This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
Kenyan Cuisine Meets Wine ¶
On a Friday in August 2019, a unique food and wine pairing experience took place at Nyama Mama Delta, bringing together the best of Kenyan cuisine and wine from around the world.
Victoria Mulu-Munywoki, a sommelier and founder of Cellar 254, teamed up with Chef Zachary Ngugi of Nyama Mama Restaurant to pair local delicacies with wine.
They started with a glass of Casal Mendes Vinho Verde, a Portuguese white wine, which paired perfectly with ugali, sweet potatoes, and pea croquette and chicken.
"It is an easy drinking style wine," says Victoria.
The Vinho Verde is made from a minimum of four varietals of grapes and has notes of citrus, stone fruits, and floral undertones.
Victoria explains that the high acidity of the wine makes it an ideal aperitif, as it makes you want to eat, and it pairs well with light food such as starters.
They also paired the Yealands Family Estate Land Made Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand with ginger-infused roasted carrot soup.
"It is a play on texture," says Victoria, as the light, aromatic, and crisp wine contrasts the creamy texture of the soup.
Just as with a steak, red meat is paired with a red wine, and the boldness of the wine allows it to hold up to the meat in its richness and flavour.
Slow braised beef, served with vegetables, mhogo wa nazi (coconut cassava), mukimo, fried plantain, and chapati, was paired with a Rupert & Rothschild Classique from South Africa.
"The wine is mellow with smooth tannins. It is one of the few wine blends you can have with fish," says Victoria.
As an ode to the Kenyan cuisine, the dessert was served with a Kenyan wine, Leleshwa Rosé, paired with a sweet potato pie and moringa and chai ice-cream.
Leleshwa has come a long way since they began producing wine locally several years ago.
The coming together of these wines from across the world and everyday Kenyan dishes is a testament that as a wine drinker, you do not need to spend top dollar on expensive cuts of steak or caviar to enjoy wine and food.
