three great places - Nairobi
Written by Mark Eveleigh Illustration by Philip Bannister
Nairobi was once the world capital for meat-eaters before wild game meat was banned. With more than 300 miles of equatorial Indian Ocean coastline, however, Kenya is also justly famous for its fresh seafood.
Tamarind
Tamarind Nairobiis serviced every day by planes carrying fresh fish from the coast. Tamarind has been the flagship of the capital’s ‘fleet’ of seafood restaurants since its doors opened in 1977.
With a charming retro feel and its iconic stained glass (by Kenyan artist Nani Croze), Tamarind is as much a Nairobi institution as its sister establishment Carnivore (once the most famous restaurant in Africa).
If you’re not hooked by seafood, Tamarind also offers meat – from Kenyan rib-eye to Mt Kenya quail – but the seafood is what brings regular diners back time after time. Signature dishes to focus on include the hibiscus-flamed seafood, African-style bouillabaisse, Swahili lobster, and wonderful Kenyan freshwater tilapia cooked in a variety of mouth-watering ways.
Moonflower
Some restaurants strive for greatness: Moonflower had greatness thrust upon it.
“It was started as a private club – even before Palacina Hotel was built,” says director Aaren Macksoud. “But a group of local ladies liked it so much that [they] raved to everyone in the city about it.”
Today Moonflower is one of the great names among Nairobi restaurants and is famed as much for its regular jazz evenings as for the fine food and chic terrace dining. The menu offers wonderful international cuisine but is particularly attractive to visitors as one of the few places in the city where you can eat exquisite Kenyan specialities. Try spicy Kenyan gizzards followed by chargrilled ostrich steaks for real haute cuisine Kenya style.
Ngong House
With spaciously laid-out chalets and tree houses Ngong House is Nairobi’s most exclusive boutique lodge and also offers the city’s most uniquely romantic dining experience.
“Guests need never eat in the same place twice,” says owner Paul Verleysen, “and they will always have a table exclusively located in their own private dining area.” Wherever you are, there will always be the sounds of the bush and a romantic log fire. “I have a thing about fires,” says Verleysen. He has a thing about hearty, healthy fine food too.
The menu is simplicity in itself. Two entrees are followed by a choice of just four dishes: beef, lamb, chicken, or fish. All are lovingly prepared and served with fresh vegetables carefully selected from Kenya’s finest gardens.
Contact
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Nairobi, Kenya |
Tamarind |
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Moonflower |
Ngong House Ngong Road, Karen Tel: +254 722 434 965 Open every day for evening meals, but book at least a few days in advance. www.ngonghouse.com |
