Nana Swahili Restaurant — Restaurant in Nairobi

I recently visited Nana Swahili Restaurant in Nairobi, drawn by the promise of authentic Swahili flavors. My order included Chicken Biriani, Beef Pilau, Butternut Chicken, and Lamb Chops—a selection that should have showcased the rich, spiced, and aromatic essence of Swahili cuisine. Unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations.

Food Review • Chicken Biriani – A true Swahili biryani is a symphony of fragrant spices, well-marinated chicken, and perfectly layered rice. However, what I was served lacked that depth of flavor, making it feel more like an ordinary rice-and-chicken dish rather than an authentic biryani. • Beef Pilau – Pilau should be rich with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and slow-cooked beef, infused with deep, smoky flavors. Sadly, this version did not capture that essence. It lacked the bold spice infusion that defines a proper pilau. • Butternut Chicken – This dish was perhaps the most disappointing. Not only is butternut chicken not a traditional Swahili dish, but the execution also left much to be desired. There was no distinctive Swahili touch, making it feel like an experiment that didn’t quite work. • Lamb Chops – The one redeeming part of the meal. While not necessarily a Swahili staple, the lamb chops were decent. The seasoning was fine, and the meat was cooked well, but it didn’t do enough to elevate the overall dining experience.

Overall Impression

Despite branding itself as a Swahili restaurant, Nana Swahili Restaurant failed to deliver the signature flavors of the coast. Swahili cuisine is known for its fragrant spices, rich coconut-based curries, and slow-cooked meats, none of which were evident in this meal.

If you’re looking for authentic Swahili cuisine in Nairobi, this might not be the best choice. The restaurant needs to refine its recipes, ensure its dishes carry the true taste of the coast, and perhaps reconsider its menu to align with genuine...

Ah, Nana Swahili! The name itself whispers sun-kissed shores and fragrant spices, and let me tell you, the reality surpasses even the most vivid beachside daydream.

Let's start with the balcony - a breezy perch overlooking the city, where sunlight dapples through greenery and whispers stories of faraway palms. Each bite becomes an escape, infused with the aroma of simmering curries and the laughter of friends.

And the food? Oh, the food! Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with the soul of the Kenyan coast. Each dish is a love song to tradition, crafted with care and seasoned with magic. The coconut chicken curry had me swaying to a beachside rumba, its creamy sweetness offset by the fiery kick of chili. The pilau, fluffy and fragrant, transported me to sun-warmed sands, each grain infused with the whisper of distant waves.

But Nana Swahili's magic isn't limited to the plate. The service is as warm and welcoming as a Swahili sunset, each staff member a gracious host at this coastal feast. You're not just a customer, you're a treasured guest, invited to linger and savor the experience.

So, if you're looking for a taste of paradise, a journey for the senses without leaving the city, Nana Swahili beckons. It's more than a meal; it's an escape, a reminder of the joy of shared laughter, flavorful adventures, and the simple magic of a perfect afternoon. Go, lose yourself in the sunshine on the balcony, let the spices carry you away, and discover why Nana Swahili is a gem waiting to be found.

And trust me, once you find it, you'll be back, swaying to the rhythm of the spices, forever chasing that perfect taste of the Kenyan coast, right in the heart...

My experience wasn't as great as I hoped.

Pros Small and cozy with good decor Great milkshake and fries.

Cons I think the space may be thought to be too small for my comfort, especially if you like to separate experiences beware that you will easily hear the next tables conversations (even without trying). My table was near the kitchen so I was properly smoked and overwhelmed by all kitchen scents. The couriers at the entrance were too many and had blocked the entrance/exit. The chicken Biryani wasn't that good. The plate was initially served luke warm and then when taken back it was overheated. Service wasn't prompt. Waited about 15mins to get order taken. The place got smoky and the overhead fans were turned out. The blasting cold adding to the breeze from the balcony was too much for our table. It marked our cue to leave. The bathroom floor at the ladies washroom was slippery (not sure what caused it but seemed to have an oily substance). Kindly improve.

I'm still holding some hope and would be willing to try out other meals however as a...