Top 10 Favorite Food in Kenya
Kenya is home to a rich culinary heritage, featuring dishes that reflect its diverse culture and history. From smoky grilled meats to hearty stews, the favorite food in Kenya showcases the country’s love for bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. But what is the most popular food in Kenya? Let’s explore the top local dishes loved by Kenyans.
Top 10 Favorite Food in Kenya :
Based on a recent survey in the SagaPoll app, here are the most loved local dishes in Kenya:
- Kuku
- Nyama Choma
- Chapati
- Ugali
- Pilau
- Githeri
- Kienyeji
- Mokimo
- Matoke
- Omena
At SagaPoll, a platform dedicated to showcasing African culture and consumer insights, we conducted a survey to determine the most popular dishes in kenya. In this article, we explore the top 10 list of best food in Kenya as chosen by our SagaPoll community.
Kenya’s Famous Food: A Taste of Tradition
1. Kuku
Topping the list, Kuku (Swahili for chicken) is Kenya’s most cherished dish. Whether grilled, fried, or stewed in coconut sauce, Kenyans love their chicken seasoned with local spices. With 17% of votes, it is the ultimate favorite meal in Kenya.
2. Nyama Choma
Nyama Choma, Kenya’s famous grilled meat, is a must-try for any food lover. This dish, primarily made from beef or goat, is slow-roasted over an open flame, creating a smoky, tender bite. 16% of Kenyans rank it as their favorite food example.
3. Chapati
A soft, flaky flatbread influenced by Indian cuisine, Chapati is a staple at Kenyan meals. Served with stews or beans, its rich texture makes it a crowd favorite, earning 12% of votes.
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4. Ugali
A defining dish of Kenyan cuisine, Ugali is a dense maize porridge that pairs well with vegetables, meat, or fish. Despite being a simple dish, Ugali is the most consumed food in Kenya, eaten daily by 47% of the population. It ties with Chapati in popularity at 12%.
5. Pilau
A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, beef, or chicken, Pilau is often reserved for special occasions. This flavorful meal is loved by 9% of Kenyans, making it one of the country’s best food recipes.
6. Githeri
A nutritious mix of boiled maize and beans, Githeri is a traditional dish from Kenya known for its simplicity and high protein content. With 7% of votes, it remains a staple in many Kenyan homes.
7. Kienyeji
Referring to a mix of traditional leafy greens, Kienyeji is a healthy dish that is often served with Ugali. Also enjoyed with meat or beans, it is a go-to meal for 7% of Kenyans.
8. Mokimo
A mashed combination of potatoes, maize, and greens, Mokimo is a hearty and satisfying meal. Loved by 5% of Kenyans, it is a common side dish in celebratory feasts.
9. Matoke
A dish of cooked plantains, Matoke is widely consumed in western Kenya. Whether boiled, mashed, or fried, it remains a favorite for 4% of Kenyans.
10. Omena
Small dried fish, known as Omena, is a delicacy enjoyed with Ugali. Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, Omena is favored by 4% of Kenyans.
Meal Price Comparison – Kenya
| 💰 Meal Price (USD) | 🍽 Breakfast | 🍛 Lunch | 🍲 Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $0.20 🥖 | 23% | – | – |
| Less than $0.50 🍌 | – | 33% | 25% |
| $1 to $2 🍛 | 27% | 29% | 17% |
| $2 to $3 🍜 | – | 9% | 6% |
| $3 to $5 🍕 | 9% | 14% | 12% |
| $5 to $10 🥩 | 3% | 8% | 15% |
| $10 to $20 🍷 | 4% | 5% | 18% |
| More than $20 🍾 | – | 2% | 7% |
Is food in Kenya cheap?
It depends on the meal and where you eat. Breakfast tends to be the most affordable, with 23% of people spending less than $0.20 and 27% spending between $1 and $2. Lunch also offers budget-friendly options, as 33% of respondents spend less than $0.50, and 29% spend between $1 and $2. Dinner, however, shows a wider range of spending habits, with 25% spending less than $0.50 but 18% paying between $10 and $20, making it the most expensive meal of the day for many Kenyans. Overall, while there are plenty of low-cost food options, especially for breakfast and lunch, some Kenyans also spend significantly more, particularly at dinnertime.
Most Consumed Food in Kenya
While many dishes hold cultural significance, some are eaten more frequently than others. According to our survey, Ugali is the most consumed food in Kenya and one of the favorite dish, with 47% of Kenyans eating it regularly. Other widely consumed meals include:
- Chapati (12%) – A staple enjoyed with beans, stews, and vegetables.
- Sukuma Wiki (7%) – A nutritious green leafy vegetable served alongside Ugali.
- Githeri (6%) – A high-protein maize and bean dish that is popular in many households.
- Kienyeji (6%) – Traditional leafy greens that complement staple dishes.
- Pilau (5%) – A spiced rice dish often reserved for celebrations.
- Kuku (3%) – A favorite meat dish, though eaten less frequently due to cost.
- Nyama Choma (3%) – Enjoyed on special occasions and social gatherings.
- Omena (3%) – A protein-rich dish favored in lakeside regions.
If you’re wondering, “What is the most popular food in Kenya?”, the answer is clear: Ugali! This staple dish is not only affordable but also pairs well with many local Kenyan foods.
Discover Kenya’s Culinary Heritage with SagaPoll
Kenya’s food culture is rich and diverse, offering a wide range of flavors, textures, and ingredients. Whether it’s the smoky Nyama Choma, the flavorful Pilau, or the comforting Ugali, these dishes represent the soul of Kenyan cuisine.
Do you want to share your food preferences while earning rewards? And find out what is Kenya’s most popular food? Join the SagaPoll community! By participating in paid surveys, you can express your opinions and get paid for your views.
Methodology
This survey was conducted through the SagaPoll app, where Kenyan users shared their favorite local dishes. The results reflect authentic opinions from the Kenyan community, ensuring a true representation of the country’s culinary landscape.
Join us at SagaPoll as we celebrate the best food in Kenya and make your voice count in shaping the conversation on African cuisine!
Questions asked:
Please select your favourite local dish from the options below.
Please select the dish you eat MOST OFTEN from the options below.
You mentioned that you ate out for breakfast in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought BREAKFAST outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
You mentioned that you ate out for lunch in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought LUNCH outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
You mentioned that you ate out for dinner in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought DINNER outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
FAQ
What is Kenya’s most popular food?
- Kuku
- Nyama Choma
- Chapati
- Ugali
- Pilau
- Githeri
- Kienyeji
- Mokimo
- Matoke
- Omena
What is Kenya’s national food?
Widely considered to be Kenya’s unofficial national dish, Nyama Choma translates to “grilled meat” in Swahili. While the meat of choice is goat, for its rich and gamey taste, beef, chicken, and fish are also popular. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices and then grilled over hot coals until charred and tender.
What is the most favorite food?
Kuku (Kenyan-style chicken) is the most favorite dish in Kenya, with 17% of Kenyans selecting it as their top choice. Loved for its rich flavors and versatility, Kuku can be grilled, fried, or stewed with coconut sauce and local spices. However, Ugali remains the most widely consumed dish, as it is a staple in many households across the country.
