In my mind, restaurants targeting younger people are often out of town. Al Nusra is located at the heart of Nanyuki town, on a street filled with business offices. All the reviews I heard of this place were from older people.
My boda guy, probably in his mid-thirties, ranked their coffee as the best he’s had in Nanyuki. The other review was from a 50-year-old client, who claimed their camel tea was so good, he must have it every time he visits Nanyuki.
Until recently, Al Nusra has been sandwiched between business centres, and the exterior looked like something old people with “important” business visits would like. They recently installed a shawarma booth, the first in Nanyuki, which has gotten the attention of younger people.
Their decor has changed. The ground floor has booths, cosy for business meetings and family dates. The first floor has both an indoor and an outdoor setup. The indoor has both the booths, a dining table and tables for two (I see you, romantic people). The warm lighting, brown seats and plants give off a romantic vibe. But the menu and the space are family-friendly.
My first time here was a quick breakfast date. I had a latte with mahamri. The latte was so good. Easily the best I’ve had in Nanyuki. Notice I didn’t say mandazi. I love wheat, but unless I make the mahamri, I tend to keep off. I find, at least in Nanyuki, most hotels that claim to have mahamri just have mandazi full of yeast. And you’re left to battle that unforgiving bloating.
My last visit here was a solo Christmas date. I had a chicken shawarma and chips. The chips were well-cooked, a perfect balance of softness and crunchiness. The chicken wrap was also decent. However, the portions! I was sitting between two families. When the waiter brought my order, I was confused. That portion looked like a kids’ portion. To be fair, the portion matches the price. The chicken wrap served with chips goes for Sh350. I suggest they offer this as a kid’s plate, then then come up with an adult size and maybe charge more.
All their foods were well presented, good culinary arts. The platters are served on a sinia (round tray) like the Swahili people do. The wraps are well presented. However, the sauce on top of the wraps makes it harder to eat (I use my hands to eat, and so did the kids and other guests available). I understand aesthetics here and there, but the sauce should have gone in the wrap. Stacking the wraps on top of each other, good job, but let the sauce stay inside.
THE TASTE
My food was served cold. The wrap was underwhelming. The chicken was well-cooked, the veggies were fresh, but that was it. No salt, no chilli, no vinegar. Just that wheat, chicken and lettuce.
Given a chance, I would make two chicken shawarma. A spicy one and a non-spicy one. The non-spicy one would have well-marinated and seasoned chicken, and the sauce would have some vinegar or lemon in it.
I would also use cold, crunchier lettuce. I would also season my wrap with either plain salt or throw in some oregano. The seasoned wrap, cold lettuce and hot chicken and a tangy sauce would balance so well.
The beverage of the day was masala tea. Officially operating like a 30-year-old, I ordered mild masala tea. The menu said they have mild masala and masala tea. So, I asked what the difference was.
From my many years of having Muslim friends and Indian friends, when it comes to their standard spices, always, always, go for medium. So, I opted for medium. When the waiter served my tea, not only did the tea have no masala in it, but also, the tea was not masala tea. She served me camel tea. I have had camel tea before, and that taste never leaves your tongue.
I didn’t complain or ask her to return it. One, because it was Christmas, and given the number of families there, the wait staff was either confused or exhausted. Second, I have weak knees. Camel soup and camel milk are said to help with bone stuff. I can attest to the bone soup. Do you guys want a recipe?
WHO SHOULD VISIT
Weekdays, old people with important business to discuss. And weekends, families, lovers and those looking for authentic Swahili and Ethiopian dishes.
I haven’t tried their Swahili and Ethiopian dishes, but I did see some being served. I might be short-sighted, but I can tell Pilau Njeri from afar. What Al Nusra served the couple next to me was something authentic. Karibu niwaambie wanigawie.
A resident of Nanyuki mentioned that, as a small town, we tend to be behind. In this particular instance, she highlighted fashion items. As the shawarma booth is a new thing, I’m inclined to be lenient. There’s so much potential, and I look forward to seeing what they offer in 2025.
I think it’s best if we stick to what the restaurant is best known for, what the restaurant’s name indicates and what’s popular on the menu. The next time I visit the place, I would love to try any of their rice, their Ethiopian dishes and their coffee.
Till next time, find me where the food is.
