Ugali
Often eaten: Often eaten for lunch or dinner.
Known for: Western Kenya
Everyday meal
Photo: DFID - UK Department for International Development (CC BY-SA 2.0)
3 dishes to discover
Food of Kenya
Kenya is a country in East Africa known for its rich culture and diverse cuisine. Kenyan food is a blend of flavors influenced by various ethnic groups in the country. Meals often include staples like maize, vegetables, and meat. Sharing food is an important cultural value, showing hospitality and friendship.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Kenya, meals are often a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy each other's company. Eating together is an important tradition, and dishes are usually shared by everyone at the table.
Eating Etiquette
It's common to eat with your hands in Kenya, especially with foods like Ugali. Make sure to wash your hands before you start eating, and always wait for others to be served before you begin.
When People Eat It
Nyama Choma
Often eaten: Served at parties and special occasions.
Known for: Throughout Kenya
celebration
Sukuma Wiki
Often eaten: Typically eaten for lunch or dinner.
Known for: Throughout Kenya
Everyday meal
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
UgaliUgali
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 cups (250 g)White cornmeal (maize flour)
- 4 cups (950 ml)Water
- 1/2 tspSalt
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to bring the water and salt to a boil in a heavy pot.
- 2Slowly sprinkle in the cornmeal while stirring hard to stop lumps forming.
- 3Keep stirring as it thickens into a stiff dough.
- 4Cook for about 10 minutes, pressing and turning it against the pot.
- 5Tip the ugali onto a plate and shape it into a smooth mound.
- 6Tear off pieces with your hands and use them to scoop up stew or greens.
Nyama ChomaNyama Choma
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 lb (900 g)Goat or beef, in pieces
- 1 tbspSalt
- 2 tbspLemon juice
- 3 clovesGarlic, mashed
- to serveKachumbari (tomato salad)
How to Make It
- 1Rub the meat all over with salt, lemon juice, and garlic.
- 2Let it rest for 30 minutes to soak up the flavor.
- 3Ask a grown-up to heat a grill until medium-hot.
- 4Grill the meat slowly, turning often, for about 30 minutes until cooked and a little charred.
- 5Let it rest for a few minutes, then cut into pieces.
- 6Serve with ugali and kachumbari — a Kenyan barbecue feast.
Sukuma WikiSukuma Wiki
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 large bunchCollard greens or kale, chopped
- 1 onionOnion, chopped
- 2 tomatoesTomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbspOil
- 1 tbspLemon juice
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to heat the oil and cook the onion until soft.
- 2Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
- 3Stir in the chopped greens.
- 4Add a splash of water, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
- 5Squeeze in the lemon juice and add a pinch of salt.
- 6Serve alongside ugali — its name means 'stretch the week'.
Vocabulary
Have you ever tried eating with your hands like many Kenyans do? It's a fun and different way to enjoy your meal.