Nairobi's food scene has become a melting pot of global flavours, and Yemeni cuisine is fast gaining popularity among food lovers.
Known for its aromatic spices, slow-cooked meats, and freshly baked breads, the cuisine has found a home in neighbourhoods such as Eastleigh, South C, and parts of the city centre.
Its popularity can be attributed to its generous portions, rich flavours and emphasis on sharing meals with family and friends. Many restaurants also offer affordable platters that can comfortably serve several people, making the cuisine ideal for weekend outings.
If you are therefore craving a hearty family meal or looking to try something new this weekend, these five Yemeni classics deserve a spot on your foodie bucket list:
1. Mandi – Yemen's signature rice dish
Mandi is perhaps the most famous Yemeni meal. It features fragrant basmati rice cooked with spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper, served with tender lamb or chicken that has been slow-roasted until it falls off the bone.
Mini recipe
Ingredients: Basmati rice, chicken or lamb, onions, garlic, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, black pepper, turmeric, salt, and stock.
Method: Marinate the meat with spices, then slow-cook until tender. Separately cook the rice in the meat stock so it absorbs all the flavours before serving with the roasted meat.
Where to try it in Nairobi:
• Al-Yusra Restaurant, Eastleigh
• Hadramawt Restaurant, South C
• Marhaba Restaurant, Eastleigh
2. Madghout – One-pot comfort food
Madghout resembles Mandi but differs in preparation. The rice and meat are cooked together in one pot, creating a richer flavour as the ingredients absorb each other's juices.
Mini recipe
Ingredients: Chicken, basmati rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, green chillies, mixed Yemeni spices, cooking oil and chicken stock.
Method: Brown the chicken with onions and spices, add tomatoes and stock, then stir in rice and cook together until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Where to try it:
• Yemeni Village Restaurant, Eastleigh
• Al-Madina Restaurant, Eastleigh
3. Saltah – Yemen's national dish
Saltah is a rich meat stew served bubbling hot in a stone bowl. It combines meat broth, vegetables and spices and is topped with a whipped fenugreek mixture that gives the dish its unique flavour.
Mini recipe
Ingredients: Beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, garlic, cumin, coriander, fenugreek and fresh coriander.
Method: Simmer the meat with vegetables and spices until tender. Prepare whipped fenugreek separately and spoon it over the hot stew just before serving.
Serve with freshly baked flatbread.
Where to try it:
• Hadramawt Restaurant, South C
• Selected Yemeni restaurants in Westlands, Kilimani, Eastleigh (ask if Saltah is available, as it is often prepared on specific days).
4. Fahsah – Slow-cooked beef stew
Fahsah is another Yemeni favourite, made from shredded beef cooked slowly in a clay pot with tomatoes, garlic and aromatic spices.
Mini recipe
Ingredients: Beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, black pepper, coriander, stock and butter.
Method: Slow-cook the beef until tender, shred it, then simmer with tomatoes and spices before serving in a hot clay pot with flatbread.
Where to try it:
• Marhaba Restaurant, Eastleigh
• Yemeni Village Restaurant
5. Malawah with Shaah – The perfect breakfast
Malawah is a flaky layered flatbread often enjoyed with honey, cream cheese or beans, alongside a cup of fragrant Yemeni tea (Shaah).
Mini recipe
Malawah Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, butter, salt and sugar.
Mix into a soft dough, rest for an hour, stretch into thin layers, fold, then pan-fry until golden. Just like a pancake, but flatter
Shaah Ingredients: Black tea, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, milk and sugar.
Simmer the spices with water, add tea leaves and milk, then strain before serving.
Where to try it:
• Sultan Restaurant, Eastleigh
• Al-Yusra Restaurant
• Most Somali and Yemeni cafes across Eastleigh
Weekend foodie tip
If you are visiting Eastleigh this weekend, consider ordering a mixed platter featuring Mandi or Madghout, paired with fresh naan or Malawah, a side salad, spicy tomato sauce and a pot of Shaah.
It is one of the best ways to sample the flavours that have made Yemeni cuisine one of Nairobi's fastest-growing food trends.
Have fun!!
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