Kenya is a unique country with a diverse cultural heritage. Therefore, its culinary preferences reflect the country’s diverse cultural influences. From the coast, where spices mingle with coconut in delectable pastries, to the highlands, where tropical fruits are transformed into mouthwatering treats, desserts in Kenya are a delightful exploration of flavour and tradition.
Desserts in Kenya are like the grand finale of a sumptuous meal. Therefore, be sure to end the meal in a special manner when in Kenya. These desserts are a testament to the country’s agricultural abundance and culinary creativity. From Swahili dishes to the modern cuisines in the 5-star hotels, you are likely to experience the nation’s warm hospitality from the servings.
Best desserts in Kenya
What desserts do Kenyans eat? If you are one of the people asking this question, wonder no more. Here is a list of some of the desserts loved by Kenyans.
1. Coconut macaroons
Unlock the best of TUKO.co.ke on Pinterest! Subscribe now and get your daily inspiration!
Coconut macaroons, known as “Biskuti ya mnazi” in Swahili, are a popular sweet treat enjoyed in many parts of the world, including East Africa. These sweet treats are a beloved part of Swahili desserts, showcasing the richness of shredded coconut combined with the sweetness of sugar and the light, airy texture of whipped egg whites.
2. Coconut and sweet potato pudding
This is another popular dessert that is served in various hotels in Kenya. Coconut can be enjoyed on its own as a snack and sweet potatoes go well with tea or coffee, but combining the two results in a delicious dessert. When visiting Kenya, you must eat the sweet and nutty dish made with sweet potatoes and freshly grated coconut.
3. Maandazi
Those heavenly pillows of fried dough are like a warm hug for your taste buds. They’re a quintessential treat in many Kenyan households and street food stalls. You’re met with a burst of comforting sweetness when you sink your teeth into one of these golden, fluffy morsels known as maandazi.
4. Mkate Wa Ufuta
While visiting Kenya, you have to taste this Swahili sesame seed goodness. It is one of Swahili’s desserts at its finest, taken with a cup of tea. Mkate Wa Ufuta is this sweet flatbread with a subtle nutty thing going on, thanks to sesame seeds. It has a simple recipe of sugar, milk, and a little cinnamon.
5. Oreo milkshake
In Kenya, Oreos are the kids’ preferred sweets. Even better are Oreo milkshakes. Oreo cookies, sugar, chocolate powder, vanilla ice cream, and milk are required to make one. Blend them all together until they are smooth in a blender. You can take them when warm or cold.
6. Egg muffins
If you’re up for a delicious breakfast in Kenya, don’t miss out on egg muffins. These little bites of goodness are a fantastic way to start your day. They are among Kenyan sweet desserts made up of fluffy scrambled eggs, diced veggies like bell peppers and tomatoes, and a hint of fresh herbs, all baked to perfection in a muffin tin.
7. Banana and oat pancakes
These can be easily ranked among the best desserts in Kenya. They are also easy to make, and many Kenyans are preparing them at home. You can make banana and oat pancakes by mixing the ingredients that are easily accessible, blending them, and savouring delicious, healthy pancakes.
8. Tropical fruit dessert with ice cream
This is one of the healthy desserts in Kenya served at gatherings, weddings, and graduations. Since Kenyans love to end their meals with fruits, it is easy to find this desert in many events. A simple tropical fruit dessert simply needs ice cream and fruit that is readily available.
9. Fruit with chocolate sauce
Fruit with chocolate sauce is the ultimate treat for your taste buds, especially while in Nairobi and its environs. This dessert you achieve when you take your favourite fruits, like ripe banana slices, juicy strawberries, and maybe some chunks of pineapple, then you drizzle this rich, velvety chocolate sauce all over them.
10. Coupe Mount Kenya with rum sauce
Whether you’re gazing at the starry night sky or savouring it in the cosy warmth of your home, the Coupe Mount Kenya with rum sauce is a dessert that’s sure to elevate your taste buds to new heights. You can order it online from desert hotels in Kenya and have your fill from wherever you are.
11. Traditional yoghurt dessert “pudding ya maziwa lala”
Simply Kenyan desserts offer a taste of tradition and comfort that includes yoghurt desserts. This creamy masterpiece is all about embracing the richness of Kenyan dairy. The key ingredients are milk, sugar, and a hint of vanilla or cinnamon for that warm, familiar flavour.
12. Butter naan
Butter Naan is a popular type of Indian flatbread known for its soft, fluffy texture and rich, buttery flavour. It is common in Kenya due to the huge minority of Indians in the country. You can easily find it where Indian cuisine is also prominent.
13. Black forest cake
You have to taste the black forest cake during Kenyan Christmas celebrations. It is one of the Christmas desserts that makes the holiday season even more special. It’s a heavenly blend of flavours and textures, and to top it all off, it’s adorned with chocolate shavings and sometimes even more cherries.
15. Banana and sultana muffins
Australian-inspired muffins with bananas and sultanas are a favourite in Kenya. The muffins are delicious, fluffy and spongy. The dish is among the easy desserts in Kenya. You can easily make it at home using regular ingredients but also get them in restaurants.
16. Fruit Kebab with chocolate sauce
This is one of the best desserts in Nairobi. Whether you’re at a summer barbecue, a picnic, or just craving something refreshing and sweet, fruit kebabs with chocolate sauce are a delightful way to enjoy nature’s candy with a hint of indulgence.
It is made of a colourful assortment of fresh, juicy fruits like succulent strawberries, sweet pineapple chunks, ripe banana slices, and zesty citrus segments.
17. White chocolate cheesecake
For a dinner gathering, quickly and easily prepare a straightforward, creamy dessert. Fresh fruit is used with this white chocolate cheesecake to balance its richness. Whether you’re indulging in it by the beach or at a cosy dessert spot, this dessert is a delightful fusion of flavours that’ll leave you craving for more.
18. Crunchy n’dizi
Crunchy n’dizi is a dessert-like snack in Kenyan cuisine. It’s made from ripe bananas (N’Dizi) that are sliced, coated with sugar, and then deep-fried until they become crispy and caramelized. It’s a popular street food snack enjoyed by many in Kenya and other East African countries.
19. Chocolate banana bread
Many bakeries and cafes in major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa offer a variety of baked goods, including chocolate banana bread. This bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, offering a heavenly fusion of rich cocoa and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. It can be served at events such as weddings and parties.
20. Chocolate chip cookies
These cookies are the quintessential comfort food, loved by people of all ages around the world. The cookie dough is often flavoured with vanilla extract, and some recipes include brown sugar for added depth of flavour. Each bite offers the perfect combination of buttery, sweet, and chocolaty goodness.
Wrapping up
Desserts in Kenya are diverse, representing the diversity in Kenya. They range from the coastal tradition to the Indian cuisines taken by most of the Indians in Kenya. Some are traditional, like the pudding ya maziwa lala, while others have a Western touch, like chocolate chip cookies.
Tuko.co.ke recently published the best places to visit in Nairobi for couples this year. Nairobi has some lovely spots with incredible sceneries that are relaxing to visit. However, when it comes to selecting a place to go with your partner, it can be a little challenging.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Nairobi for couples, there is no need to worry. The list in this article gives you options to choose from.
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see TUKO News on your News Feed
Source: TUKO.co.ke