How to Cook Kenyan Matumbo Wet Fry

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!

Pilipili ya Kukaanga (Swahili-style Fried Chili Sauce)

My first ever encounter with Pilipili ya Kukaanga was when we went to visit one of our cousin. She is "Coastarian" what we like to refer those guys who live on the Kenyan Coast like Mombasa, Lamu, Diani among other towns. They are well known for their spicy, fragrant and yummy Swahili cuisines. From bhajia, biryani, achari, mabuyu, mahamri, pilau, samosa, pilipili ya maembe... yaani, mapochopocho! 😋Our cousin had cooked Pilau and she says pilau is incomplete without Pilipili ya Kukaanga. Thus was the beginning of my love for this spicy hot delicious sauce! Pilipili ya kukaanga is simply a delicious chili sauce that is used to accompany dishes like Pilau, Biryani among other delicious Coastal delicacies. This is my simpler version but you can get as detailed as you like, you can add different spices, herbs, and even vegetables like bell peppers. Anything goes but the chillies are what is constant, so it depends how hot 🌶 you wanna go! I literally ate a few spoonfuls before I could cook the main meal, its that delicious. I also have a video on how I made this Pilipili ya Kukaanga, do check it out and SUBSCRIBE if you have not, thanks Loves!

How to Make Ukwaju (Tamarind) Juice

My earliest memories of Ukwaju date back to when I was really young, less than 10 years old. Sighs "seems like ages ago lol" We used to go visit our grandma every holiday after closing schools. That is every April, August and December, like clock work we knew our holidays would be spent in "ushago" upcountry. And we loved it! Partly because the chores would be less, you know, its true that grandmas always spoil their grandkids 😉... I can't really remember which month it was or if it was those 3 months but the ukwaju (tamarind) tree was always ripe. Since the tree was too rough to climb, we would use long sticks to beat the pods out of their stems. Then we would gather on the ground, peel off the top later and suck the hell out of all those yummy insides. They do have a tangy sweet taste which we loved anyway. Then after the holidays, we would carry some back to town and mom would make fermented porridge and add the ukwaju while cooking. It was the best tasting porridge ever! Now fast foward to now, and being a grown up, I know the many uses of the ukwaju (tamarind) other than eating and adding to porridge. So my first ukwaju recipe is how to squeeze out the delicious juice so that you can use it for many other recipes. Have you tasted Ukwaju before? What has been your experience?

Authentic Pure Kenyan Tea

Kenyan Dawa Drink

The dawa which is (medicine) in Swahili is a drink that is usually made to heal or help in curing the cold. It is a concoction that is made with ginger, lemon and hot water and can be alcoholic or like a mocktail. It was supposedly invented at the Carnivore restaurant in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenyan Kachumbari

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

Paprika Cumin Kenyan Chips Masala

I love! Love! Love! Chips Masala, which is my other favourite dish that brings me awesome childhood memories. We had several kiosks in our neighbourhood where you could get what we called "chips mwitu" (not restaurant chips) these fries were very delicious and sold for as little as Ksh. 10 ($1) per packet. By the time you are done eating you'd have spent up to Ksh. 100 ($10) because they are just too addictive! There are very few restaurants that I trust to cook the best chips masala/masala chips. I love my homemade version because you can add whatever spices you want! I love spicy food so this recipe is quite spicy, which I love, you can have more or less spice as you want.

Managu in Coconut Milk

I love traditional Kenyan vegetables. Not only are they healthy but delicious too! "Utasahau nyama" (you will even forget meat) that is how good these traditional vegetables are. I cooked mrenda thats locally a preserve of people living in the western parts of Kenya. Its a vegetable that has texture like Okra or Lady fingers that get that sticky slimy feel when cooked. Most people do not like mrenda because of that stickiness but I love it especially when you add milk and eat after several days. Managu has become one of my favourite traditional vegetables because once you cook, you can eat for several days without getting bored. Have you cooked managu before? What is your favourite way to eat managu?  Loved this recipe yet? watch how I made the managu. 

Maini Fry (Liver) – Classic Kenyan Pan-Fried Liver Recipe

This Maini Fry, also known as fried liver, was absolutely outstanding in every sense of the word. I genuinely cannot remember the last time I was this impressed by a dish that is so often misunderstood or dismissed by many people. I understand that liver is one of those ingredients that people either adore or avoid entirely, often because of how it has been prepared in the past. However, this time, everything aligned perfectly, the texture, the flavors, the balance of spices, the crisp edges, everything came together so harmoniously that I could not stop myself from exclaiming that it was “bomb AF.” Forgive the strong language, but honestly, no other expression could do justice to how incredibly good this dish turned out.

Cilantro Chili Pork Fry – Spicy Stir-Fry with Fresh Herbs & Heat

D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S, that is exactly the word that best captures the essence of this quick and easy pork fry. There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal that not only comes together effortlessly but also delivers a burst of rich, indulgent flavor in every bite. What makes this pork fry particularly special is that it does not rely on an overload of spices or an exhaustive list of ingredients. Instead, it leans confidently into the natural taste of pork, allowing its own fat to render and infuse the entire dish with incredible depth and richness. The result is a wonderfully aromatic, juicy, and flavorful dish that is both rustic and refined at the same time.

Ugali Stuffed Energy Balls Recipe | Healthy Kenyan Snack Idea

Ugali Stuffed Energy Balls are a creative fusion of traditional Kenyan cuisine and modern snacking. These wholesome bites combine nutrient-rich ugali with natural sweeteners like dates, energy-boosting oats, and creamy peanut butter to form a snack that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout fuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these energy balls celebrate the familiar taste of ugali in a fun, convenient way. They're easy to make, easy to carry, and a hit with all ages. Christmas is just around the corner and I cannot believe it! Okay enough excitement. Today's recipe is something I have been playing with in my head . I cant believe it actually turned out so great. Kenyans do love their Ugali so I kept thinking how I can make it into a savory sort of snack but still maintaining its authenticity.

Sweet Potato Viazi Karai Recipe | Crispy Kenyan Street Food with a Twist

Sweet Potato Viazi Karai is a wholesome, modern spin on one of Kenya’s most iconic coastal snacks. Known simply as viazi karai along the Swahili coast, this snack has long been celebrated for its crisp golden coating, spicy aroma, and unforgettable street food appeal. Traditionally, the dish is made using regular white potatoes that are boiled, dipped into a seasoned gram flour batter, and deep-fried until crunchy. However, swapping in sweet potatoes gives this recipe a refreshing upgrade that not only adds natural sweetness but also boosts its nutritional value. This twist on the classic dish reflects the evolving food culture in Kenya, where traditional recipes are being reimagined to embrace healthier and more diverse ingredients. Whether enjoyed at a roadside stall in Mombasa or prepared at home in Nairobi, Sweet Potato Viazi Karai captures the essence of coastal cuisine while offering something new and exciting for adventurous food lovers.

Discover Viazi Karai A Staple of Kenyan Street Food

Enjoy a flavorful and crispy Viazi Karai recipe, tender, spiced potatoes deep-fried to perfection. A popular Kenyan snack, these golden delights are perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Kenya has rich and diverse culinary traditions. It boasts a vibrant street food scene. This scene captures the essence of its culture and community. One of the most beloved dishes in the coastal region, especially among the Swahili people, is Viazi Karai. This popular snack has earned its place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. It offers a satisfying blend of flavor, texture, and simplicity.

Foolproof Pilau, Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste

Make a flavorful and aromatic Easy Pilau Recipe—perfectly spiced rice cooked with meat, onions, and whole spices for a classic East African dish that’s ideal for family meals or special occasions. Have you ever had one of those long, exhausting days? You get home, kick off your shoes, and your stomach grumbles the moment you sit down. You crave something flavorful, filling, and comforting, like pilau. However, the thought of prepping, chopping, and layering spices just feels like too much?

Learn How to Make a Flavorful Nyama Choma Stew With This Easy Recipe

A Hearty Kenyan-Inspired Fusion of Flame-Grilled Meat and Rich Stew Flavors. Learn how to make a flavorful Nyama Choma Stew with this easy recipe! Tender grilled meat simmered in a savory sauce, perfect for serving with rice, ugali, or chapati. If you know anything about Kenya, you’re probably already aware that Nyama Choma, which is grilled beef, is not just a meal but a tradition, a celebration, and almost a ritual. It’s one of the most iconic dishes in the Kenyan culinary landscape, and the love for it is deeply ingrained in the culture. Nyama Choma isn’t just about the food; it’s about bringing people together. It’s what brings friends and family around a smoky grill, catching up on life, and sharing good times.

Discover How to Cook Omushenye, a Traditional Kenyan Dish of Mashed Beans and Sweet Potatoes

"Discover how to make Omushenye, a traditional Kenyan dish of mashed beans and bananas. Nutritious, filling, and perfect as a side or main. Omushenye is such a beautifully humble yet deeply nourishing dish, and it's wonderful to see it being celebrated like this. The simplicity of Omushenye, just sweet potatoes and beans, shows how satisfying and wholesome it is. It’s vegan, filling, and packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balancing out the heartiness of the beans makes it comforting in that "grandma's kitchen" kind of way. And you’re right, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers, no waste, just a delicious reinvention.

Perfectly Roasted Homemade Peanuts (Njungu Karanga)

There is something undeniably special about homemade food. It carries within it a story, a memory, and most importantly, a touch of love. Nothing compares to the feeling of knowing that you prepared it with your own hands. It might be a simple sandwich you throw together for breakfast. It might be a hearty, full-course main dish that simmers all day. That sense of ownership, of care and attention, makes every bite more meaningful. Meals made at home often have a certain sweetness. This kind of flavor cannot quite be replicated in restaurant dishes or takeout boxes. It is not necessarily the ingredients. It is not even the cooking method. The fact that you poured effort and care into what you are eating is what truly matters. The process, the little steps, the anticipation of the first taste, those are what make home-cooked meals truly special.

Celebrate Election Day with Kenyan Flag Crepes

Celebrate Election Day with vibrant Kenyan Flag Crepes—colorful, delicious, and made to inspire national pride. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these festive crepes bring flavor and patriotism to your plate. It has truly been a whirlwind of a few months. It has been filled with a mix of anticipation, tension, and constant conversation as the nation prepares for the elections. The elections are taking place tomorrow, on the 8th of August, 2017. The air feels thick with expectation. As the day has drawn closer, everything around us has become more intense. It feels impossible to escape. There's a never-ending stream of political updates, arguments, predictions, and debates.

How to Cook Mrenda, Embrace Kenyan Culinary Heritage

A Nutritious and Flavorful Traditional Green Leafy Vegetable Stew. Mrenda is a beloved Kenyan dish made with local leafy greens (often amaranth or spider plant leaves) cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect alongside ugali, rice, or chapati. Learn how to prepare Mrenda (slippery vegetable) with this easy, traditional recipe. Rich in nutrients and packed with flavor, this Kenyan favorite pairs perfectly with ugali for a wholesome, authentic meal. I am incredibly passionate about sharing knowledge on our rich Kenyan culinary heritage. Today, I want to explore a timeless category of our traditional meals. It is the cherished indigenous leafy vegetables. These nutritious greens are not only a staple on many dinner tables across the country. They also represent generations of culture, identity, and wisdom passed down through families and communities. They are the soul of many Kenyan kitchens and continue to be prepared with pride and love.

How to Make Mandazi: Your Guide to Swahili Snacks

Sweet East African Doughnuts, Lightly Spiced and Perfectly Golden. Mandazi, often called African doughnuts, are lightly sweetened, fluffy pastries fried to golden perfection. They’re a beloved breakfast or snack across East Africa, especially in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Enjoy the rich, spiced flavor of Cardamom Mandazi with this easy, traditional East African recipe. These soft, fluffy fried dough treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or tea time, made with warm cardamom for an irresistible twist. Don’t you just love a freshly made breakfast in the morning? There's something about waking up to the aroma of something warm and homemade. It fills your heart even before you’ve had your first bite. Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite breakfast snacks, a beloved Kenyan classic known as Mandazi. This snack is not just for the morning. It’s perfect any time of day. Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy with a cup of tea, it satisfies. If you need a little bite to tide you over until your next meal, it satisfies, too.