This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
On a Friday in August 2019, the market for vegetarian foods in Nairobi was growing, with consumers seeking products that aligned with their ideals. However, there was a common misconception that these foods were boring or monotonous.
Restaurant managers Navin Singh of Chowpaty in Nairobi's Westlands and Shreta Kerai of Four Points By Sheraton in Nairobi's Hurlingham shared their insights on cooking and choosing vegetarian dishes.
Navin recommended palak paneer, a dish with spinach and cottage cheese, as a great option for those looking to try a vegetarian meal. He also suggested veg pula puri, a spicy mixed vegetable dish that can be accompanied with nan, roti, or Indian chapati.
Shreta emphasized the importance of combining different flavors and textures when making vegetarian dishes. She also highlighted the use of various cooking methods, such as steaming, roasting, and stir-frying, to achieve different tastes.
For those looking for vegetarian options in Nairobi, here are some restaurants worth considering:
- Nyama Mama (Delta Towers, Village Market, and Capital Centre) - Known for serving Kenyan cuisine with a twist, this restaurant offers chargrilled githeri with avocado and coriander.
- Chowpaty (Nairobi's Westlands) - This Indian establishment serves North and South Indian cuisine, as well as some Chinese dishes, including chic peas cooked with Indian herbs and creamy palak paneer.
- Tin Roof (Karen and Langata) - A popular spot for healthy eating enthusiasts, this cafe offers salad buffets, fresh homemade bread, and delectable vegetarian dishes made with organic ingredients.
- Nothing Like It Hardy (Karen) - This minimalistic restaurant serves Vietnamese dishes with minimal oil, including tofu noodles and Vietnamese Baguettes.
- Boho Eatery (Nairobi) - This restaurant offers vegetarian and meaty options, including spicy black bean tortillas and Laksa Noodle soup.
- Artcaffe Grand (Westlands) - This branch has a vegan menu that features grilled zucchini salad, couscous, and gnocchi with crunchy vegetables.
