18 Authentic Kenyan Recipes to Cook at Home

Githeri is a traditional Kenyan dish made from a mixture of corn and beans, typically cooked with tomatoes and onions and seasoned with spices. 

Githeri is a popular dish in Kenya, and it is commonly eaten by locals throughout the country. 

Watch local home cook, Mary Kamau, explain why she loves Githeri and get her family recipe.

A flavorful and aromatic stew that is made by simmering chicken in a mixture of coconut milk-- what could be better?

In Kenya, mchuzi wa kuku is a popular dish that is often served as a main course at special occasions and celebrations.

Sweet potatoes and peanuts are two common ingredients--put 'em together and you've got a classic African stew that is great as a side or a main.

Sweet potatoes are a widely cultivated and consumed root vegetable in Africa, and they are often used in a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, and porridges.

A traditional Kenyan stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables, cooked in a pot over an open flame.

The dish is named for the pot it is cooked in. A sufuria is a type of metal pot commonly used In Kenya. 

Made from mung beans ("ndengu" in Swahili), it is typically prepared by boiling the peas with spices until they are tender. It's nutritious, affordable, and great to throw in a slow cooker. 

Serve it with a side of ugali to make it even more filling. 

Simmering fish in a mixture of coconut milk, spices, and vegetables-- this is a must-try. 

The fish is usually marinated in a mix of spices and herbs before it's added, and the vegetables may include a variety of ingredients like as tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and carrots.

"Nyama choma" means "roasted meat" in Swahili, and it refers to a variety of meats that are grilled over an open fire or on a charcoal grill.

It's often served as a main dish at special celebrations and sporting events and you'll find a toss up of goat, sheep, beef-- you name it. No matter what you grill up, be sure to choose a really high quality cut. 

If you like mashed potatoes and mushy peas, you'll love Mukimo as a side. It's just as simple as the others, but packs more nutrients.

This is widely enjoyed in Kenya and it is time the rest of the world caught notice.  

As local cook, Mary Kamau says below, this dish is for anyone who loves potatoes. Get Mary's Recipe.

Ugali is a thick, starchy porridge made from cornmeal (maize flour) that is cooked in boiling water or milk until it reaches a dough-like consistency. Ugali is typically eaten with the hands, rolled into small balls and dipped into a sauce or stew.

In Kenya, ugali is often eaten with dishes like sukuma wiki (braised collard greens) or githeri (a mixture of corn and beans). 

Kachumbari is often the flavorful sidekick to Kenyan main dishes. 

Made from a mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, lime juice, cumin and a few other spices,  it's easy to make and it keeps well.

Chapati is a type of flatbread that is popular in many parts of South Asia and East Africa, particularly in Kenya. 

It is made from whole wheat flour that is mixed with water to form a dough, which is then rolled into thin circles and cooked on a griddle or skillet until it is golden brown and crispy. 

Sukuma wiki are braised collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is seasoned with a variety of things, like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. 

Serve is with a series of other Kenyan sides for a fun meal. 

This dish, like the name, is simple. Irio is a traditional Kenyan dish that is made from a mixture of mashed potatoes and corn (maize). 

Pilau (or Pilaf, as you may know it) is made by cooking rice with a mixture of aromatic spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. 

Pilau can be served as a side dish or main course. Whatever you do, take local home cook, Mercy Wabomba's advice and use high quality rice and fresh spices to make the dish shine. See Mercy's Recipe.

Uji is often consumed as a breakfast drink, and it is sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey. 

It's filling (like a porridge you drink) and is often fermented overnight. 

Breakfast: why overthink it? In Kenya, it is common to see this scrambled egg dish with spices, tomato and onion. 

Mandazi is a traditional African dessert that is quite popular in Kenya too. Made by deep-frying a dough made from flour, water, and a small amount of coconut milk, you won't be able to step away from these. 

Maandazi is usually served hot with tea or coffee. Check out this video from Life with Rozzy on how to make them.Check out this video