Top 10 Places to Enjoy Authentic Ugandan Food in Nairobi: A Guide for Students & Food Lovers
If you’re craving Ugandan food while studying in Nairobi, you’re in luck! Nairobi offers a variety of restaurants and food spots that serve authentic Ugandan dishes. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes or something more casual, here are some of the best places in Nairobi to satisfy your Ugandan food cravings:
- Ugandan Cuisine Restaurant
Located in Westlands, Ugandan Cuisine Restaurant is a hidden gem that brings the rich flavors of Ugandan food to Nairobi. This restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Ugandan dishes, including matoke, ugali, loco, samosas, and roasted meat (nyama choma).
- Dishes to Try:
- Matoke (plantains cooked with beef or pork)
- Loco (steamed ground beans)
- Kalo (Ugandan millet porridge)
- Posho (Ugandan-style maize meal)
- Chickens and pork skewers roasted to perfection.
Tip: Visit during lunch hours for a hearty meal, as the restaurant gets quite busy in the evening.
- Nyama Mama
While Nyama Mama is primarily known for its Kenyan-style nyama choma, it has a special Ugandan-inspired menu that includes some familiar dishes from Uganda. The restaurant is trendy and serves a fusion of East African dishes, making it a great option for those seeking a blend of Ugandan and Kenyan flavors.
- Dishes to Try:
- Grilled beef or pork (similar to Ugandan nyama choma)
- Posho and sukuma (greens)
- Chapati with stew (common in both Uganda and Kenya)
Tip: The ambiance is great for a casual hangout with friends or a quick study break.
- African Flavor Restaurant
Located in Kilimani, African Flavor Restaurant is a fantastic place for anyone craving Ugandan food in a laid-back environment. This spot offers traditional Ugandan meals like matoke, sukuma, and steamed fish.
- Dishes to Try:
- Matoke with beef stew
- Sambusas (filled with ground meat or vegetables)
- Luwombo (a Ugandan chicken or beef stew prepared in banana leaves)
Tip: The restaurant offers catering services, so you can order large portions for parties or group meals with fellow students.
- The Ugandan Kitchen
If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, The Ugandan Kitchen in Parklands is the place to go. This eatery specializes in Ugandan cuisine and serves dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in Nairobi.
- Dishes to Try:
- Luwombo (chicken or beef cooked with vegetables and spices)
- Chapati with a variety of stews
- Kachumbari (fresh tomato and onion salad)
Tip: If you’re looking for an authentic experience, this is the place to go. It’s a fantastic spot to bring your friends and introduce them to Ugandan flavors.
- 360 Degrees Restaurant
This modern restaurant is located in Westlands and offers a variety of East African dishes, with a special focus on Ugandan cuisine. It’s a great choice for a group meal or a celebration with friends.
- Dishes to Try:
- Matoke (cooked with beef or pork)
- Posho with stew
- Chickens and beef grilled with Ugandan spices
Tip: They have a great selection of drinks to accompany your meal, so don’t miss out on the local Ugandan beer offerings.
- Café Ngoma
Located in Eastleigh, Café Ngoma is a small, intimate restaurant that serves Ugandan dishes and offers a variety of East African meals. This restaurant is loved for its traditional dishes and relaxed ambiance, making it a great place to study or hang out with friends.
- Dishes to Try:
- Matoke (fried with onions and tomatoes)
- Kachumbari (served with Ugandan fried rice)
- Porridge made from millet (often served as a breakfast dish in Uganda)
Tip: Their local Ugandan tea is a must-try if you need a warm beverage to go along with your meal.
- Zambezi Restaurant
If you’re craving a mixture of East African food, Zambezi Restaurant in Nairobi CBD is a great option that serves a blend of Kenyan, Ugandan, and Tanzanian dishes. Their Ugandan menu items, especially the grilled meats and Ugandan-style matoke, make this spot worth checking out.
- Dishes to Try:
- Ugandan roasted meats (nyama choma)
- Sukumawiki (cooked with Ugandan-style spices)
- Posho with beef stew (one of Uganda’s most common meals)
Tip: It’s a good place to go with friends for a casual meal that includes a mix of regional flavors.
- Karibu Restaurant
Located in Kilimani, Karibu Restaurant offers a variety of Ugandan dishes, catering to Ugandans living in Nairobi. The eatery is known for serving flavorful, hearty meals that are perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Dishes to Try:
- Ugandan beans served with posho or rice
- Loco (ground beans cooked with spices)
- Matoke (slow-cooked plantains with beef)
Tip: The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a study break or casual dining.
- Nzoia Restaurant
This is an East African restaurant located in Westlands that serves a variety of Ugandan dishes alongside Kenyan meals. Their nyama choma and ugali options with Ugandan stew are quite popular.
- Dishes to Try:
- Ugandan beef stew
- Posho served with steamed vegetables
- Matoke with chicken or pork
Tip: The menu is affordable, making it a great choice for students looking for good, affordable Ugandan food.
- African Food Court (Sarit Centre)
Located in the Sarit Centre in Westlands, this food court offers a variety of food outlets serving African cuisine, including Ugandan dishes. The court is known for its food variety, making it an ideal spot for those who want a quick meal or to explore various options.
- Dishes to Try:
- Ugandan-style chapati
- Samosas and mandazi
- Matoke cooked in Ugandan style with beef or pork
Tip: It’s a perfect place to grab a quick and satisfying meal, especially after a long study session.
Conclusion
Nairobi offers a variety of places for Ugandan students to enjoy traditional Ugandan food while adjusting to life in the city. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot or a more traditional dining experience, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to try a few local dishes alongside your Ugandan favorites to get the best of both worlds!
