Let's journey through Kenya's street food delicacies

Street food is without a doubt an integral part of Kenya's culinary culture. The country is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. 

Street food vendors are constantly innovating new and creative delicacies in order to satisfy a growing clientele of locals and visitors alike.

Kenyan coastal street food is a fusion of Indian, Arabic and Swahili flavours. Let's journey our taste buds and explore the delectable street food on the Kenyan Coast. 

Mishkaki

It is made with skewered pieces of marinated meat, typically beef, goat, or seafood that are grilled over an open flame.

The marinade typically includes a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric and paprika, along with garlic and ginger. Mind you, marinades do differ according to the vendors.

Mishkaki is often served with a side tamarind sauce and chapati or other flatbread. It is a flavorful and filling dish that is enjoyed by many in the region. This dish is tangy, savory, spicy and smoky.

Kebabs

They are typically made with marinated and grounded meat that is mixed with onions, salt and herbs. This meat is then skewered and grilled over charcoal or an open flame. The type of meat used in kebabs includes beef, lamb or chicken.

Kebabs are often seasoned with spices such as paprika and turmeric as well as lemon juice, olive oil and garlic.

This dish is commonly served with a variety of accompaniments including rice and a variety of flatbreads. 

Chicken Tikka 

This chicken is first marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt and lemon juice. The marinade helps to tenderise the chicken and infuse it with flavour.

The chicken is then skewered and grilled until it is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior.

This dish exudes an orange-reddish colour brought about by the tikka masala seasoning, which may be a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon and cayenne pepper.

Other possible additions may include ginger and garlic. Street food vendors normally dot the streets of Coastal towns selling this delectable dish. 

Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular street food across the country. It consists of meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) that is roasted on a spit and shaved off in thin slices.

The meat is then typically wrapped in pita bread with vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumber and dressed with a variety of sauces such as garlic sauce or hot sauce. Shawarma is one of the top-selling street foods on the Kenyan Coast.

In conclusion, the Coastal region of Kenya boasts of a diverse and delicious street food scene that reflects the area's rich cultural heritage.

So, the next time you find yourself in Mombasa, Lamu or Malindi, be sure to explore the local street food scene and indulge in the mouth-watering delicacies that the Coast offers.