Celebrating Kenyan Cuisine: Exploring the Flavors of Malkia Cuisine's Menu

I started working in restaurants at 19 to help pay for university. Little did I know, I would end up falling in love with the industry. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of positions including line cook, server, bartender, manager, and even as a repairwoman when needed. It all makes sense, considering my father would often speak about his father's restaurant in Eldoret, Kenya. During our first visit back to Kenya in 2012, he even took us to see the street where my grandfather's restaurant once stood. As such, it's safe to say that the restaurant business runs in my family.

After my time in restaurants, I was inspired to pursue a venture of my own. I wanted to honor my family's legacy and introduce people to the delicious flavors of East African cuisine. That's how Malkia Cuisine was born.

Malkia means "queen" in Swahili, and I chose this name because I wanted to celebrate the strength and resilience of the women in my family who have inspired me to pursue my dreams. When you come to Malkia Cuisine, you'll not only taste the rich and vibrant flavors of East Africa, but you'll also experience the warmth and love that comes from sharing a meal with family and friends.

Here are some of the highlights of the menu that we offer at Malkia Cuisine:

Pilau

Pilau is a popular dish that has a rich history and cultural significance in Kenya. The dish is believed to have originated in the coastal regions of Kenya, where it was influenced by the Arabic and Indian spices that were traded along the coast. There are many variations of pilau across Kenya, with different regions adding their own unique ingredients and spices to the dish. For example:

• In coastal areas, pilau is often made with seafood such as prawns, crab or fish, while in the central region, beef, chicken or mutton are the preferred proteins. Here are some other variations of pilau you might encounter in Kenya:

• In the Rift Valley region, pilau is often made with potatoes and peas in addition to meat and rice.

• In the western region, pilau is sometimes made with groundnuts (peanuts) and served with a side of sukuma wiki (kale).

• In some parts of Nairobi, pilau is served with a side of kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad.

• In Lamu, an island off the coast of Kenya, pilau is traditionally served with a coconut-based gravy called viazi karai.

Pilau has become a staple dish in many households and restaurants throughout Kenya, with many families having their own special recipe that has been passed down through generations. In addition to being delicious, Kenyan Pilau is also a symbol of cultural pride and heritage for many Kenyans.

Mandazi

Mandazis are a popular snack in Kenya that are enjoyed by people of all ages. These delicious fried dough balls are similar to donuts, but are usually less sweet and have a denser texture. The dough used to make mandazis can be flavored with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg. This gives them a unique, aromatic flavor that is hard to resist. They are often eaten for breakfast or as a mid-day snack, and are often served with a cup of hot chai tea. The combination of the sweet dough and the bold, creamy tea is a match made in heaven.

In addition to being a beloved snack, mandazi-making is also an important aspect of Kenyan culture. It is a way for families and communities to come together and share stories and traditions while preparing the dough and frying the mandazi. Many families have their own special way of preparing and flavoring the dough, and these recipes are often passed down from generation to generation.

Mandazi are now enjoyed in many other parts of the world, especially by Kenyan diaspora communities. This humble snack has become a symbol of Kenya's unique and diverse culture that is celebrated worldwide. Whether you are enjoying mandazi in a busy market in Nairobi or in the comfort of your own home, the experience is always the same. The aroma of freshly made mandazi fills the air, and the taste is simply irresistible.

Samosa

Another popular snack in Kenya, samosas are typically triangular in shape and are stuffed with a variety of savory ingredients and then deep-fried to crispy perfection. The origins of samosas can be traced back to Central Asia, but they have become a beloved snack in many countries around the world, including Kenya.

Many Kenyan households have their own unique recipe for samosas, and the filling can vary depending on the region and personal preferences. Traditional Kenyan samosas are usually filled with spiced meat, such as beef, chicken, or lamb, but you can also find vegetarian options that are filled with potatoes, peas, or lentils.