From sizzling grills to steaming pots, the streets of Kenyan cities and towns offer a mouth-watering array of snacks and meals that capture the essence of the country’s diverse culinary heritage.
Whether you’re a local looking for a quick bite or a visitor eager to explore authentic tastes, Kenya’s street food has something to satisfy every palate. Join us as we dive into the bustling world of Kenya’s most famous street foods, where traditional recipes meet modern twists, and every bite tells a story of the nation’s rich tastes.
What Is the Most Popular Street Food in Kenya?
Mutura
Mutura, or blood sausages, is one of the best-selling street foods in Kenya. It is a blend of tradition and flavor. Mutura originated from the Kikuyu community and has been a Kenyan favorite.
Some of the ingredients used to make the delicious snack include:
- Blood
- Intestines- serve as the casing
- Soft organs such as liver and kidney
- Spices such as ginger and garlic
- Salt
The preparation of Mutura begins with cleaning the intestines. Then, one end is tied off, and the filling is carefully packed inside before the other is secured. Thirdly, the sausages are boiled, which firms up the texture and allows the contents to be fully cooked. Then, finally, a finish on a smoky charcoal grill; this imparts a distinct barbecue flavor that’s central to the Mutura experience.
Another crucial part of preparing Mutura is serving. Mutura is presented on a chopping board, often accompanied by diced chilies, kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salad), and a sprinkle of salt.
You can get a slice of the delicious street food for as low as Ksh. 10. In Kenya, Mutura is commonly served from 6 pm, when the sun sets, as locals believe it adds to the flavor.
Mayai Pasua
Mayai Pasua, also known as Mayai Boilo, is one street food that showcases Kenyan culinary creativity, turning the humble hard-boiled egg into a delicious snack. What stands out with Mayai Pasua is the accompaniment: Kachumbari (diced tomatoes and onions)
The key to the Mayai Pasua preparation is gently cracking and halfway splitting it to create a perfect vessel for holding the additional ingredients while keeping the entire snack easy to handle and eat on the go. It is served with a few drops of tomato juice to add more flavor.
Mayai Pasua goes for Ksh. 25.
Smokie Pasua
It is always a good time for smokie pasua. The rich and smokey flavor of Smokie Pasua makes it a mouth-watering street food. It adapts the concept of Mayai Pasua but features a smoked sausage instead of a hard-boiled egg.
At Ksh. 40, you can enjoy smokie pasua with kachumbari and some sauce. The sauce customization depends on personal taste; some want it with tomato sauce, while others prefer chili sauce.
Smocha
If you are looking for a flavorful and delicious snack that you can eat and feel full, Smotcha is the best option.
The name Smocha tells you precisely what you are getting—a combination of smoky pasua and chapati. The chapati acts as the outer layer, providing a soft, slightly chewy texture that holds everything together. Inside, you’ll find a smokie, which offers a rich, smoky flavor and satisfying protein content. Kachumbari is added to provide a crisp texture and fresh flavor that balances the smokie’s richness.
While it might not be the most affordable street food, at the price of Ksh.65, it is worth it. Smocha serves as dinner or lunch for campus students and anyone desiring a full stomach on a light budget.
Mahindi Choma
Mahindi choma is simply roasted corn. What sets this simple street food apart is its creative seasoning method, which includes:
- A small bowl of chili powder is provided alongside the grilled corn.
- A lemon wedge accompanies the dish.
- The eater dips the lemon wedge into the chili powder.
- This chili-coated lemon is rubbed against the corn kernels around the cob.
The seasoning technique creates a busting flavor, a perfect balance of smoky sweetness from the grilled corn, citrusy tanginess from the lemon, and spicy heat from the chili powder. Mahindi choma costs Ksh—40 for whole corn. However, you can enjoy delicious street food for as little as Ksh. 20.
Mahindi Boilo/Chemshha
Mahindi boilo is a simple yet popular street food in Kenya. It consists of boiled corn seasoned with table salt. The street item costs Ksh. 40 per corn.
Mishikaki
Mishikaki is a combination of marinated meat and vegetables grilled to perfection. It is a more complex and flavor-packed option, representing the coastal cuisines of Kenya.
As far as visual attractiveness is concerned, Mishikaki is one of the best. The colorful bell peppers interspersed with meat create an attractive presentation. Also, the tangy marinade, smoky grill flavor, and fresh vegetables offer a complex taste experience. At Ksh. 50, you can enjoy the combination of meat and vegetables in one bite.
Bhajia
Bhajia features the influence of Indian cuisine on Kenyan culinary culture. Potatoes are the star of this dish, sliced thinly to create the perfect base for the fritter. The potato slices are dipped in a batter made from gram flour (besan or chickpea flour) and a blend of spices.
Bhajias features a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, making them appealing to many foodies. Bhhajia prices depend on the quantity, with some vendors serving them for as low as Ksh. 50.
Chips Mwitu
Chips Mwitu is a unique take on French fries. The preparation method is nothing new or different. Chips Mwitu feature hand peeling of potatoes and are more marshy than crisps.
Despite the essential preparation, chips mwitu have been highly praised as tastier than restaurant fries. Chips Mwitu features a thin, watered-down sauce served with kachumbari or shredded cabbage as garnishes. You can enjoy chips mwitu from Ksh. 50 or more, depending on the quantity.
Viazi Karai
Viazi Karai features whole potatoes that are first boiled and then seasoned with a flavorful spice blend of turmeric, cumin, chili, and coriander before deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior. The result is a visually appealing yellow-orange snack with a crisp outer layer and a soft, fluffy interior.
You can enjoy Viazi Karai from Ksh. 30.
Samosas
Samosas or Sambusas are triangular pastries that are deep-fried to golden perfection. Their crispy exteriors give way to a flavorful filling. Typically, sambusas are filled with either spiced minced meat or a vegetable mixture, providing options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
For Ksh. 30, samosas can be enjoyed alone or with kachumbari.