Mombasa: go or skip? We say definitely go! You can wander around and soak up the local culture (check out the walking route we’ve put together here). Plus, the food is amazing! This city is a melting pot of dozens of cultures, and you can taste it in the cuisine. We put it to the test and discovered the best places to eat in Mombasa.
Here, you can order the tastiest local dishes and curries for a bargain! On this terrace, you'll see the influences that Mombasa is rich in reflected on the menu: from India to Lebanon, you can order flavors from all over the world. Recommendations: chicken tikka, chicken briyani, and the pita bread.
Forodhani
After a long day in the city (again, do our walking route), this is the perfect spot to catch your breath and let your sweat dry. You’ll be comfortably cool on the terrace, with a refreshing sea breeze. You overlook Mombasa's old harbour, where trade ships from far and wide once docked after months at sea. This is the best of Swahili cuisine: the curries and fresh fish are truly mind-blowing! Our favorite: Samaki wa kupaka, or grilled fish with fresh naan, and don’t forget to order an ice-cold tamarind or passion juice to go with it!
Tamarind
Perfect for when night falls. Freshly showered, the sweaty day scrubbed off, and now you can slip into your finest attire. Tamarind is the most renowned high-end dining option in Mombasa. Here, you’ll indulge in exquisite haute cuisine. Want to do something a little different? Ask about the dhow cruise! Brave the waters while enjoying the Mombasa skyline and dive into a 10-course menu. Mmmm…
The Fort seafood
Great for lunch and perfect for dinner. We’ve nicknamed this little terrace the "Rome of Kenya." Honestly, it’s nowhere near the real thing, but the ruins in the background make you feel like you’ve been transported to the historic capital of Europe. The staff is super friendly, and the food is delicious (huge portions!). Unfortunately, for the drinkers among us, no alcohol is served here. Be sure to order the fresh fish soup! And a nice tip is always appreciated by the staff when dining in Kenya. You can read more about tipping here!
MNKafe
Had enough of the heat, and is yesterday’s hangover weighing on your mood? Then this is the place to be! They don’t serve culinary masterpieces here, and the food is far from Swahili cuisine, but you can feast for a great price in full-blast air conditioning. The desserts alone are worth the visit. MNKafe originally started as a waffle kiosk, and they haven’t lost their touch—your table will be filled with warm waffles, chocolate sauce, and creamy ice cream… Do we need to say more?!
Geraldine Kemper discovered beautiful Kenya with her boyfriend
"From vast hilly landscapes in Masaai land to the dry desert and hot springs at Magadi, staying with a Masaai family and sleeping in a tent among the wildlife, having breakfast with fresh pancakes in the morning sun and going to bed after a beer by the campfire, it was an unforgettable holiday within a holiday. "
- Geraldine & Freek
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