If you ever visited Kenya and didn’t eat Nyama Choma, you probably should visit again. Nyama choma is the definition of Kenyan delicacies, but what do people eat with nyama choma? The good news is that it’s versatile, and we will suggest different meals to eat with the nyama choma.
But first,
What is nyama choma?
Nyama choma is a Swahili term for roasted or grilled meat, and it is common in the streets of Kenya and East Africa.
From the Plain Nilotes to the Bantus, this is a common meal in our homes, especially during holidays. The difference between our nyama choma and other roasted or grilled meat is that we cook it on an open fire. We love the smokey traditional flavors, making it uniquely Kenyan.
When talking about Nyama Choma, remember that we refer to different kinds of meat, such as beef, mutton, lamb, pork, and more.
Nyama choma is versatile, and of course, you can eat it with many other drinks, carbs, and vegetables, so you have to choose whichever works for you at any given time.
What to eat with Nyama Choma
1. Nyama Choma
For those who love meat, it’s as easy to eat it as is, even without accompaniment. Take the Turkanas, for example, who love to eat meat. They would comfortably eat meat without any other accompaniment, which also goes true for the Maasai.
2. Kachumbari
Kachumbari is another great accompaniment to use since it features a vegetable-rich salad. You can comfortably enjoy your nyama choma with the onions and tomatoes combo. Let’s say kachumbari is one of the easiest salads you can ever make at any given time.
Chop or slice your onions and tomatoes, then set them aside. Sprinkle some lemon juice to give them a richer flavor, and add salt and pepper if you like. Some people like to add cucumber and avocado for a more creamy flavor, which will make them feel fuller.
3. Tusker
For those who love beer, there’s no better way to eat Nyama Choma than with a Tusker bottle on the side. Tusker is the finest Kenyan beer, and whenever you visit the country, try Tusker with Nyama Choma if you love beer.
4. Ugali
Nothing beats this combo, and Kenyans are used to taking it with Ugali. Note that Ugali is one of Kenya’s staples, and for some of us Ugali lovers, there will not be a better combo than this as long as you have some veggies or kachumbari on the side.
It’s a quick fix common in East Africa, with different regions making it differently. Whether you want to do brown or white ugali is still okay because they are all ugali. Brown ugali primarily uses millet and cassava flour, while white ugali uses white maize.
5. Potatoes
For those who don’t enjoy Ugali, you could try roasting or boiling potatoes. In most cases, the nyama choma cooks will add a few pieces of potatoes.
My easiest version is to peel the potatoes, set them in a baking tray, add a bit of rosemary or your favorite herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil, and bake in the oven at about 180C for 45 minutes. You will not only like the flavor but also the texture.
However, you can still make it work if you have lyonnaise potatoes or French fries. Many people only eat nyama choma with Chipo (French fries).
6. White rice
The other standard method of eating Nyama Choma is with white rice. Some people use it with pilau and different versions of rice, and that’s okay. I should note that while it’s not as common as the ones we suggest above, you can still eat it with pilau.
If you go to a restaurant, you will mostly have it with ugali; however, if you make it at home, you are free to eat it as you would like.
7. Spaghetti and pasta
For pasta lovers, don’t worry. You, too, can eat it with your pasta. Let’s say it’s not a common mix for us in the country, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat it with pasta.
8. Chapati
Another Kenyan meal that I believe any and every restaurant serves. Although originally from India, it’s one of the most preferred flatbreads in East Africa. It’s a common flatbread that also pairs well with nyama choma. Just make sure you add some vegetables to make it a complete meal.
9. Veggies
You can also use the grilled veggies. Not that it’s common in our households, but it can work too, in fact it makes a much healthier choice to use. Grilled peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms add a delicious charred flavor and provide a lighter option alongside the meat.
10. Sukuma wiki
Another common vegetable to use is the sukuma wiki, which we often refer to as kales. It features the use of sauteed onions and then adds greens and salt. You can spice it up or cook it with spring onions for a richer flavor.
How to eat the Nyama Choma
In most cases, our nyama choma is a fun or festive affair, and we mostly have it as a celebratory affair. Tag your friends and family for the choma party, or it won’t be as fun.
Dress looser because you are going to eat a lot. You sure will; you want enough space to enjoy the meal.
You need time, so if you are in a hurry, it’s not time to go for nyama choma. Take, for example, Carnivore Restaurant Nairobi. The Nyama Choma is a whole experience you don’t want to have for only 15 minutes. This is why eating nyama choma over the weekends is advisable when you are not in a hurry.
Also, don’t expect to order and immediately have the food served because this is not a fast-food joint. You will need time. Don’t go to the restaurant unless you have time to eat and chat.
Please enjoy
Whether you make the meat at home or go to the restaurant, remember it’s a fun event you should all enjoy. Have the will to enjoy.