This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
On a quiet street in Nairobi's Lenana Road, a Japanese restaurant stands out for its casual atmosphere and authentic flavors. Shokudo, owned by David and Wangari Wachira, is a haven for those seeking a taste of Japan without the fine dining experience.
According to Wangari, the couple's inspiration for Shokudo came from observing the fine-dining Japanese restaurants in Nairobi. 'We wanted to create a casual restaurant that serves everyday Japanese street food,' she explains.
Before opening Shokudo, the Wachiras started by making traditional Japanese meals in bento boxes, a common practice in Japan. They also run a Japanese grocery store where they sell ingredients such as Japanese vegetables, rice, and noodles.
With over 20 years of immersion in Japanese culture, the Wachiras have mastered the art of preparing authentic Japanese dishes. Their restaurant serves a variety of Japanese breakfast items, including green tea, miso soup with rice balls, grilled salmon, grilled tofu, and natto (fermented soybeans).
One of the unique aspects of Shokudo is its commitment to serving Japanese food in its most natural form. Wangari explains, 'The Japanese enjoy their food in its most natural form. Every meal must have at least five colours and five cooking methods; steaming, frying, boiling, grilling, pickling, and something raw.'
However, what sets Shokudo apart from other Japanese restaurants in Nairobi is its decision not to serve sushi daily. Wangari notes, 'Local customers sometimes get disappointed to find out that we don’t serve sushi. During our stay in Japan, we found that sushi is not something that is eaten every day.'
Shokudo's menu features a range of Japanese dishes, including a traditional breakfast that includes a vegetable salad with sesame ponzu dressing, rolled omelette, grilled salmon, natto, miso soup, steamed rice, and pickled vegetables. The natto, a Japanese superfood filled with probiotics, is a sticky, slimy serving of fermented soybeans with a smoky taste, powerful smell, and strong flavor.
For dessert, Shokudo offers mochi (Japanese rice cakes) in various flavors with fillings such as sweet beans, strawberries, and other sweet treats. The cakes are prepared in different flavors and wrapped around a sweet centre to form small, bite-sized confections.
Shokudo is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Japanese experience in Nairobi. With its casual atmosphere and commitment to serving traditional Japanese dishes, this restaurant is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
