Kenya is a small country located in eastern Africa near the horn of Africa. Better known for its athletic prowess, Kenya not only boasts of beautiful climate but is also home to sandy beaches, diverse wildlife and a large number of game reserves the most notable being the Maasai Mara: one of the largest game reserves on earth. It is therefore not a surprise that Kenya has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations of the 21st century. Kenya is also home to 42 tribes and as such, has got diverse culinary dishes some of which are considered as a must-have for any tourist visiting the country. The following is a list of some 10 Kenyan foods you must eat before you die.
Popular and Delicious Kenyan Foods
1. Irio
Irio is perhaps one of the most popular foods in Kenya. This food is native to the Kikuyu, a tribe in central Kenya and is basically made up of green peas and mashed potatoes. When making these dish, green peas and potatoes are basically boiled together after which corn is then added to give the mixture some starch and texture. Irio is usually served with meat stew and is undoubtedly one of the top 10 Kenyan foods you must eat before you die.
2. Pilau
Pilau is a Kenyan food that undoubtedly has to feature in the list of the top 10 Kenyan foods you must eat before you die. Native to the coastal tribes of Kenyan, pilau comprises of rice and meat cooked with flavour bursting spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and cumin. When making pilau, the meat is usually fried in oil until it is deep brown after which the spices are added. The rice is then pan-fried with the spiced meat for a few minutes before warm water is added and the mixture left to cook for 10-15 minutes.
3. Matoke
Matoke is a dish native to the western part of Kenya though popular in other parts of Kenya and East Africa as well. Matoke is basically made up of plantain bananas cooked in oil with tomatoes, onions, garlic and meat. The bananas are usually cooked until they become soft and start forming a thick stew with the other ingredients. The end result is a delicious dish that can be compared to boiled potatoes in sauce and can be taken with rice or ugali: another popular Kenyan dish.
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4. Chapatti (flatbread)
Chapatti, also known as flatbread, is another popular Kenyan dish which was introduced to Kenya by the sizeable Indian population within Kenya. The Kenyan chapattis are basically made by rolling dough into a flat round circle after which the flat dough is fried on a skillet with plenty of oil until its brown and crispy on the outside but remains doughy and moist on the inside. Chapattis can be considered as a special form of Kenyan food and are best enjoyed with green grams or fried cabbages. They are also an excellent accompaniment for tea.
5. Bajia
Bajias are also another popular form of Kenyan food. Native to the coastal towns in Kenya, they are basically made from sliced potatoes that have been seasoned and deep-fried in oil.
6. Mandazi
Made from deep-fried dough, mandazis are another popular Kenyan delicacy. The dough is usually spiced and some baking powder added to make them larger. They are usually taken with tea but can also be enjoyed as a snack.
7. Mutura
Mutura is a protein rich Kenyan version of the sausage whose main ingredient is ground meat and clotted goat blood. The mixture of meat and clotted blood is usually stuffed into the intestines of a goat, boiled for a few hours and the roasted over an open grill to give it a sensational smoky taste synonymous with this dish.
8. Sukuma wiki
Sukuma wiki is another authentic Kenyan food that is usually made up of fried kales. The kales are first washed, chopped into small pieces and then fried with onions and tomatoes. This dish is usually taken with ugali, another popular Kenyan dish.
9. Githeri
A mixture of maize and beans, githeri also features in the list of top ten Kenyan foods you must eat before you die. The mixture is usually boiled for a few hours to soften the ingredients after which it is then fried. Some of the most common seasoning for this Kenyan dish are pepper and coriander.
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10. Ugali
Ugali is the mainstay of all Kenyan dishes. It is usually made from corn flour that is added to boiling water and stirred until it forms a dense block. Some of the popular accompaniments for ugali include sukama wiki and nyama choma: roast meat
