No weekend is ever complete without Nyama Choma! It's always the weekend plan, you know "parte after parte after parte" 😉, Kenyans know what this means. And with Nyama Choma comes Kachumbari (tomato onion salad). There are several variations of Kachumbari and you can always add more ingredients or leave it as the classic Kenyan salad
INGREDIENTS
1 Onion
2 Tomatoes
1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper
1 Teaspoon Chili Flakes
Pinch Salt
3 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
1 Lemon
2 Tablespoons Chopped Dhania (cilantro)
METHOD
Chop onions into cubes, add to bowl and pour the white wine vinegar to cover. Soak the onions for 10 minutes. Vinegar helps remove the acidity from the onions and lessen the oniony taste and smell
Add the pre soaked onions in bowl
Add tomatoes
Add yellow bell peppers
Add salt
Add chili flakes
Add dhania (cilantro)
Add chopped green chillies
Mix the ingredients well
Add pinch of salt
Squeeze in juice of 1 lemon
Mix well. You can refrigerate few minutes before serving
Serve with mains like pilau, rice, chicken or nyama choma (grilled meat)
KENYAN KACHUMBARI
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 00 Minutes
Total time: 10 Minutes
Yield: 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Onion
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1/2 Yellow Bellpepper
- 1 Teaspoon Chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- 3 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- 1 Lemon
- 2 Tablespoons Dhania (Cilantro)
- Chop onions into cubes, add to bowl and pour the white wine vinegar to cover. Soak the onions for 10 minutes. Vinegar helps remove the acidity from the onions and lessen the oniony taste and smell
- Add the pre-soaked onions in bowl. Add tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, salt and chili flakes. Add dhania (cilantro), chopped green chilies, Mix the ingredients well, add pinch of salt. Squeeze in juice of 1 lemon. Mix well. You can refrigerate few minutes before serving
- Serve with mains like pilau, rice, chicken or nyama choma (grilled meat)
Kenyan Kachumbari – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Kachumbari?
Kachumbari is a refreshing East African salad made from freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, and chili, often with lemon or lime juice. It’s the perfect side for nyama choma (grilled meat), pilau, ugali, or even snacks like samosas.
2. Where does the name come from?
The word Kachumbari comes from the Indian word kachumber, meaning a raw vegetable salad—reflecting historical culinary exchanges along the Swahili Coast.
3. What are the key ingredients?
Fresh tomatoes. Raw red onions. Chili (green or red). Cilantro (dhania). Lime or lemon juice. Optional: Avocado, cucumber, mango, or salt4. Is it spicy?
It can be! Most versions include fresh chili for heat, but you can adjust or omit for a milder version.
5. Can I make it in advance?
Yes—up to 1 day ahead. However, the flavor is best fresh. To avoid sogginess:
- Add salt and lemon juice just before serving
- Soak onions briefly in salty or acidic water to reduce sharpness
6. Is it the same as salsa?
Not exactly. While both are tomato-based, Kachumbari is:
- More chunky and raw
- Often lacks vinegar or sugar
- Typically not cooked or blended
Nutrition Card – Approx. per ½ cup serving
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~35–50 kcal | — | Very light |
| Carbohydrates | 6–8 g | 2–3% | Mostly from tomatoes and onion |
| Sugars | 3–5 g | — | Natural sugars only |
| Fiber | 1–2 g | 4–8% | Helps digestion |
| Fat | <1 g | — | Minimal unless avocado is added |
| Protein | ~1 g | — | Trace amounts |
| Vitamin C | 15–25% DV | 🌿 Excellent source | From tomatoes, lime, and chilies |
| Potassium | ~200 mg | 5% | Good for hydration |
Dietary Compatibility & Health Notes
| Diet Type | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | ✅ Yes | 100% plant-based |
| Gluten-Free | ✅ Yes | Naturally gluten-free |
| Keto/Low-Carb | ✅ Yes | Very low in carbs |
| Paleo | ✅ Yes | Whole-food ingredients |
| Nut-Free | ✅ Yes | No common allergens |
| Halal/Kosher | ✅ Yes | Fully compliant |
Optional Additions:
- Avocado: For healthy fats
- Mango: For a sweet twist
- Cucumber: For extra crunch
- Salt & chili flakes: To taste
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.
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