Some experiences stay with you long after the moment has passed, quietly living in your camera roll, your memories, and your taste buds, even when you somehow forget to write about them. Back in **2020**, I had the pleasure of being invited by FoodReport254 for a special foodies meetup, and though I shared snippets on Instagram at the time, I never sat down to give the experience the depth it deserved. So today, finally, here we go, a long-overdue, detailed, heartfelt food diary entry from a day filled with flavor, culture, warmth, and the joy of sharing a table with fellow food lovers.
We met at The Glory Palace Hotel in Ngara, located along Thika Road Highway. Known for its generous buffet spread and blend of Indian, Kenyan, and fusion dishes, it proved to be the perfect spot for a tasting menu event. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of spices, charcoal grills, and simmering curries set the tone for the unforgettable tasting experience ahead.
The meetup brought together passionate foodies, people who love to eat, talk about food, photograph food, and, honestly, think about their next meal while still eating the current one. There’s something comforting about being in a space where everyone speaks the same “language.” No one judges you for angling your plate toward the light or taking ten photos before taking a bite. FoodReport254 created such a welcoming environment, making it easy to dive into conversation, laugh with strangers, and bond over flavors. It reminded me how food has this magical ability to dissolve awkwardness and build community.
Diving into the tasting menu which was a feast of cultures. The kitchen at The Glory Palace Hotel curated a rich, diverse tasting menu featuring a mix of Kenyan staples, Indian dishes, and continental options. Here’s a closer look at each dish we sampled, and what made it memorable.
1. Mukimo
A classic Kikuyu dish, the Mukimo was soft, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. The balance of mashed potatoes, peas, and greens created a comforting base that paired beautifully with the meat dishes that followed. It tasted like home, warm, steady, and grounding.
2. Naan – The STAR of the Day
Let me say this boldly:
This was the BEST naan I have ever had.
Soft, buttery, warm, with the perfect blistered edges, the kind that tears beautifully and melts in your mouth. I remember thinking, I would come back here just for this. And honestly, I still plan to. Paired with the curries, it became the highlight of my plate more times than I’d like to admit.
3. Paneer Tikka
The Paneer Tikka was smoky and flavorful, with cubes of paneer marinated in a rich spice blend and roasted to perfection. I appreciated how tender it was, not rubbery, not dry, just the right texture. The char from the grill added an irresistible depth.
4. Chicken Tikka
The Chicken Tikka followed the same smoky, aromatic theme. Juicy, well-seasoned, and deeply infused with spices, it was a crowd favorite. You could taste the yogurt marinade and the love that went into it.
5. Mutton Wet Fry
This dish stood out for its bold flavors. The mutton was tender and cooked slowly, absorbing the richness of the tomato and spice base. It had that comforting, home-style quality, the kind of dish you mop up with everything on your plate.
6. Fish in Coconut
A smooth, silky coconut-based curry that felt like a warm hug. The fish was perfectly cooked, flaky and soft, swimming in a sauce that balanced creaminess with subtle spice. This dish was soothing and unforgettable.
7. Chicken Masala
The Chicken Masala was aromatic, with a deep spice profile that lingered pleasantly on the palate. It brought together warmth, richness, and the soul of classic Indian cuisine. Paired with the naan, it was absolutely delicious.
8. Raita
Cooling and refreshing, the raita offered the perfect counterbalance to the spice-heavy dishes. Creamy yogurt with cucumber and spices, simple, but essential.
9. Purple Cabbage Salad & Cucumber Salad
These salads added a crisp, fresh element to the meal. The purple cabbage salad was bright, crunchy, and lightly dressed, while the cucumber salad brought clean, cooling notes that refreshed the palate between bites.
10. Vegetable Biryani
Fragrant and colorful, the Vegetable Biryani was well-spiced with long-grain rice cooked to fluffy perfection. Every spoonful revealed hidden gems, vegetables, herbs, and spices that unfolded gently on the palate.
11. Ugali
A staple in many Kenyan homes, the ugali was firm and well-prepared. Paired with the wet fry dishes, it provided a satisfying, grounding base.
12. Roasted chicken
The roasted chicken rounded out the tasting experience with its hearty, savory flavor. Tender and well-seasoned, it paired nicely with the salads and mukimo.
To round out the already generous spread, we were also served crispy vegetable spring rolls, fresh sandwiches, golden vegetable samosas, and a comforting bowl of creamy potato soup. The spring rolls were perfectly crunchy without being oily, the sandwiches provided a light and refreshing break between heavier dishes, and the samosas had that classic spiced vegetable filling that always hits the spot. The potato soup, smooth and subtly seasoned, acted as a warm, gentle starter that balanced the bold flavors of the tikka, biryani, and wet fry dishes that followed. These additions made the tasting menu feel even more complete, a thoughtful blend of Kenyan comfort bites and Indo-Kenyan favorites.
Looking back, this meet-up was more than just a meal , it was a reminder of how much joy food brings when shared with others. The dishes told stories of different cultures coming together on a single table. The laughter, food photography, spice discussions, and restaurant recommendations exchanged that day created a warmth I still remember years later. I may never know why I didn’t write this sooner, but I’m grateful to finally share it now. Good food deserves to be remembered.
To FoodReport254, thank you for the invite. To Glory Palace Hotel, thank you for the flavors and to everyone at the table, thank you for the memories. And to the naan, I will be back.
Here are more photos of the delicious food
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