Mandazi is one of those Kenyan treats that can turn an ordinary morning into something special. For many families, the smell of mandazi frying in hot oil brings back memories of school holidays, Sunday breakfasts, visiting grandparents, or sitting around the kitchen waiting for the first batch to cool. Although traditional mandazi is delicious on its own, Kenyan home cooks have always found simple ways to give it a personal touch. A little cinnamon here, some cardamom there, lemon zest, sesame seeds, or a generous spoonful of butter can transform the familiar pastry into something completely different.