Planning to visit Kenya during your holidays? Below is some of the Kenyan traditional food you should try during your visit.
Although Kenya is majorly known for its fascinating wildlife, the Kenyan food has become another reason for the increased number of tourists in the country. Traditional foods are those that have been handed down from one generation to the next in terms of knowledge, techniques used in their preparations or in the choice and use of raw materials, which are generally local, as well as the culture that produces it.
Ugoli
This is the staple dish in Kenya and also the most popular in the whole of the African continent. It is made from maize flour poured into boiling water and mixed till it thickens and reach the starchy like sponge. It is usually served at the centre of the table and can be served with several meals such as stews, soups, grilled fish or meat but often served with kales.
Githeri
This originated from the kikuyu people but has spread largely among the other communities. It is also popular among the other parts of the African continent but the Kenyan version is made by mixing maize and beans and stewed in the pot. This simple ingredient can be flavored using potatoes, onions, meat, tomato, chili, paprika and meat gravy spiced with curry powder. The dish remains popular since it is served as the main dish among students and can also be used as appetizer or served along other dishes such as rice.
Irio
The dish that originated from the kikuyu people of central Kenya and is also known as mukimo. It is made of mashed potatoes, maize and peas or green vegetables. This nutritious and comforting dish is usually served as side dish and is typically served with barbecued meat or grilled fish or steak.
Mutoke
This is the dish made from unripe highland bananas and can be prepared in their own or as the part of heavier meal with beef. Other ingredients include tomato, onions, garlic and some spices to season the food. The ingredients are simmered in the pot until the bananas are soft with the thick gravy sauce. It is served with rice or uguli but is mostly in Kenya is served with chapatti.
Nyumu chomu
This is considered national dish by the majority of people and it refers to barbequed meat in Swahili which is slightly seasoned rousted meat. Goat meat is the most preferred but can also be made using beef, fish or even chicken. It is seasoned with salt and slow cooked over hot charcoal until it is tender. Can be served with rice, chapatti, or even uguli but is mostly served with sukumu wiki.
Sukumu wiki
The rustic and earthy dish is generally affordable in the country hence the literal translation is stretch the week and it has hooked most of the vegetarians. It is made from leafy greens, garlic, tomatoes and spices such as paprika and turmeric. It is the healthy dish that can be served with uguli and rousted meat.
Chapatti
It is also staple food in Kenya derived from indiun cuisine which refers to certain type of unleavened flatbread. It is usually thick with multiple layers and the outer layers are brushed with oil before being browned on both sides to attain the crisper texture. It can be paired with several dishes including tea, stew, meat or even vegetables.
Pilu
This is one of the most popular dishes in Kenya since it is served in almost all social gatherings. It is rice cooked with beef or chicken and is rich in spices such as cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. It is also served with salad and nice cold drink to wash down the flavorful dish.
With all these delicacies on the list, you should ensure to taste utleust one of them to commemorate your visit in this beautiful country.
