Over the weekend, my friend Nekesa and I met for some Kenyan-style grilled Nyama Choma in Nairobi, or ‘Nyam Chom,’ as the city’s urbanites call it. During our conversation, she mentioned that a friend, Leon —‘her boyfriend’ from Germany, would be visiting, and she’d like to give him an authentic experience of Kenyan cuisine in Nairobi, with Nyama Choma at the top of that list.
Simply put, Nyama Choma is Swahili for roasted meat, a popular delicacy in Kenya. Kenyans love meat, and during celebrations or important meet-ups among friends and relatives, Nyama Choma is rarely missing from the menu.
Authentic Restaurants for Nyama Choma in Nairobi
Most restaurants in Nairobi will have some sort of meat on their menu. Remember, Nairobi is a metropolitan city, and you will likely meet all types of humans. As a result, not all restaurants make authentic Kenyan nyama choma. Just because it is served with traditional ‘Ugali’ accompaniment doesn’t mean it is authentic nyama choma.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the best spots in Nairobi City that serve authentic Kenyan-style grilled or roasted Nyama Choma, served with Kachumbari (onion, tomato, lemon, and pepper salad), Ugali, or fries. For beer lovers – Nyama Choma sits well with a cold bottle of Tusker on a hot Nairobi afternoon.
Nerkwo Restaurant
Located in the middle-class neighborhood of South B, off Mombasa Road, Nerkwo Restaurant is a highly recommended spot for authentic Kenyan roasted Nyama Choma. It’s the designated location for Kenyans to meet up at the end of a stressful week at work for some authentic nyama choma in Nairobi and a few laughs with friends.
Nerkwo Restaurant also specializes in authentic Kenyan meat delicacies such as Kuku Choma (grilled chicken) and Wet Fry (Pan-fried meat), accompanied by Ugali or fries.
Nerkwo Restaurant is also a popular spot for tourists to sample authentic Nyama choma in Nairobi, thanks to its proximity to Mombasa Road and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Menu: Nyama Choma is served with Ugali, Fries, Mokimo or Matoke, Wet Fry (Goat, Beef, Chicken), Kachumbari ( onion, tomato, lemon, and pepper salad), Fish (fried and Stewed), Rice, Pilaf, Assorted Drinks, and Alcoholic Beverages.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $15.
Location: South B Neighborhood, Nairobi, Kenya. Open 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Phone: +254 716 110 373. email: [email protected].
Njuguna’s Place
If you asked anyone in Nairobi where to get authentic Nyama Choma, Njuguna’s Place would be a top-three mention. It is conveniently located on Waiyaki Way, Westlands, next to Safaricom HQ. As a result, this local Nyama Choma joint enjoys all the traffic from Westland’s business hub—including top corporate clientele in Africa and tourists from all over the world.
Don’t get me wrong – Njuguna’s Place isn’t a 5-star facility offering continental cuisine. It’s your typical Kenyan restaurant-turned-local phenomenon, offering some of the best nyama choma in Nairobi. With humble beginnings as a canteen, Njuguna’s Place is a must-visit and one of the most recommended restaurants in Nairobi, offering a taste of Kenyan cuisine.
Menu: Nyama Choma, Wet fry and Dry fry (Goat, Beef, or Chicken) served with Kachumbari (onion, tomato, lemon, and pepper salad), Ugali, Fries, Mokimo, Assorted drinks (hot and cold), and Alcoholic Beverages.
PS: Njuguna’s Place has a new modern face!
Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $15.
Location: Along Waiyaki Way, Next to Safaricom HQ Building, Westlands, Nairobi.
Phone: +254 020 4440283. Open 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Kamakis – Eastern Bypass Stretch (Off Thika Road)
Nairobi Central has some amazing Nyama Choma restaurants, but to get the most authentic Kenyan-roasted Nyama Choma, you’ll have to drive a few miles out of the central business district – preferably in areas with huge Maasai influence, or one of these locations is in Kamakis on the Eastern Bypass.
Kamakis is conveniently located on the Eastern Bypass in Nairobi and can be easily accessed from the Airport via Embakasi, Utawala, and finally Kamakis.
Kamakis is a culmination of restaurants along the Eastern Bypass that specialize in one thing: authentic Kenyan-style grilled Nyama Choma in Nairobi. You’ll not need directions to these restaurants; your nostrils will tell you where to branch off the highway. And once you are there, you’ll be spoilt for choice on which restaurant to enjoy your Kenyan barbecue.
Don’t panic if a server hijacks you from the parking lot, offering a free-cut sample of fresh-grilled Nyama Choma. It’s Kamaki’s version of pop-up ads—and it’s also the perfect way to know what to expect when you finally pick your restaurant. PS: Don’t get your fill of tasting samples at the door. The real deal awaits you inside the restaurants.
Menu: Nyama Choma (Goat, Beef, Chicken) accompanied with Kachumbari ( onion, tomato, lemon, and pepper salad), Ugali, Rice, Mokimo, Matoke, Fish (deep fried or stew), Rice, Githeri (Beans and Corn mix), Assorted beverages (tea, coffee, fresh juice, or soda), and alcoholic beverages.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $15.
Location: Eastern Bypass Stretch, off Thika Road, Ruiru, Nairobi. Open: 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Olepolos Country Club
As mentioned earlier, the most authentic Kenyan-grilled Nyama Choma can be found in areas with high Maasai influence. Nyama Choma is a Maasai staple food prepared during ceremonies and feasts. As a result, Olepolos Country Club is one of the best establishments in Nairobi, offering an authentic Nyama Choma experience in a region populated by the Maasai people.
Located in Kiserian/Ngong, away from the hustle and bustle of the City, Olepolos Country Club offers a cool, relaxed atmosphere in the African savanna, with breathtaking views of the valleys and the pool. Its African bush setting and extensive scenic grounds will relax your mind, and it is indeed the perfect setting to enjoy some Nyama Choma while catching up with friends and family.
The drive to and fro also makes up for ther entire experience of driving through the valleys and interacting with locals and curio shops along the way.
PS: Due to its extensive grounds and the management’s policy of allowing visitors to eat wherever they feel comfortable within the premises, service might feel slow-paced. But for an authentic, stress-free experience, make sure you are assigned a server/waiter. While your food is being prepared, take some time to enjoy the cool scenery. It is part of the Olepolos Country Club experience.
Menu: Nyama Choma (goat, beef, and Chicken) served with Kachumbari (onion, tomato, lemon, and pepper salad), wet fry and dry fry (beef, chicken, or goat), Fish, Ugali, Matoke, Mokimo, Rice, Assorted drinks (tea, coffee, fresh juice, or soda), and alcoholic beverages.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $10 – $15.
Location: Olepolos Road, Kiserian, Nairobi, Kenya.
Phone: +254 714 032122 Email: [email protected]
Carnivore Simba Saloon
If you are looking for a cozy place to enjoy your first Nyama Choma experience in Nairobi, Carnivore Simba Saloon is a highly recommended spot. Conveniently located along Langata Road, it is perfect for a quick, authentic Kenyan Nyama Choma experience, not too far from the central business district, the airport, or the Westlands area.
Unlike most restaurants in Nairobi that are popular for preparing Nyama Choma, Carnivore Simba Saloon is classy and upmarket. In addition to offering Nyama Choma at a fancy location, this facility regularly hosts local artists for themed night shows.
Carnivore Simba Saloon also incorporates a children’s playground and a huge parking lot.
PS: While the food is authentic and Kenyan-prepared, it’s served in an informal restaurant popular for private parties, corporate lunches, and dinners.
Menu: It’s all about meat, roasted, grilled, fried, steamed, or pan-fried (vegetarian-friendly), continental meats, and assorted drinks.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 – $25.
Location: Along Langata Road (Near Wilson Airport), Nairobi
Phone: +254 722 204 647, 0722 204 648, 020 514 1300. Email: [email protected].
Jiweke Tavern, Ngong Road
Jiweke Tavern is a fancy Kenyan restaurant on Ngong Road in Nairobi. Set close to Lavington, Jamuhuri, Kileleshwa, and Woodley Estates, this facility caters to the young, urban Nairobi crowd, offering authentic Kenyan cuisine, music, and a pub experience. This establishment recently opened a new location along Moi Drive in Umoja Estate.
During the day, Jiweke Tavern on Ngong Road operates as a fancy restaurant serving authentic Kenyan dishes, with Nyama Choma as a favorite. Late in the evening and at night, it operates as an uptown night spot, still serving the same authentic dishes while mixing in bouncy beats from the Kenyan music charts.
Jiweke Tavern’s menu isn’t limited to Nyama Choma. Their kitchen staff is versatile, offering fish, pork, beef, and seafood. If you like Nyama Choma with a bottle of wine, this is the perfect location to unwind.
Menu: Nyama Choma (Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Fish), assorted foods and drinks.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $10- $25.
Location: Along Ngong Road, Nairobi. Open: 8:00 am – 12:00 am
Phone: +254 728 333985 Email: [email protected].
Kenyatta Market Nairobi
You really haven’t toured Nairobi if you haven’t set foot in Kenyatta Market. What you might not know is that this market is located off Mbagathi Road, along Mtongwe Road, near Ngumo Estate in Nairobi. Apart from being a favorite Nyama Choma Spot in the city, it’s also a popular tourist attraction for its large collection of curios and souvenir stalls.
You’ll also have a chance to tease your taste buds with some of the most authentic Kenyan-grilled Nyama Choma in the city. The meat here is so nice; former President Uhuru Kenyatta had a favorite stall where he enjoyed some Kenyan-ready ‘Nyam Chom.’
Menu: Nyama Choma (Wet and dry fry) served with Kachumbari (onion, tomato, and lemon salad), Ugali, Mokimo, Matoke, Fish, and assorted drinks.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $10.
Location: Along Mtongwe Road, Off Mbagathi Road, Nairobi.
Rixxos Kitengela
Like Ngong and Nairobi, Kitengela is another out-of-the-city location with a large Maasai presence. As you’d expect, the Nyama Choma here is authentic. Rixxos Kitengela is a fancy, newly opened restaurant and lounge (nightclub) offering some taste-bud-sizzling Nyama Choma.
Set in Kitengela, a short drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Rixxos Kitengela exudes the beauty of Nairobi city thanks to its modern, breathtaking design, architecture, and scenic surroundings.
I’ve visited this establishment a couple of times, and I must admit—the Nyama Choma here is out of this world! In addition to offering authentic Kenyan meals, this location also doubles as a nightclub and is part of Nairobi’s thriving nightlife scene.
PS: Like most large restaurants serving multiple clients on weekends, service might be slow (check reviews). To get the best out of the food, we recommend visiting on a weekday.
The menu includes Nyama Choma Beef, Pork, Chicken (Served with Ugali, Fries, Rice, Matoke or Mokimo), Fish, Assorted drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 – $25.
Location: Kitengela (Opposite, Ola Energy Kitengela Service Station). Open 8:00 am – until late.
Phone: +254 742836543
Roadhouse Grill
RoadHouse Grill in Nairobi is known for one thing – mouthwatering barbecue dishes. It’s arguably one of the best spots in the city for authentic Kenyan-style grilled Nyama Choma, with a tranquil setting perfect for enjoying a relaxed afternoon under the sunny Nairobi sky.
You’ll be spoilt for choice on their meat menu, with favorites including Bone-in Beef and Pork Ribs and Chops. These authentic dishes are popularly served with French fries or sauteed potatoes. If you are a wine lover, the ambiance and good food will make for the perfect combination.
Still, if you want to stay late and enjoy bumping to the tunes, their theme nights are worth the wait. Urban Nairobians love their Throwback Thursday Nights and Karaoke Nights.
Grill Menu: Maasai Dorper, Bone-In Beef, Pork Ribs and Chops, Broiler Chicken, Kienyeji Chicken, served with French Fries or sauteed potatoes. Assorted drinks and Alcoholic Beverages.
Average Price PP/Meal: $15 – $30.
Location: RoadHouse Hurligham (Off Argwings Kodhek Road) and Roadhouse Kilimani (Off Dennis Pritt Road, Nairobi.
Phone: +254 720 768 663, email: [email protected].
Sagret Hotel Equatorial
If you are looking to enjoy some scrumptious, authentic Kenyan-style Nyama Choma in Nairobi, not too far from the City Center, we recommend checking out Sagret Hotel Equatorial. It’s only 5 minutes from the central business districts and offers some of the best food, drinks, accommodation, and conference facilities in the city.
Making authentic Kenyan nyama choma isn’t easy – that’s why many locals would rather heap around local fly-infested stalls for some of that finger-licking good. Fortunately for you, Sagret Hotel Equatorial has cracked the recipe and offers Nyama Choma in a unique, scenic setting near the hilly hiking trails of Nairobi Arboretum.
If you don’t feel like visiting this place, they also offer delivery services anywhere within the city’s limits. It’s the perfect spot to meet friends and have a few laughs over some amazing, mouth-watering Kenyan-grilled Nyama Choma.
Menu: Nyama Choma (Wet and dry fry) served with local Kachumbari salad, accompanied by roasted potatoes and greens. Rice, Fish, and African local cuisine. Assorted drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $10-$25.
Location: Along Milimani Road, Nairobi. Open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 705 444 554. Email: [email protected].
Ashaki Grill
You don’t have to crowd at your local spot that makes Nyama Choma in Nairobi if you want to enjoy Kenya’s favorite grilled meat. Ashaki Grill, along Kindaruma Road in Nairobi, has perfected the art of making this tantalizing barbecue in a cool, fancy setting of artistic gazebos, locally called ‘bandas.’
Ashaki is African and loosely translates to “a beautiful place.” It is indeed a refreshing destination for your taste buds to be teased.
Best enjoyed with a couple of friends over cold beer, wine, or fresh juice, Ashaki Grill offers a remarkable dining setting with a variety of Nyama Choma meats and African dishes.
Menu: Nyama Choma, African Dishes, and assorted drinks.
Average Cost PP/Meal: $15 -$25.
Location: Kindaruma Road, Nairobi. Open 8:00 am – 01:00 am.
Phone: (+254) 799 214 545. Email: [email protected].
About the Author
Charles Sifwabi is a Kenyan freelance writer, journalist, and digital content creator known for his engaging storytelling and deep understanding of Kenyan lifestyle, travel, and automotive culture. As a contributor to ReachTheDodo, he has built a reputation for producing informative, reader-friendly articles that blend practical insights with compelling narratives.
His work spans a wide range of topics, including automotive reviews, tech, and travel guides highlighting destinations across Kenya, such as Kilifi and Eldoret. Charles also covers entertainment, fashion, and celebrity news, showcasing his versatility as a lifestyle writer with a strong connection to contemporary Kenyan culture.
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