KENYAN FOOD GOES GLOBAL
Food is more than what we eat. It is culture, identity, and pride. Recently, Kenyan food is becoming popular in other countries, especially in big cities like New York.
A good example is from the famous American show “Hot Ones”. The singer Tyla was asked, where can you find good Kenyan food in New York and what should a beginner order? Her answer made many Kenyans proud.
She mentioned the real hits of our cuisine. First, Nyama Choma, which is grilled meat. It is tasty, smoky and loved at all celebrations. Second, Chapati, the soft flat bread that we all grew up eating. Third, Sukuma Wiki and other spinach dishes, which are our healthy and delicious sides. And finally, she said “Ugali for sure.” She called ugali a must-try.
She also explained how we eat it. Ugali is white and has a similar consistency to fufu from Nigeria. You don’t use a spoon. You pinch a small piece with your hand, roll it, and use it to pick the stew or vegetables, then you eat it. For someone who has never eaten African food, this is a new and interesting experience.
Why is this important? For a long time, people outside Africa only knew Nigerian food like fufu or jollof rice. Now Kenyan food is getting its own spotlight. When a celebrity talks about ugali on a big show with millions of viewers, it helps the world know about Kenya.
This is good for Kenyans living abroad. Restaurants like Swahili Village in New York and other Kenyan spots are now getting more customers who are curious to try ugali, nyama choma and chapati. It also helps our culture to be respected.
In conclusion, Kenyan food is our ambassador. You don’t need a passport to visit Kenya, sometimes you just need a plate of ugali, sukuma wiki, and nyama choma. As Tyla said, if you are new to the cuisine, start with ugali — you will not regret it.
