The best food tours in Kenya come in unique experiences and are far from ordinary; these foods can’t be spotted anywhere else in the world. Why? This is because the cooking and service is very different and need the raw Kenyan touch.
During the Kenyan Cuisine experiences, explore the local flavours, participate in the traditional cooking methods to understand the importance of this food to Kenyans.
Culinary tours in Kenya give visitors the opportunity to taste and enjoy the uniqueness of the Kenyan style of cooking. I’m sure, as most people search on Google, ‘cultural food tours Kenya’, one of the first options is Nyama Choma, which is Kenya’s signature entertainment meal.
The best food safari tours in Kenya prices are affordable to any and every kind of traveller.
Naicef’s guide on the best food tours in Kenya shows the destinations and foods to expect while in Kenya.
For the best Culinary tours in Kenya, contact [email protected] or call +254799922277.
Naicef knows the best food joints for the culinary tours in Kenya for the tastiest foods Kenya has to offer.
The after effect of the best food tours in Kenya, especially Nairobi, is, it slaps. In Kenyan vocabulary, it means, ‘The food is delicious’
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Understanding The Best Food Tours In Kenya
Kenyan cuisine demands a deep understanding of its rich cultural and historical influences. The blend of ingredients and cooking techniques prominently reflects the impact of Arab, Indian, European, and other African cuisines, resulting in an artful and unique culinary experience.
Going back in time, Kenyan cuisine has been defined by early visitors who brought about spices like cloves and cardamom, which make up the Kenyan delicacies.
The Indians came and influenced the Kenyan food with their culinary traditions, with food such as Samosas, spiced food, and chapatis.
Now, Kenyan food is also inspired by the regions of the people who cook. An example is seafood, coconuts are found in the coastal regions, while the highlands come with maize, potatoes and beans.
In addition to the traditional cooking methods, even as modernity takes shape, they aren’t neglected because they give the meals the original home/ kienyeji taste.
The traditional methods include steaming foods in banana leaves, serving/ preserving meat in banana leaves and eating from the banana leaves, grilling over open flames for the case of Nyama Choma.
During festivities, that’s when the Kenyan cuisine is best seen with experts in looking good in the kitchen, showing off their skills.
So, while in Kenya, appreciate the delicacies because your taste buds will want more and more of the fine Kenyan food!
The Best Food Tours In Kenya
Here are the best cultural food tours Kenya
1. Nairobi Food Tour
Be impressed with the best food tours in Nairobi, with every corner. In Nairobi, the Carnivore restaurant is a must-visit destination in Nairobi for food lovers who want to take their taste buds on a tasty trip to meat town.
As the name suggests, Carnivore, get ready to devour the best meat in Kenya!
Carnivore is a popular restaurant in Nairobi that serves traditional cuisine prepared by skilled chefs. The meat, vegetables, traditional beverages, and all edible items are expertly crafted by skilled professionals in traditional cooking, guaranteeing an outstanding and authentic culinary experience.
Other joints for the best Kenyan cuisine experiences in Nairobi include
- Mama Oliech Restaurant
- Kenyatta Market
- Village Market
- Hashmi Barbecue
- Jenga Jungle
- The Kienyeji in Karen
Most people prefer street food like Mutura (a mixture of animal meats), samosas, and mandazis from other local eateries.
Moreover, you get the opportunity to meet local food chefs and artisans, especially in hidden gems around Nairobi.
Naicef’s full-day tour in Nairobi is one of the best tour packages in Nairobi for experiencing the best of food tours.
Day | Activity & Expectation |
1 6:00 AM- 9:00 AM 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM 2:00 PM-4:00 PM 5:30 PM | Arrive at the Nairobi National Park for a morning game drive. Session at Giraffe Centre with the Giraffes. Tour the David Sheldrick Elephant Nursery. Lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant/ Kienyeji’s Restaurant in Karen for the best of Nyama Choma, traditional veggies, fruits and any delicacy for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at Bomas of Kenya. Conclude the day. |
2. Culinary Cusines of Coastal Kenya
The coastal part of Kenya is rich in the Swahili culture, which is reflected in its food. Spices are present, and the method of cooking is wildly interesting. A coastal cuisine experience is one of the best things to do in Mombasa!
Seafood, spices and tropical flavours come alive in the coastal region of Kenya, and culinary tours in Kenya at the coast introduce visitors to local eateries and spice markets.
The cultural food tours Kenya at the coast happen in places such as
- Mombasa Old Town
- Tamarind restaurant
- Char-Choma restaurant
- Street food stalls
- Yuls Restaurant
- Forodhani Restaurant
Furthermore, to get to know how these foods are made, ask the Swahili people to help you know how to cook such foods, as part of the Kenyan cuisine experiences.
3. A Savannah Culinary Safari
The best food safari tours in Kenya prices vary depending on the safari location chosen. Dine under the stars with views of the savannah and traditional delicacies.
In places like the Masai Mara, during, say, a 3-day Masai Mara cultural package, there are cooking demonstrations by the locals or even the famous chefs. This is a no-miss experience of the wild Kenyan cuisine as it is part of the Masai culture.
And boy, do they love meat! And they’ll tell you why while showing you the proper way to cook and serve it.
Amboseli offers Savannah cuisines like that of the Mara, only that it is at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. To add on, care to have one of the best wine tasting experiences in the wild! It hits hard!
Oh, and there will be cultural performances too. Dance with meat in one hand and a beautifully handmade Masai craft in the other with smiles all over your face!
4. Farm-To-Table Tours
Sustainable farming at its best!
Sustainable Development Goal number 12 (SDG 12) talks of sustainable, responsible consumption and production. This is seen in the central part of Kenya, where food is organically produced from Kenyan farms.
This is one of the best culinary tours in Kenya, where visitors have the chance to go to the farms and learn how they are harvested, prepared and cooked the Kenyan way, using fresh, local ingredients.
An example is The Emboo River Camp in the Mara, where visitors are shown in presentations and trips, how the food is farmed, harvested and cooked, maintaining the Kenyan traditional way of cooking. Whether it’s meat or vegetables.
In the case of tea plantations, Kericho and Kiambu counties are among the top destinations in Kenya for tea and coffee tours.
Visitors learn about tea and coffee making, tea tasting, and of course, carrying a souvenir.
The Best Foods In Kenya- Kenyan Cuisine Experiences
Here are the best foods in Kenya.
1. Nyama Choma
In English, Nyama Choma means ‘Roasted Meat’ and is a popular Kenyan dish, doesn’t matter the occasion. This food goes well with either a traditional drink, modern beer, juice or a soda.
Nyama Choma is prepared in this manner;
The meat can be goat or beef marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices and lemon or lime juice, then grilled over an open flame.
The food is accompanied by dishes like ugali, vegetables and served best with peppered Kachumbari (Onion, coriander and tomato mixture)
A local eatery and, of course, Carnivore offer the best Nyama Choma.
2. Ugali
This is the staple food in Kenya that most Kenyans love, especially with vegetables, fish, chicken, and pork, among others.
The marketplaces are the best places to experience the best of Ugali in its truest form.
How to prepare Ugali? Boil water in a cooking pan. Once it boils, put the maize flour and stir till it becomes like tough clay. Serve with either vegetables or meat.
3. Githeri
This is one of the best Kenyan cuisine experiences that exemplifies simplicity. This food consists of boiled maize and beans.
As part of the culinary tours in Kenya, places like City Market offer visitors the chance to get to know the preparation of Githeri and how it is served.
Coming from a Kenyan, Githeri is best served with salted Avocado, vegetables, meat, and potatoes.
4. Seafood
The coastal seafood is the main food, with dishes like coconut curry and grilled fish. Fresh seafood cooked in the Swahili sauces infused with coconut milk and spices. They can be served with chapati or rice.
5. Matoke
The green bananas are harvested from the farms and prepared in a flavourful sauce to make the Matoke. Matoke – mashed or unmashed can be served with stew and vegetables.
The counties of Kakamega, Kisii and Bungoma are the best places for these cultural food tours Kenya, where the Matoke dish is made in the most tasteful way.
Moreover, there are traditional and modern drinks that blend well with these foods, and they include
- Tusker Beer or Malt- this is Kenya’s iconic brew
- Mursik (fermented smoked milk) – from the Kalenjin Community. Try it during the best things to do in Nandi.
- Chai/ Tea
Conclusion
In Conclusion, the best culinary tours in Kenya are experienced in the destination if you want to experience these delicacies.
Kenyan cuisine experiences are a celebration of traditions reflecting the rich and unique culture of Kenya. Whether it’s the Nyama Choma or veggies, Kenya has it all. So, the best food safari tours in Kenya prices vary depending on the safari destination.
Whether you are a foodie or adventure traveller, enjoy Kenya’s local delicacies to wow your taste buds.
Choose your next adventure with Naicef from the best safari blog in Africa.
Here are the packages where you can experience the best food tours in Kenya
- Full-day tour in Nairobi
- Ol Donyo Hiking Tours
- 3 Days Western Kenya Cultural experience
- 5 Days Masai Mara & Amboseli cultural tour package
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Food Tours In Kenya
Here are the frequently asked questions about the best food tours in Kenya
1. What types of food can I try while in Kenya?
Expect traditional dishes like Ugali, traditional vegetables and Swahili dishes
2. How long do food tours last?
Food tours can go for up to a whole day or a few hours, depending on the itinerary and locations visited.
3. Can I participate in cooking classes during the food tour?
Yes. Learn and get hands-on experience oof preparing the Kenyan favourite dishes.
4. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is recommended so as to get the best foods at the right time, served hot.
5. Are there vegan options for vegan visitors?
Yes, and also, gluten free options. But first, it is best to inform the tour provider in advance about your dietary needs.