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Free lunch, camel milk toast as Ajmal Restaurant opens in Eastleigh

Guests enjoy a free meal at Ajmal Restaurant in Eastleigh, Nairobi, during its opening on February 25, 2024. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

By Yunis Dekow and Abdirahman Khalif | 25 Feb 2024

Ajmal Restaurant aims to stand out by offering diverse culinary experiences, including Indo-Arabic cuisine alongside traditional Somali dishes like dailo, anjeero, and camel meat.

Ajmal Restaurant officially opened its doors in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Sunday as the latest addition to the business hub's hospitality profile.

The grand opening was met with enthusiasm from local dignitaries and residents alike, among them MPs Mohammed Adow (Wajir South), Farah Maalim (Dadaab), and Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji).

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Hundreds of guests were treated to free, delectable Somali meals and a camel milk toast, instead of the traditional camel milk tea or coffee.

Camel milk is a staple in Somali households, valued for health benefits including aiding digestion and boosting immunity and the many culinary options it helps create. It is enjoyed fresh and cold on scorching days and is also used to prepare traditional dishes.

The milk, referred to as white gold as it is a superfood, is also culturally important as offering a cup to a guest is a gesture of hospitality and goodwill.

Beyond its practical uses, camel milk holds a symbolic value, representing resilience and adaptability in challenging environments. The camel, known as the "ship of the desert," endures harsh conditions and provides sustenance in the form of its nutrient-rich milk, embodying the spirit of survival and strength that resonates with the Somali people.

MPs Mohammed Adow (Wajir South), Farah Maalim (Dadaab), and Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) officially open Ajmal Restaurant in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on February 25, 2024. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi)

Ajmal, situated in the Hayat Hotel building on Eleventh Street, adds vibrancy to a neighbourhood with more than 80 malls and many business, among them hotels and restaurants.

Speakers at the ceremony, including business people and lawmakers, were optimistic about the restaurant's success in the competitive hospitality sector.

Ajmal aims to stand out by offering diverse culinary experiences, including Indo-Arabic cuisine alongside traditional Somali dishes like dailo, anjeero, and camel meat.

MP Mohammed lauded the emergence of yet another Somali-owned business in Eastleigh, highlighting the community's entrepreneurial spirit.

"It's good to see more Somali businesses coming up here," he said, remarks which MP Farah echoed.