Kenyan Food

Viazi karai is a popular street food along the Kenyan coast, especially in places like Mombasa.  It’s made by deep-frying boiled potatoes coated in a spicy batter, often served with a tangy tamarind sauce. It’s simple to make at home and is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or sid e dish for your coastal-inspired meals. Ingredients For viazi karai 5 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled until tender 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional) 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a fluffier coating) ¾ cup water (adjust to make a smooth batter) oil for deep frying For tamarind sauce 3 tablespoons tamarind paste or pulp 1 cup water 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small chili, chopped (optional) 2 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional) Method Cut the boiled potatoes into halves or quarters and set aside. In a bowl, mix flour, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add water to form a sm...

A homemade burger is a fun, filling, and flavorful option for lunch or dinner. In many Kenyan homes, burgers have become a weekend favorite or a special treat for gatherings.   Making your own burgers allows you to control the ingredients and seasonings, and you can keep it simple or add your own twist. All you need is good ground beef, a few fresh toppings, and your favorite buns. Ingredients 500g ground beef 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon paprika or beef spice 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional for binding) 1 egg (optional for binding) 1 tablespoon oil for cooking For assembling Burger buns Sliced tomato Sliced onion Lettuce Cheese slices (optional) Ketchup, mayonnaise, or any sauce you like Method In a bowl, mix the ground beef with chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and breadcrumbs or egg if using. Form the mixture into even patties, about the size of your palm. Heat a pan or grill with...

Ugali is one of the most beloved and widely eaten staples in Kenya . It’s made with maize flour and water and served with vegetables, meat, fish, or stew. Ugali is filling, easy to prepare, and brings people together at the table. It’s more than just food — it’s a cultural symbol of home-cooked Kenyan meals. ingredients 2 cups maize flour (also called cornmeal or unga ya ugali) 4 cups of water Method In a sufuria, bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, slowly pour in the maize flour while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or mwiko. Continue stirring and pressing the mixture to break up any lumps. As it thickens, reduce the heat and keep stirring until the ugali pulls away from the sides of the pot and forms a firm mass. Cover and let it steam on low heat for about 2 minutes. Stir one last time, then turn off the heat. Scoop and shape the ugali using the spoon or turn it out onto a plate. Serve hot with sukuma wiki, beef stew, fi...

Ingredients 1 Bunch of chopped kale. 1/4 chopped red onion. 3 tomatoes. 1 Tbs Oil Salt & Pepper Method 1.Heat pan until its hot, add oil/ butter, and chopped red onions. 2.Cook red onions until tender and add chopped tomatoes. 3.Stir, then cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes. 4.Add kale and cover. 5.let it cook for 5-10 minutes. Serve.

Kachumbari is a fresh tomato and onion salad that adds color, crunch, and a burst of flavor to many Kenyan meals. It’s quick to prepare and often served alongside nyama choma, pilau, biryani, or even beans and chapati. With just a few ingredients, this salad brings balance to heavier dishes and can be adjusted to your taste with chilies, avocado, or lemon. Ingredients 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped or thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon chopped coriander ( dhania ) juice of 1 lemon or lime salt to taste optional: 1 small green chili, finely chopped optional: ½ avocado, diced Method Place the sliced onions in a bowl of salted water and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce sharpness. , 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes and onions. 3. Add dhania 3. Add lemon juice and salt, then toss gently. Ready to serve.

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s slowly finding a place on more Kenyan dinner tables.  It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to slice and serve. Made with ground beef, simple spices, and a tangy tomato glaze, meat loaf is great for family meals, packed lunches, or when you want something hearty without too much effort. This version uses everyday ingredients and bakes up moist with a slightly crisp top. Ingredients 500g ground beef 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup milk 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon paprika or mixed herbs For the glaze 3 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey 1 teaspoon mustard or vinegar Method Preheat your oven to 180°c. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until everything is just combined, b...