Mombasa Cuisine

While visiting Mombasa, one of the most attractive things has to be its delicasy.It is here along the coastal city where you can have a taste  and get the experience of the unique and tantalizing culinary offerings.From the swahili cuisine along  with aboundant use of coconut aromantic spices,refreshing beverages and mouthwatering snacks transforming the city into a food lover's paradise,  with the fusion of arab, indian and swahili test offering .



Biriani,an iconic delicasy rice dish in Mombasa cooked with a blend spices and meat( commonly chicken or goat) often served with  a  side of tasty stew known as rojo.another beloved dish is pilau, a rice-based dish cooked with an assortment spices like cloves,cinnamon, cardamom and cumin which  is often served with  kachumbari (   mixture of raw tomatoes,onions and veneger) and its not over until served with  a cold termarine juice having a slight sour test  creating a wonderful refreshment which is mostly known by the locals as "juisi ya ukwaju".Not until served Wali Wa Nazi,a coconut infused rice dish accompanied by  fish curry or sometimes beef stew to the table with some sauce along,which is a staple in many holds and local eateries. 


Coconut holds a special place in mombasa's cuisine as its mostly used by the locals  in their daily dishes.From coconut milk to grated  used in various dishes such as  sweet potatoes(viazi vya tamu),cassava(mihogo) and riped bananas(bokoboko).The nutty flavour from coconut milk enhances the richness of the dish adding a tropical touch to the cuisine.The thick whitish cream present the heart of the swahili coast as its often served on top of the dish elevating the originality.It is also used in preparing vegetables ,curries and desserts and snacks,such as labania and kashata which is basically made from granted coconut  mixed with sugar 
Photo of  bokoboko   
Courtesy of Biasha Ibrahim


Mombasa offers variety and tantalizing bites i.e viazi karai;spicy dipped fried potatoes dish and bajia which is mostly served with chutney grated coconut blended with hot pepper ,and mostly accompanied by a drink either milkshake,passion or mango juice.With those having a sweet tooth, there are always previleged with varieties such as Mitai,Kaimati,Vibibi and Mikate ya Sinia ; a colourful assortment of sweet treat made from rice best served with coffee with or without sugar, providing a satisfying indulgence.


Shawarma, a sliced marinated beef grilled vertically which is mostly applied with sauce is something not to miss while in Mombasa, as its mostly found along the streets best taken in  the evening while enjoying the fine breeze from the ocean.With the abondance of of sea food such as Octopus,papa(whale)  and crabs create a centre stage in many coastal delicacies. The fresh catches can be transformed in varieties, either deepfrying or transformed in a nice stew best served with either ugali,rice or  chapati.


"Madafu"  the unripe coconut ,is a fruit  worth having a test ,with its natural sweet water refreshing from the heart along the coast .Apart from  bananas and mangoes its only in Mombasa where one can have a test of the small sweet fruit vitoria  resembling a  mango fruit but more sweeter
Viazi Karai with ukwaju
 Photo by Biasha Ibrahim

From the rich biriani to the use of coconut,the tantalising spices and the refreshing beverages explain the rich heritage of the coastal city Mombasa.Exploring the swahili foods in Mombasa is not just a journey for the taste but immersion of the city culture,tradition, warmth and love.

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