Tasty Can't-Miss Kenyan Street Food: Grilled Maize & More

Nairobi is an interesting place to be. So many people eat street food every day and in some countries, there's a special day set aside just to celebrate street food vendors. Street food isn't just good for your wallet, it's also a great way to appreciate food culture. Kenya is one nation that has seen a rise in street food vendors and the locals appreciate it too. You might be getting hunger pangs, but the nearest cafe could be miles away and would dent your wallet. Take a walk down the street and you'll find a street vendor for your needs.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a can't-miss street food. Luckily, sugarcane never goes out of stock in many parts of Kenya, which explains why you'll always find it on the streets. While it's possible to buy a whole stalk and prepare it on your own, most city people tend to be busy and want everything simplified. So vendors peel the sugarcane and cut it into tiny chunks and pack it in small transparent polythene bags for convenience. From the list above, we can conclude that most Kenyan street food is either grilled or roasted. One positive note about street food vendors is that they try to maintain a high standard of hygiene at all times. 

Grilled Corn

Mahindi, as it is locally known, is arguably the most popular street food in Kenya. It's corn that is grilled over an open fire and is beloved by almost everyone on the Kenyan streets. It's a go-to snack that is found in almost every corner of the street. To enjoy more of it, you can have it garnished with achari (a mixture of salt, pepper and lemon juice). A roasted corn  cob goes for between 20-30 shillings although you can get one for as little as five shillings. Visit Koinange street to enjoy the best market for this.

Kenyan Smokie

A smokie falls in the family of sausages and is usually used to make hot dogs. On the streets, this smokie is known as a smokie pasua because it's split and topped with kachumbari, tomato sauce and chili sauce.  Smokies are usually ready to eat. Vendors simply keep them warm for smokie lovers. Most smokie vendors push them around town in little trolleys.

Hard Boiled Eggs

These are usually cracked open and cut into two and topped with kachumbari (although you can choose to have it plain), as well as seasoned with salt. Most of the time, boiled eggs and smokies are sold together with other snacks like samosa. Vendors have mastered their art and it's impressive how they crack open the eggs at a high speed.