Best biriyani in Eastleigh: Esli Hub Restaurant at Yare Towers delivers a flavour explosion
Tucked away on the first floor, Esli Hub Restaurant is fast becoming Eastleigh’s hidden gem, famed for what many consider the best biriyani in town.
You’ve probably walked past it countless times on your way to Jam Street, that modest doorway at Yare Towers. But behind it lies one of Eastleigh’s best-kept secrets: a biriyani so good, it might just change your lunch plans forever.
While the ground floor of Yare Towers buzzes with vendors selling mobile phones, cosmetics, oils, and accessories, a short walk to the left-side elevator, or up the stairway, leads to a calmer world.
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On the first floor sits Esli Hub Restaurant, discreet yet inviting, an oasis in the heart of Eastleigh. This hidden gem is quietly earning a reputation for serving what many now call the best biriyani in town.
First impressions: Calm meets class
Arriving at 1:00 pm, I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant not too crowded. I entered through the entrance aligned with the elevator, a spot I had often passed but never explored until this day.
As a self-confessed biriyani enthusiast, I was determined to see what the buzz was about.
From the start, the staff made a lasting impression. Waiters in blue uniforms stood ready to welcome guests, while others in beige added a subtle warmth to the atmosphere. Everything felt coordinated, as if they were all moving to the same rhythm.
The restaurant itself is modern and thoughtfully designed. At the entrance, about six or seven sparkling handwashing sinks, each with its own mirror, make it easy for diners to freshen up before and after meals.
Inside, the space opens into a large, airy dining area, spacious yet well-organised.
Around six separate dining rooms include a dedicated family section, often preferred by female patrons seeking privacy.
Cleverly placed plant partitions and wooden dividers create seclusion without making the space feel closed off.
Guests can choose between brown benches, individual booths, or semi-private corners—whether you’re in the mood to socialise or enjoy a quiet meal, there’s a spot for you.
The spacious interior of Esli Hub Restaurant offers a relaxed and welcoming dining atmosphere in the heart of Eastleigh. (Photo: Margaret Wanjiru)
No menu? No problem
When I asked for a menu, the waiter smiled and said, “I am the walking menu.”
With ease, he listed the day’s dishes. But I needed no convincing, I came for their famed biriyani, a dish the waiter said was especially popular with female customers.
In less than 15 minutes, my order arrived. What was placed before me was more than just a meal; it was a work of culinary art.
A heaping plate of fluffy jasmine rice, each grain perfectly separated, streaked with vibrant hues of red and yellow, gently scented with cardamom.
A green chilli stew, bold and fiery, the kind common in Eastleigh eateries. A thick, golden-brown curry, its rich aroma instantly mouthwatering. A wedge of lime on the side, ready to cut through the spice if needed.
And, of course, two generous pieces of chicken, succulent, perfectly cooked.
I set aside the spoon, washed my hands, and prepared to dive in the traditional way.
A flavour explosion
The rice was warm and delicately seasoned, each grain distinct. Mixed with the golden curry, silky, buttery, and brimming with boneless chicken strips, it created flavours that were both spicy and comforting. Each spoonful layered spices in waves, demanding another bite.
The green chilli stew was fiery, a solid 8/10 on the heat scale. Just a few spoonfuls had me reaching for water, four gulps, to be precise, but the burn was worth it.
Then came the chicken: tender, juicy, and deeply marinated, with a perfect sear on the outside. For anyone who truly understands biriyani, this was “chicken done right.”
Generosity and hospitality: The Eastleigh way
What struck me, beyond the flavour, was the generosity. The portions were more than enough, and when I couldn’t finish, the staff happily packed the leftovers, adding extra curry and stew, neatly sealed in containers and a branded carry bag.
Payment was seamless, with both cash and M-Pesa accepted.
Would I return? Absolutely, though next time, it might be for dessert or another surprise dish.
Esli Hub isn’t just serving biriyani; it’s redefining it. With thoughtful design, multiple seating options, attentive service, and above all, that unforgettable golden curry, this restaurant stands out.
This wasn’t a paid or planned review, just a spontaneous stop driven by curiosity. I left full, impressed, and already planning my next visit.
Eastleigh is full of food spots, but Esli Hub rises above the rest, not only for its biriyani but also for its central location and ability to welcome solo diners, families, and groups alike.
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