I’ll beg not to visit Nairobi or Kenya without tasting Swahili food. You only get a pass if you have been to the Kenyan Coast – otherwise, you’ll be missing out on perhaps some of the most aromatic and tasteful food on the continent. We are talking about a mashup of rich Arabic and African flavors.
There are several Swahili restaurants in Nairobi, but unfortunately, not all are authentic. I’ve had the chance to sample fifteen different Swahili restaurants in Nairobi – the following are seven of the best.
In no order, these are Nairobi’s top restaurants for the finest Swahili food.
Mama Nilishe
If you are in Nairobi craving some authentic Swahili food, I’d advise you to check out Mama Nilishe, next to Yaya Center, along Ring Road, Kilimani. The ambiance, environment, food, and service will have you coming back for more.
As mentioned, Swahili food is a mix of Arabic and African cuisines, blended to offer some of the most aromatic, tasty, and spicey food on the continent. Mama Nilishe, which translates to “Mother Feed me” in Swahili, takes a homely approach to preparing food that is as tasty and tantalizing as a home-prepped meal with love.
You’ll love their outdoor seating area and the tropical plants meant to give off that coastal vibe as you enjoy your mouth-watering dishes. Thanks to the outdoor setting, diners can watch their meals prepared by the chef – you also get a whiff of what’s to come as soon as you walk along the premises boundary.
PS: Despite its fancy location in Kilimani, Mama Nilishe is quite affordable. I’d recommend trying out their Pilau Mbuzi and Mala or Chicken Biriyani. A worthy mention is the Fish Nazi and Chapati.
Mama Nilishe’s Menu includes kuku Biryani (Chicken), Mutton Biryani, Fish Platter, Beef Pilau, Mbuzi Pilau, Coconut Fish, Chapati with Coconut Beans, Beef Platter, Groundnut Matoke, fried Swahili Matumbo, Chicken Tikka, Tambi, Nyama Kavu (Anti-Theft), Kofta Curry, Sartuday Special Withdrawal Soup, Chicken Stew, Coconut Cassava, and Chicken Plate.
Mama Nilishe’s average cost PP/Meal is $5 – $15.
Location: Along Ring Road, Next to Yaya Center (Opposite Adlife Plaza), Kilimani, Nairobi. Open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
Phone: (+254) 700 138 422.
Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine
Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine is an awesome restaurant in Nairobi where you can sample some of the best authentic Swahili and Indian cuisine. Indian and Swahili cultures couldn’t be close enough geographically, but their food tends to blend well thanks to its aromatic nature and wholesome taste.
I’ll have to warn you—the food at Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine is always delicious, and the reviews online back up this claim. The chef and kitchen staff know their stuff, and one bite of their yummy food is never enough.
Personally, I loved the layout of their food. How it was presented and prepared (perfect cooking, no burns, no breakage or spills), and finally, the customer service.
The atmosphere will take your breath away. The main attractions are the humongous chandelier, fresh flowers, decor, and stylish interior.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking to impress a date or if you are catching up with friends; it’s guaranteed you’ll all have a minute of silence to take the food in.
Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine Menu: Samosas, Bhajia, Karai Wings, Karai pastries, Soups, Meatballs, Kebabs, Fish Special, Prawns, Kalamari, Naan, Mutton Special, Rice, Salads, Pilau, Biriyani, Pizza, Vegetarian, Dessert, and more.
PS: I recommend trying out the Cheese Naan accompanied by the Nazi Karai Mutton. Thank me later!
Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $15.
Location: Rose Avenue, Nairobi. Open Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 728 070 707. Email: karairestaurantnairobi@gmail.com.
Manara Restuarant
Manara Restaurant is undeniably the go-to destination for authentic Swahili and Arabic food. According to the establishment, this restaurant is the house of authentic cuisines – and you’ll get a whiff of the aroma right from the outside.
Arabic and Swahili food go hand in hand. The aromas, herbs, and spices are quite similar. The only difference is that Swahili food has some African Bantu influence. Manara Restaurant maximizes this by blending the two and offering various tastes and aromas.
The premises are ideal for a host of diner setups, from dates to casual meet-ups with a friend (s), birthdays, family gatherings, and more. Their confectionary options are worth the mentions, with the highlight being vanilla and chocolate glazed donuts with cherry toppings.
The menu includes chicken Skewers, shish taouk, Sandwiches, Fries, Naans, Mezze options, Pilau and Meat/Chicken, a Mezze Platter, Arabic Grilled Meats, Chai, Coffee, Mandi, Biryani, Paneer Tikka, Baklava, and Coconut Fish Curry.
PS: To accompany your order, I recommend trying some of Manara Restaurant‘s magical sips of Morrocan Mint tea. You’ll love it!
Manara Restaurant Average Cost PP/Meal: $10 – $20.
Location: Gitanga Road, Westfield Mall(next to Quickmart Valley Arcade), Nairobi. It is open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 798 122 122.
Swahili Plate
As the name suggests, Swahili Plate is a restaurant in Nairobi that primarily prepares Swahili food, which is popular in the coastal part of Kenya. This establishment is popular for its quality prepared and cut meats – which make a great main course.
Swahili Plate also has theme days where its esteemed clientele gets offers of favorite foods. For instance, on Mondays, diners get a free order of Pilau when they place an order. On Friday, two servings of Biriyani will get you a single order for free, and on Wednesday, two orders of their popular Shawarma will get you a single order for free.
I enjoy Swahili Plate combos and value packs, my favorite being the Swahili Breakfast Value pack that goes for $4. You could also try their Snack Box value pack, which costs around $7 and contains a mix of Samosas, Bhajia, Kebab, Mahamri, Vitumbua, and Sauce. It’s a guaranteed fill.
Swahili Plate Menu: Grilled Fish, Sea Food, Coffee, Pilau, Shawarma, Biriyani, Mbaazi wa Nazi na Mahamri, Chicken Tikka, Tikka Biriyani, Arosto Family Meal, Viazi Karai, Kaimati, Samosa, Kebab, Kahawa Tungu among other offerings.
Swahili Plate Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $20.
Location: Sarit Center, Westlands, Nairobi. Open: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 773 497 954.
Malindi Dishes
If you are around the Central Business District of Nairobi and need a spot where you can get authentic Swahili food at affordable prices, I’d recommend checking out Malindi Dishes. This is an authentic Swahili restaurant owned and operated by a Swahili family from the Kenyan coast.
It’s not a swanky location with arty decor, but I’ll guarantee the food is prepared with a lot of passion, and a single taste will momentarily whisk you to the coast and back. Another reason to check out Malindi Dishes is that their menu is authentically Swahili, with a few offerings you can only find on the coast.
If you’ve never enjoyed Swahili street food, which is popular on the North Coast in towns like Watamu and Malindi, you had better check this joint out! You’ll get your juices, Kashata (Coconut Sweets), Mabuyu, and confectionaries.
Malindi Dishes Menu: Malindi Fry, Chicken Tikka with Rice, Pilau or Naan, Seafood, Vegetarian specials, Matoke, Pilau, Biriyani, Sea Fish Cuts, Samaki wa Kupaka, Mutton, Beef, Lamb, and many more offerings.
PS: Malindi Dishes is the most affordable authentic Swahili Restaurant in Nairobi, Kenya.
Malindi Dishes Average Cost PP/Meal: $2 – $10.
Location: Gaberone Road (Off Luthuli Avenue), Nairobi. Open Monday – Saturday, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Closed on Sunday.
Phone: (+254) 722 292 525.
Dau Swahili Restaurant
Dau Swahili Restaurant is a hidden gem in Nairobi, offering some of the most authentic Swahili food in the region. According to the management, it is the place to experience the flavors of the coastal region with the authenticity of the Swahili culture, all on one plate.
One thing that will strike you at the Dau Swahili Restaurant location is the ambiance. The restaurant is designed to resemble coastal buildings with Makuti roofs (Palm tree leaves roof).
The environment is cozy, and it’s the perfect location to unwind on a busy weekday afternoon.
Dau Swahili Restaurant’s premises are ideal for events from bridal parties to baby showers, corporate events, and even intimate weddings. You’ll fall in love with their servings of street food and unique decor and art at the premises that will leave you wanting to visit again.
Dau Swahili Restaurant Menu: Pilau, Biriyani, Coconut Fish, fried beef, Mutton, Lamb, Cassava Crisps and Chips, Madafu, Pilau Sinia, Dinich Besega, Ethiopian Coffee, Shiro Chickpeas, Tibs, Zigni-key Wot, Mixed Dishes, and much more.
PS: If you love the ambiance, the Dau Swahili Restaurant location will dazzle you. It’s the ultimate hidden gem restaurant in Nairobi.
Dau Swahili Restaurant Average Cost PP/Meal: $7 – $20.
Location: Kingara Road, Lavington, Nairobi. Open Monda – Sunday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 702279325.
Al-Yusra Restaurant
The most popular spot for Nairobians to buy Swahili food is Al-Yusra Restaurant. For starters, it’s located in the Central Business District, which explains why it’s the most known Swahili food location in Nairobi. Secondly, it prepares a blend of Arabic, Ethiopian, Somali, and Swahili food. Lastly, it’s Halal (all Swahili food in Kenya is Halal because of the Muslim influence on the Coast).
Therefore, if you are craving some Swahili food with some Upper East African flavors, Al-Yusra Restaurant is your perfect spot. You’ll get everything from Biriayani to Camel milk.
Al-Yusra Restaurant serves more than a thousand orders daily on-site, and due to its popularity in the CBD (Central Business District), it also offers delivery services to its esteemed clientele.
PS: I’d recommend ordering Injera and Mushroom Soup as a starter. For the main course, try out their Pilau Mbuzi with a glass of Camel milk.
Al-Yusra Restaurant Menu: Ethiopian Coffee, Pilau Mbuzi or Beef, Biriyani Chicken, Anjera, Pasta, Camel Soup, Camel Milk/Tea, Mushroom, Fish, Coconut Fish, Chapati, Mbaazi, Naan, Beef, and Goat.
Al-Yusra Restaurant Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $10.
Location: Banda Street, Nairobi Central Business District. Open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 712 012 012. Email: alyusrarestaurantltd@gmail.com.