Nyama Mama; as the phonetically-pleasing name suggests (for non-Swahili speakers, literally translates to Mother of Meat). This is not your typical Kenyan restaurant. What is different about it you ask? Think of your normal everyday Kenyan meals eaten in a beautiful space with a tasty modern twist!
I am constantly drawn to the Delta corner branch in Westlands (a.k.a my local) due to the beautiful aesthetics as well as the super awesome graffiti wall which is all about giving its patrons an authentic Kenyan experience.
PSSSSSSSST….. You can definitely get your Instagram, worthy images here.
Most of my favorite solo dates as well as family dates have been had here. What keeps me coming back? The ambiance ( I cannot emphasize this enough), happy hour cocktails, the food, and the super friendly wait staff services.
When you get into the indoor seating, there are two entrances. Straight in front of you are the open kitchen and the bar. The other leads to the washbasin and the area near the ramp is a larger seating area decorated with wooden furniture covered with vibrant, colorful dynamic kanga (Kenyan cotton fabric) printed pillows. You will see this Kanga in different prints throughout the restaurant on pillows and the super chic lamp shades.
There is a larger lounging area on one end where you can also see the bar (of which is my favorite spot for solo dates) and the open kitchen where we could watch the talented chefs cook.
I can honestly say what differentiates Nyama Mama cocktails with other restaurants is that they serve them in the iconic metal Vikombes (metal mugs popular in Kenyan homes).
Nyama Mama cocktails…
If you ever find me there, it is normally during happy hour (which is EVERY DAY from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). The most fun aspect of these delicious cocktails is that they are served from those metallic cups you probably drank uji (Porridge) in ushago (upcountry).
My go-to cocktails are;
1. Mamas ‘Lion share – Ksh. 850
Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch, Martini Rosso, pomegranate, fresh ginger, lemon, and watermelon
2. Mama’s Mule – Ksh. 800
Ketel One vodka, ginger syrup, lime, and Kisampa honey syrup
3. Charcoal Manhattan – Ksh. 950
Charcoal infused Bulleit bourbon and Martini Rosso and chai bitter
4. Yes we Can – Ksh. 950
Ketel One vodka, Kisampa honey syrup, lime, chai bitters and coconut water
Now let’s move on to the food…
Now we all know an empty stomach ad alcohol are a HUGE no, no. I highly advise you to not do a quick perusal of the menu. Just take your time and read them, you will so impressed with the choices… You will love it!
I ordered Mama’s BBQ half chicken, with sautéed sweet potato and arrowroot – Ksh. 1350
Migalusia ordered the Spicy traditional fried matumbo with ugali – Ksh 900 with a side of Buttered terere & managu – Ksh. 150
This made for a beautiful flat lay 🙂
And boy was this food delicious, we thoroughly stuffed ourselves while sipping on some great cocktails throughout the night. Expect the extraordinary at this modern African roadside diner and you’ll fall in love it!
Nyama Mama is also conveniently located in central locations delivering a dose of hearty mama’s food on the go in Nairobi’s Kilimani area at Yaya Centre and in Gigiri at the Village Market. Try it sometime and let me know what you think.
Thank you so much for reading and hope you try this amazing space,
Stay stylish,
Kadenyi.