Octopus meal: Delicacy revered by many on Kenya’s coast and said to improve stamina

Octopus meat and soup are a common seafood delicacy, always revered by many living in Kenya’s coastal counties.

Even those visiting the region, be they domestic or international tourists, also prefer ordering octopus meals.

An octopus is a soft-bodied, eight-limbed mollusc of the order Octopoda. The order consists of some 300 species and is grouped within the class Cephalopoda with squids, cuttlefish, and nautiloids.

When you visit places like Lamu Old Town, Shela, Kizingitini, or Matondoni in Lamu County, Likoni in Mombasa County, Shimoni in Kwale County, Malindi in Kilifi County and other areas within the coastal region, especially those that border the ocean, you are likely to be served with the octopus’s delicacy.

It is worth noting that demand for octopus meals cuts across religion, age and social backgrounds with both open-air joints and high-end restaurants making a tidy sum from the sale of the octopus soup and meat.

But why is the octopus delicacy a sought-after meal?

Lovers of the meal interviewed by The Eastleigh Voice said they consume it for diverse reasons.

Abdalla Athman, a trader in octopus soup and meat in Langoni, Lamu Old Town, said there are those who partake of this delicacy with the belief that it cures impotence.

Abdalla has been selling octopus soup and meat for the past 20 years and has established a steady customer base.

He sells both boiled, deep-fried, dried or grilled octopus meat, with a piece going for Sh40.

He also serves small and big cups of octopus soup for between Sh20 and Sh50.

To fish this marine animal that has eight arms and lives in salty water, specifically coral reefs, in relatively shallow water, requires a certain skill.

According to Abdalla, fishermen use a sharp pointed iron rod to stab the mollusc before using a hooked rod to pull it out. They then hit it against a hard surface to soften the meat.

No added water, salt

The meat, which has no bones, is then washed and cooked without adding water or salt since the octopus produces both from its body. Adding water or salt to the meat is believed to dilute its potency and compromise the soup’s flavour.

Another popular method of preparing the meat is by deep frying it or shallow frying it with vegetables.

When cooked, the meat is purple-reddish on the outside and white on the inside. The meat is tender and easy to chew.

“All the fishermen here in Lamu dealing in octopus always sell their catch to me. I am the big octopus’ meat and soup seller across the archipelago,” said Abdalla.

He added, “Both locals, visitors, guests and tourists coming to the archipelago always look for octopus soup and meat. Many believe consuming this meal means one will not need to buy vitality drugs, some of which have negative side effects. They say octopus soup and meat are not only natural but are more effective in dealing with impotence.”

Fatma Ahmed, a resident of Kizingitini in Lamu East, says octopus meat and soup is good for lactating women.

Fatma says once eaten, the soup and meat increase milk production as well as body stamina.

“I am a regular consumer of octopus meat and soup and I can attest that every time I consume it, my milk production increases. It’s very effective,” said Fatma.

Yusuf Mzee, another regular consumer of the octopus meat and soup, says the meal is a detoxifier and a virility booster.

Yusuf insists the demand for octopus meat and soup has continued to peak almost daily due to their many benefits.

During an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Duncan Amani Chai, a medical doctor with the Bluenile Mkoroshoni Medical Centre in Kilifi County noted that octopus is a nutritious seafood that is high in protein and low in calories and fat.

Vitamins and minerals

According to Chai, octopus is a good source of many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 which supports the nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

“Octopus is also a meal rich in iron that helps in producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells. It also has selenium which supports thyroid health, the immune system, and antioxidant protection,” said Chai.

The medic further stated that octopus meal is also rich in phosphorus which helps with bone health, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis.

“Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in octopus. Fatty acids are linked to heart-healthy benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease,” he said.

Octopus is also a source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

But Chai warned of the way people prepare octopus, adding that the way it is cooked will definitely affect its nutritional value.

“Frying or cooking octopus in butter or oil can add extra fat and calories,” said Chai.

On the other hand, nutritionist Esther Wanjiku, who works at a nutrition centre in Mpeketoni, Lamu West, underlined the nutritional value of octopus and explains why it is a good fertility booster, especially for men.

“Sea foods such as oysters and octopus are some of the richest sources of zinc, which not only enhances libido but also sperm production,” said Wanjiku.

The nutritionist noted that studies have shown lack of vitamin A is a common cause of impotence in men while vitamin C is useful in the synthesis of androgen, oestrogen and progesterone.

“These three are critical hormones when it comes to fertility while selenium is essential for peak sexual performance. Fortunately, all these can be obtained just through eating octopus,” said Wanjiku.

It is also worth noting that the taste of octopus meat and stew depends largely on how it is prepared.

Nana Nadhiru, a renowned octopus and seafood chef on Pate Island, Lamu East, said preparing good octopus delicacies requires unique skills.

“It’s true that octopus’ meat has its own sweetness but you may lose that taste if you make a mistake in preparing it. Despite the fact that it’s always smooth and moist when raw, octopus should be firm, well dried after cooking,” explained Nadhiru.

She said that crushing and grinding the octopus to make it edible is one of the first steps in the preparation.

In addition to the delicious meat, octopus is also prepared by boiling it for a while, thus obtaining its soup or broth.

You can also add spices to make octopus sweeter.

“There is no doubt that octopus is indeed a revered delicacy at the Kenyan Coast,” said Nadhiru.