Best Swahili Restaurants In Nairobi

Here is a list of the Best Swahili Restaurants in Nairobi. Swahili cuisine has become one of the world’s finest. It is a fusion cuisine, with flavors from Africa, Asia, India, Arabia, and Portugal blended. Swahili cuisine is the most popular in East Africa because it uses diverse spices to enhance flavor.

Most people associate Swahili dishes with Kenya’s coastal region. You don’t have to be in Mombasa or Malindi to enjoy these delectable dishes. Nairobi now has some of Kenya’s best Swahili restaurants. Here is a list of the best Swahili Restaurants in Nairobi

List Of Best Swahili Restaurants In Nairobi

1. Al-Yusra Restaurant

Al-Yusra Restaurant, located in the heart of Nairobi’s CBD, is a halal restaurant serving authentic Swahili cuisine. Al-Yusra Restaurant is a family-friendly establishment that serves a delectable menu to all of its visitors. Al-Yusra Restaurant offers vegetarian options on its menus in addition to its unique Swahili delicacies. The restaurants make sure that all of their guests’ needs are met at a reasonable price.

Location: Koinange St, Nairobi
Phone: 0792 000 090
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (6 am-11 pm)

2. Malindi Dishes Restaurant

Malindi Dishes is another restaurant that serves the best Swahili cuisine. Malindi Dishes Restaurant, located off Luthuli Avenue on Gaberone Road, serves regional, coastal, Swahili, and global oriental cuisines. The dishes are prepared by experienced chefs using locally sourced fresh organic ingredients and the finest herbs and spices. After a long day, you can stop by for some tasty Swahili dishes.

Location: Gaborone Road, Nairobi
Phone: 0722 292525
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat (6 am-10 pm), Sun (closed)

3. Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine Restaurant

Restaurant Karai serves Indian and Swahili cuisine. Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine, located in Kilimani’s Waridi court, is one of the luxurious restaurants serving the best Swahili dishes. The menu features an authentic blend of Swahili and Indian cuisine. Karai Indian & Swahili Cuisine is a full-service restaurant that specializes in the best Swahili, Indian, and seafood cuisine. In a serene, sophisticated setting, enjoy a meticulously prepared meal.

Location: Rose Avenue, Nairobi
Phone: 0728 070707
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (8 am-9 pm)

4. Manara Restaurant

Manara Restaurant is known for its authentic Arabic and Swahili-influenced dishes, as well as its BBQ. The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Lavington Gitanga Road. It is a premier restaurant that serves authentic Swahili cuisine. Manara Restaurant is the ideal place to sample delectable Swahili dishes prepared and served by skilled chefs.

Location: Westfield Mall, Gitanga Road
Phone: 0798 122122
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (8 am-10 pm)

5. Swahili Plate Restaurant

Swahili Plate, as the name suggests, is another restaurant that serves authentic Swahili cuisine. Swahili cuisine is available for both dine-in and take-out at the restaurant. Swahili Plate also provides event catering for corporate events, parties, weddings, and private parties. Their services are tailored to their client’s needs, and they serve delectable food that will leave you wanting more. In Nairobi, Swahili Plate has two locations: Sarit Centre Food Court and CBD Muindi Mbingu Street.

Location: Muindi Mbingu St, Nairobi
Phone: 0772 435765
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (7 am-10 pm)

6. Arryannas Swahili Cuisine

Arryannas Swahili Cuisine is a restaurant located in Nairobi, Kenya that specializes in Swahili cuisine. Swahili cuisine is a blend of African, Arabic, and Indian flavors and cooking techniques, and is known for its use of spices, coconut milk, and seafood.

At Arryannas Swahili Cuisine, some popular dishes include biryani, a rice dish cooked with meat, spices, and sometimes dried fruits and nuts; pilau, a seasoned rice dish often served with a side of stewed meat or vegetables; and samosas, a fried or baked pastry stuffed with spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese.

Location: on Mombasa Road
Phone: 0708 158 746
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

7. Mpambe Dishes

Mpambe Dishes is a great restaurant that offers dine-in, outdoor seating, takeaway, and delivery services. The restaurant has spacious seating arrangements and a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, the prices are well-tamed and affordable with their cultural spicy dishes, especially their Swahili delicacies, being the indulgence that lures the customers back.

Location: Mombasa Road,Mlolongo
Phone: 0722 115689
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

8. Mama Nilishe

Mama Nilishe is a Swahili cuisine restaurant based in Kilimani Nairobi. As the name suggests they serve up traditional mama’s favorite Swahili homecooked meals such as biryani, matoke ya njugu, pilau, chapati, mshikaki, coconut plantains, and mitais. They are open from Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm. Mama Nilishe has the most affordable food prices in town. They do doorstep deliveries at a fee depending on your location. Highly recommend trying out their mitais (coconut sugar-dusted mandazis).

Location: Mall 66 which is opposite Adlife Plaza
Phone: 0700 138422
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat (7 am-7 pm), Sun (closed)

9. Dau Swahili Restaurant

The Dau Swahili Restaurant in Nairobi brings the vibrant Swahili culture to life. With its amazing coastal dishes and fast service, it offers an authentic taste of the Kenyan coast. One of their specialties is the Swahili biryani, which is the most true to form in Nairobi. The restaurant even has real white sand from Mombasa, adding an interesting touch. The food is great and has a coastal, Swahili vibe that feels authentic. The upstairs area is a bit small, but it’s perfect for private parties with 10-15 people. There is also a designated area for kids to play in the sand.

The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even have late-night takeaway options. The restaurant has features like reservations, outdoor seating, parking, free Wi-Fi, and accepts credit cards. They also provide table service and occasionally have live music.

Dau Swahili Restaurant Menu Prices