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Eastleigh welcomes shoppers with Somali culinary delights

A sumptuous Somali dish. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | 13 Dec 2023

As the festive season draws near, Eastleigh, has become a hotspot for Kenyan shoppers seeking both bargains and a taste of Somali delicacies.

As the festive season draws near, Eastleigh, has become a hotspot for Kenyan shoppers seeking both bargains and a taste of Somali delicacies.

An influx of visitors from various corners of Kenya is flocking to this vibrant hub, not just for holiday shopping but also to taste Somali cuisine.

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Ann Kyalo, a 34-year-old first-timer from Kathonzweni village in Machakos County, expressed her eagerness to sample camel meat, a culinary not available in her hometown. With laughter, she exclaimed, "I couldn't leave Eastleigh without trying camel meat; it's quite an experience!"

Carmel Milk Coffee (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Beyond camel meat, Ann was pleasantly surprised by the unique rice preparations in the local hotels, lauding their flavorful taste, unlike any she had encountered before.

"Rice here is much tastier, I love it," Ann noted.

Arnold Momanyi, 38, a dad of three, swears by the camel tea in Eastleigh. He mentioned how it's made with extra spices like cardamom and cloves, making it extra special compared to other places. "It's really something here," Arnold noted with a smile.

Eastleigh, a magnet for thousands of shoppers not only from across Kenya but also from neighboring East African nations, offers an array of goods at pocket-friendly prices during the festive season. However, it's not just the shopping that draws these crowds; it's the opportunity to indulge in the diverse Somali cuisine readily available in the neighborhood's many hotels.

From the tantalising Dailo, a well-cooked young goat meat, to the savory Anjera, a Somali pancake, visitors leave Eastleigh with a richer culinary experience.

Hotels here boast a diverse menu that spans international tastes, encompassing Somali, Italian, and Swahili dishes, catering to the diverse palates of its clients.

A notable attraction for many visitors is the chance to taste camel meat and milk, a culinary tradition predominantly associated with the Somali community. The allure of these unique flavors has become an integral part of the Eastleigh experience for many.