Eat Out

Posted by admin on Jun 21, 2011 in | 0 comments

Dining in Kenya – Kenya’s abundance of natural produce, combined with the rich variety of cultures and traditions, have created a great culinary nation.

The fertile volcanic soil of the Rift Valley produce a bounty of fresh vegetables, while the coast is a great source of tropical fruit and fresh seafood.

The coast is also the home of the world renowned Swahili cuisine, a blend of Middle Eastern and African cooking with a particular coastal twist.

Further inland, Kenyans are formidable meat eaters. One of the best known Kenyan specialties is Nyama Choma- meaning literally ‘roasted meat’.

There are many popular ‘Choma Joints’ in most Kenyan towns. Probably the best known is Nairobi’s Carnivore, Kenya’s most famous restaurant.

This is usually slow roasted over an open fire or charcoals, and served with a mixture of basic greens (known as Sukuma Wiki) and Ugali. Ugali is the much loved staple food of Kenya. Essentially a stiff porridge of maize flour, Ugali is served in large, freshly cooked bricks. Pieces of Ugali are broken off and used to eat either meat, stews or vegetables.

Vegetarians need not feel threatened- Kenya’s large Asian population has led to a great many Indian, Pakistani and sub-continental restaurants throughout the country.

Excellent vegetarian meals can always be found alongside the best of regional Indian cuisine.

All over Kenya, the climate is ideal for alfresco dining. In many camps, lodges and restaurants, meals are served outside, letting you enjoy a feast with a view.

You can start the day with a bush breakfasts after an early morning game drive, and finish it with sundowner drinks and snacks taking in the view of one of Kenya’s spectacular sunsets.

There is an incredible range of restaurants in Nairobi covering a world of cuisines. From Korean BBQ to French Novelle Cuisine, Ethiopian Injera to a Traditional Roast Sunday lunch, Hamburgers to Tandoori specialties, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, or a new and unexpected treat.

You may not have associated Kenya with world class cuisine, but after a safari here, you most certainly will.

Here are just a few of Kenya’s more renowned culinary establishments.

Carnivore

The Carnivore is considered ‘Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience’. Every type of meat imaginable including a selection of exotic meat is roasted over charcoal and carved at your table. Delicious side dishes and an exceptional array of sauces complement this fixed price feast that also includes soup,a selection of desserts and Kenyan coffee. Set in attractive tropical gardens, the service and the décor are outstanding.

Onami

A new wind of Japanese modern restaurant that captures and brings to you the main elements from the Japanese culture & way of life.

While you walk along the designed open space, the story of Onami will start to reveal itself. The black stones and the plants will take you to a Japanese garden. An interplay of light colored wood, grey concrete elements, clear glass embossed with Japanese kanji, black , red and grey colors creates a dining atmosphere that is spiced with world modern ambient music which brings together perfectly a specialized Japanese cuisine.

Most people think it’s all about sushi and raw food.Onami’s open kitchen, sushi bar, grill, Yakitori and Teppanyaki tables prove otherwise, in front of your eyes chefs cut, slice, stir, fry and grill daily picked fish, seafood ,meat and vegetables combining them in various cooking methods to a traditionally & light fusion Japanese dishes.
Fresh high quality ingredients,the attention to detail and presentation showcases Japanese cuisine at its best.

Tamarind Dhow

The Tamarind Dhows “Nawalilkher” and “Babulkher”  are authentic ocean going jahazis (traditional Arab sailing boats), formerly used for cargo trading along the Kenyan Coast and to the Arab States.  The Dhows have been completely refurbished as   floating restaurants, without losing any of the traditional aspects of the original Dhow.  They are now moored at the Mombasa Tamarind jetty.

Lord Delamere Terrace

One of Kenya’s most fabled locations, this cosmopolitan, open-air café offers simple, classic cuisine—from continental to Italian to Asian—and signature cocktails. Fairmont The Norfolk is still the traditional starting point for safaris and the Lord Delamere Terrace is modern Nairobi’s most famous meeting place, where drinks and light meals are served continuously from morning until midnight.

Art Caffe

Located in Nairobi’s Westgate Mall & overlooking the main street, the Art Caffe is a bright, light-filled café famous for its roasted coffees, hearty dishes and mouth watering deserts. With wood-panelled walls and high ceilings, the café has a unique character, and is the ideal spot for post-shopping coffee and cake breaks with friends, pre-shopping breakfasts and leisurely lunches. The contemporary interior with clean lines, combined with a convivial ambience, have made this restaurant a staple on the local dining scene.

Trattoria

Established since 1981, it’s the oldest family run Italian restaurant in Nairobi. From Mamma’s Ruffos home made pasta to the home made ice cream, the menu abounds in specialities from the south of Italy, Rome, Tuscany, Piemonte and Veneto. We use only the freshest produce, accompanied by our selection of Italian Wines. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a glass of wine at our “Luna Bar”, this corner of Italy, in the heart of Nairobi is the place to be!