First Taste of African Cuisine

Today for lunch, my wife and I decided to try something different—we went to Sundowner, a local African restaurant known for its mouthwatering BBQ. Despite having been here for a while, this was actually my first real experience eating traditional African food. Most of the time, we end up going out for Chinese or Korean meals with our Asian friends who live here, so it felt refreshing to explore something more local.

We ordered a classic spread: Nyama Choma ribs, served with Ugali, Kachumbari, Sukuma Wiki, and fried plantains. As well as avocado salad. Everything was packed with flavor and deeply satisfying.

Nyama Choma, which means “grilled meat” in Swahili, is a beloved East African BBQ dish, often made with beef, goat, or ribs. The meat is slow-roasted over open flames and served simply, allowing the smoky flavor to shine through.

Ugali is a staple in many African countries—it’s a stiff porridge made from maize flour and water, typically used to scoop up vegetables and meat by hand.

Kachumbari is a fresh tomato and onion salad, a perfect, zesty contrast to the richness of the grilled meat.

Sukuma Wiki, literally “push the week” in Swahili, is sautéed collard greens often cooked with onions and a bit of oil, used as an affordable and nutritious everyday side.

And the fried bananas added a touch of sweetness and comfort to round out the meal.

It was a delicious and eye-opening introduction to the local cuisine, and I’m glad we finally made the time to experience it.

After our meal, we wandered through some nearby artisan shops to explore the local crafts. I picked up a shirt I really liked, and we also bought some beautifully handwoven baskets and matching coasters—all made in the distinctive traditional basketry style found across the region.

It was a good day—great food, a taste of local culture, and meaningful moments shared with my wife.