Roundups

Dessert

Pantry

Eating Out

Drinks

Lunch

Breakfast

Kenyan

Appetizer

Monday, 6 October 2025

If you grew up in Kenya, chances are you’ve had matumbo at least once in your life. Whether at a local eatery, a roadside kibanda, or at home on a Sunday afternoon, matumbo wet fry holds a special place in Kenyan cuisine. Its rich flavor, comforting aroma, and hearty texture make it one of those meals that feel like home. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to cook soft, tasty Kenyan matumbo wet fry, step-by-step. You’ll also get some tips on cleaning, boiling, and seasoning so that your matumbo comes out tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced every time. Learn how to cook delicious Kenyan matumbo wet fry, soft, flavorful tripe simmered in onions, tomatoes, and spices. A traditional Kenyan favorite served with ugali or rice!
 
What Is Matumbo?

Matumbo is the Swahili word for tripe, the edible stomach lining of cows or goats. It’s a popular dish across Kenya and East Africa, often served with ugali, rice, or chapati.Matumbo can be prepared in different ways: wet fry, dry fry, or stewed with vegetables. But the wet fry version, simmered with onions, tomatoes, and spices, is one of the most beloved for its saucy, flavorful finish.
Ingredients

1 kg matumbo (tripe) – thoroughly cleaned
2 medium onions, finely chopped
3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1–2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
1 beef or chicken stock cube (optional)
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons cooking oil
½ cup fresh coriander (dhania), chopped
2 cups water (for boiling and simmering)
 
Step 1: Cleaning the Matumbo
Cleaning matumbo properly is the most important step. If not done well, it can carry an unpleasant smell. Here’s how to do it right:
Rinse thoroughly in cold water.
Scrape off any unwanted residue using a knife.
Soak in a mixture of warm water, lemon juice, and flour for 10–15 minutes. This helps remove odor and sliminess.
Rinse again 2–3 times until the water runs clear.
Tip: Ask your butcher to pre-clean the matumbo for you. It saves time and ensures it’s well-prepared for cooking.
 
Step 2: Boiling the Matumbo
 
Matumbo takes time to soften, so pre-boiling is essential.
Place the cleaned matumbo in a large sufuria (cooking pot).
Add enough water to cover it completely.
Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, garlic, and a bit of ginger to help with flavor.
Boil for 1½ to 2 hours (or until soft). You can also use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time to 30–40 minutes.
Once soft, drain and set aside. Keep some of the broth for later.
 
Step 3: Preparing the Wet Fry Base
 
In a clean pan or sufuria, heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add garlic, ginger, and chilies (if using) and fry for about a minute until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and cook until they soften and form a thick sauce.
Mix in your spices: turmeric, curry powder, paprika, and crumble in the stock cube (if using). Stir well and let the spices bloom for about a minute.
Pro Tip: The longer you cook your onions and tomatoes, the richer and tastier your wet fry becomes.

Step 4: Cooking the Matumbo Wet Fry 
 
Add the boiled matumbo into the tomato-onion mixture.
Stir well to coat the tripe with all the spices and flavors.
Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved broth (or water) to create a saucy consistency.
Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes on low heat.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the matumbo absorb the sauce.
Finish with chopped coriander (dhania) for freshness.
 
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
 
Your Kenyan matumbo wet fry is now ready! Serve it hot with:
Ugali – the classic and most popular combo
Rice – for a soft, comforting meal
Chapati – for a delicious, saucy pairing
Garnish with fresh coriander or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.
 
Tips for the Perfect Matumbo Wet Fry
  • Clean thoroughly: A clean matumbo equals a tasty dish.
  • Boil long enough: Undercooked matumbo can be tough and chewy.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Especially tomatoes and garlic, they make all the difference.
  • Spice balance: Adjust chili and curry powder to your heat preference.
  • Simmer slowly: Letting it cook gently helps deepen the flavor and tenderness.
 
Why Kenyans Love Matumbo Wet Fry

Matumbo is more than just a meal, it’s a comfort food that carries memories of home. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, especially on weekends or special occasions. From roadside eateries in Nairobi to home kitchens in Kisumu, matumbo remains a beloved part of Kenyan food culture. It’s affordable, filling, and packed with protein. But more than that, it’s a symbol of togetherness, of shared meals, laughter, and heritage passed down through generations.
 
Now that you know how to cook Kenyan matumbo wet fry, it’s time to try it at home! With this simple step-by-step recipe, you’ll make soft, flavorful matumbo that your family and friends will love. Serve it with ugali or chapati, and enjoy a taste of authentic Kenyan comfort food, rich in flavor, tradition, and love.













Enjoy!

 

Saturday, 9 August 2025


Meal prep for weight loss is an effective strategy that helps you stay consistent with your calorie goals, avoid unhealthy food choices, and maintain portion control. By planning and preparing meals ahead of time, you can ensure that each dish is balanced with the right amounts of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep you satisfied while supporting gradual, sustainable weight loss. It also helps eliminate the guesswork and impulse decisions that often lead to overeating or ordering high-calorie takeout.


Some meals do more than fill your stomach, they absorb you into their atmosphere, place, and story. The Kilimanjaro Restaurant Jamia, nestled in Kenwood House on Kimathi Street, Nairobi, brings that kind of experience. It’s a restaurant that effortlessly merges East African authenticity with a refined ambiance, making every bite feel like both a comfort and a discovery.

Wednesday, 23 July 2025



Meal planning is an essential practice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, saving money, and reducing stress around daily food decisions. By taking the time to organize meals in advance, you can ensure a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs while avoiding last-minute unhealthy choices. It allows you to incorporate a variety of fresh ingredients, manage portion sizes, and reduce food waste by buying only what you need. For busy individuals and families, meal planning also helps streamline grocery shopping, making it quicker, more efficient, and cost-effective.

Monday, 12 May 2025

Discover 3 creative poppy seed recipes perfect for every meal, from a zesty lemon poppy seed breakfast muffin to a crunchy poppy seed salad dressing, and a savory poppy seed chicken entrée. Delicious, nutritious, and easy to make! Poppy seeds are tiny, round, blue-gray or black seeds harvested from the opium poppy plant. Though small in size, they carry a subtle nutty flavor. They also offer a gentle crunch. These qualities can dramatically enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Traditionally, they have found a place in baked goods, breads, and pastries, particularly in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisines. However, in modern kitchens, poppy seeds are being creatively used in newer, healthier dishes.

Thursday, 8 May 2025


Nestled within the rapidly developing urban sprawl of Imara Daima, CJ’s at the new Imara Daima Mall has become a welcomed oasis of comfort dining and aesthetic appeal. Known for its signature blend of international cuisines and generous portions, CJ’s has long been a staple for Nairobi food lovers. But does the newest location live up to the brand’s reputation? After a recent visit, the verdict is clear: CJ’s Imara Daima offers a consistent, satisfying dining experience—marked by inviting ambiance, warm service, and flavorful, well-executed dishes.

Wednesday, 23 April 2025


High-protein meal prep is a game-changer for busy professionals who want to maintain energy, support muscle health, and stay full throughout the day without constantly worrying about what to eat. By dedicating a few hours each week to planning and preparing high-protein meals, you can ensure that your body gets the fuel it needs for productivity and focus. Protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, lean beef, eggs, legumes, tofu, and Greek yogurt not only help with muscle recovery but also keep hunger at bay longer, reducing the temptation to snack on unhealthy options during work hours.
Nairobi Kitchen | Designed by Oddthemes | Distributed by Gooyaabi