ulaPlaces to Eat
ChaQula's Recommendations of Mombasa Food:
Mama Khadijas - Swahili Bitings
Open Daily 4pm - 6:30pm
What to Try:
Viazi karai (deep fried coated potatoes) and bhajia (a fritter similar to falafel) with fresh ukwaju (tamarind chutney) & coconut chutney.
Her bhajias and ukwaju sauce are amazing! So crispy and soft!
Mikes Cafe - Swahili Snacks
Open Daily 8am - 6pm
What to Try:
Kebabs and chana bateta
Kebabs - literally the best in Mombasa, so crunchy and soft inside! Goes well with a squeeze of lemon or coconut chutney! Their chana bateta is also really good, it's a rich coconut based loaded soup type situation!
Cafe Ayaz - Mombasa Food/snacks
Open Daily 10am - 4pm
What to Try:
Chana bateta, maru bhajia (thinly sliced potatoes dipped in batter and fried), kebabs, samosas, and honey garlic wings
Ayaz the owner is very sweet and so are all of the staff!
Forodhani Gardens - Street Food Market
Open Daily 6pm - 11pm
What to Try:
Zanzibar pizza, mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), fresh sugarcane juice, and coconut ice cream
A vibrant night market with amazing street food! The atmosphere is electric and the food is fresh and delicious.
Tamarind Restaurant - Fine Dining - Swahili Cuisine
Open Daily 12pm - 10pm
What to Try:
Pilau (spiced rice), biryani, grilled fish, and their famous coconut curry
Beautiful waterfront restaurant with authentic Swahili dishes. Perfect for a special occasion!
Bismillah Restaurant - Traditional Swahili
Open Daily 7am - 9pm
What to Try:
Mahamri (sweet fried bread), mandazi, chai, and mbaazi (pigeon peas in coconut sauce)
Family-run restaurant serving authentic Swahili breakfast and lunch. Their mandazi and mahamri are legendary!
Laziz Restaurant - Indian-Swahili Fusion
Open Daily 11am - 10pm
What to Try:
Chicken biryani, mutton curry, fresh chapati, and their special masala chai
Amazing fusion of Indian and Swahili flavors! Their biryani and chapati are must-tries.
Mama Ngina Drive Food Stalls - Street Food
Open Daily 4pm - 8pm
What to Try:
Viazi karai, bhajia, samosas, and fresh fruit with chili salt
Local favorite spot for quick bites! The vendors are friendly and the food is always fresh and affordable.