What We Have Been Eating

Dear Friends,

Since we have made our way to Kenya our experience with food has been a mix of stark contrast. When at the house we eat what Mama Kingsley prepares while she is here on Tuesdays, which would be called African food. Then, because of living in the vibrant city of Nairobi we have gotten opportunities to eat in a couple of restaurants and taste American, Ethiopian and Italian cuisine.

This picture shows an example of what we eat at the house. It is a dish made up of beans, rice, potatoes and cooked vegetables. It is similar to what Kenyans would eat in their homes.

On days that we are at the hanger and want “fast food” for lunch we go to the “The Bucket Lady”. For 50 shillings ($.50) we can order a tasty hot meal made up of beans, rice, cabbage, and a spicy salsa. Chapati, a flat bread, is extra. As you can see in the photo she does a good lunch business.

On our second evening in Kenya we were taken to “Awash”. This is a family owned quaint Ethiopian restaurant. The entire meal came on one huge plate that was placed in the center of the table for everyone to eat from. We each used injera as our eating utensil. Injera is a sourdough-risen flat-bread with a spongy texture that was placed before us in rolls. We each striped off a piece to scoop up the food with and put into our mouths. This was done each time we ate from the plate. Other then the injera I honestly don’t know exactly what we were served that evening. I do remember a bunch of flavors swirling around in my mouth as I ate.

“Aquarius” is located right outside our estate gate and they make a delicious pizza. Other offerings are served but we have yet to try any of them because we like the pizza so much. The draw back to ordering this mouth watering pizza at “Aquarius” is the wait; they make everything from scratch, including the crust. We have found the way to get around this is to walk up and place an order about 3 hours before we actually want it. Then, make our way back to pick it up.

Kenya is known for coffee and tea. I have yet to have a bad cup of coffee and Terry is enjoying Kericho Gold tea. I am able to say that some of the finest coffee I have ever had is right here in Nairobi. The picture above was taken at “Nairobi Java House”. They are a chain situated throughout the city that sells some of Kenya’s fresh roasted coffee along with pastries and meal offerings.

“The Fairview” is an upper end hotel with restaurant. They have a varied menu and I was able to have my first salad in weeks. Leafy vegetables can be tricky because they are hard to clean in such a way that we don’t get sick. But, I was able to trust this restaurant to serve lettuce that I would not be paying for later. A table by the pool was a nice compliment to the evening.

Nairobi has an Italian Restaurant, “Osteria” and we had the opportunity to go there with a friend. The fish I ordered was exceptionally good. Terry ordered lasagna and said it was different then American/Italian in regards to the meat and the sauce but none the less good. The night we were there they had live music which made for a nice ambiance. We did not actually try the desserts you see pictured but they looked so good I had to take a photo. Guess we will have to go back again to order dessert.

It has been a blessing to have all the varied eating opportunities that we have experienced. To eat local food has helped us connect to the culture. The chance to eat in the nicer establishments has been a way to mentally recharge as we make our way in what seems to us a chaotic city.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31

I pray that you are each blessed as you gather around your dinner tables to share stories, to enjoy good fellowship and to savor delightful food.

Until next letter,

Laurie