled with a flavourful blend of spiced meat, veggies, lentils or even rice. Samosas are an essential street snack in Kenya, whether eaten alone or as a main dish. Unlike Indian samosas, African samosas are generally bigger in size and stuffed with peas or minced meat.

Conclusion

To sum up, exploring Kenya’s vibrant food culture means delving into the diverse world of Kenyan street foods. From the tempting mandazis to the flavourful nyama choma, each dish embodies a unique blend of tradition and taste. I hope you will soon try some of these street snacks if you haven’t.

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