Trying local cuisine is an essential and enjoyable part of any travel experience. Not only does it allow you to taste new delicious dishes, but it also helps you to understand and appreciate the place's culture.
When travelling to a new destination, it is always a great idea to experience the local culture and traditions. What better way to do that than through food?
Kisumu city is known for its fresh and tasty fish and a range of other local foods that are sure to delight your taste buds. From traditional cuisines that have been passed from generations to modern twists on classic recipes, the local cuisine of Kisumu is a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
To have a more authentic and memorable dining experience on your next visit to Kisumu, be sure to sample some delicious local foods with our restaurant selection. You might discover your new favourite dish!
The best restaurants in Kisumu are Dunga Hill Camp, Kalongolongo Restaurant, Tilapia Beach Restaurant, Ronalo Kosewe and Kakwacha Hangover Hotel.
In the next section, we will go through what makes each of these restaurants the city’s favourite, what are the must-try foods while in Kisumu, the available fast food restaurants and finally, for the love birds, the best restaurants to have romantic dates.
Dunga Hill Camp
Want to enjoy some freshly prepared food by the shores of lake victoria? This is the place to be! With a fantastic outdoor sitting area, the restaurant serves delicious fish which the chefs can prepare to your liking: Deep/wet fried, stewed or freshly boiled with just salt and water.
They also have other foods such as traditional vegetables like dek, osuga, apoth, chicken and a variety of meats. There is also a bar where you can order your favourite drink to wash the food down your stomach.
On the weekends, they have a live band to entertain the guests with some soulful local music.
Kalongolongo Restaurant
Located in Miliani, one of Kisumu's best estates, Kalongolongo offers a wide range of traditional meals perfectly prepared with natural ingredients maintaining the original taste.
The environment is peaceful and suitable for individuals, groups or families with kids, as their safety is guaranteed, and there's enough space for them to run around.
The menu is vast, and you will be spoilt for choice on what to eat. Some must-try foods are fish, especially tilapia, wet fry goat meat and the traditional uji served in a calabash.
Tilapia Beach Restaurant
As the name suggests, The restaurant specializes in the best fresh tilapia dishes. However, they also serve other types of fish and various dishes, including beef, chicken and vegetables.
The restaurant is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria and has a relaxing and casual atmosphere making it an excellent spot for lunch or dinner.
The place is famous for tourists and locals alike. There is also a bar where you can request your favourite drink to sip as you wait for the food.
Ranalo Kosewe
This popular local spot for traditional cuisine is located at the heart of the city. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including ugali, sukuma wiki and other traditional vegetables, chapati, and nyama choma, among others.
The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and is a beautiful place for dinner with friends and family.
Customers rave about the affordable prices and tasty food at Kosewe, making it a must-visit.
Kakwacha hangover Hotel
This place gives you a food hangover, as the name suggests. They offer a wide selection of local dishes ranging from aliya(sun-dried meat) to roasted chicken, fish, nyama choma, boiled meat and a variety of traditional vegetables.
The food here is served fresh and hot with very little waiting time, leave alone generous portions!
The customer service is top-notch, and the prices are very pocket friendly.
Must try foods on your visit to visit
Aliya(sun dried beef)
Long before refrigerators, when a cow was slaughtered, the remaining unconsumed meat was dried in the sun for about three days to preserve it. The beef, aliya, would then be cooked and consumed later.
Aliya has a high nutritional value, and the flavour is different from that of fresh meat. The meat should be cooked in a traditional clay pot to infuse all the flavours. Before cooking, the beef is soaked in warm water for 30 minutes. It is then boiled for about 4 hours to cook to tenderness.
It is then fried with onions and tomatoes and can be served with ugali and vegetables.
Obambo/Obambla
A favourite among the Luo, obambo is prepared by slitting the fish open and then sun drying for days. Drying in the sun helps preserve the fish to make it last longer without going bad.
The fish is then boiled over a low fire and left to cook for a few hours. You can throw in some onions and tomatoes to add flavour to it.
It is best served hot with ugali and traditional vegetables.
Nyuka(Fermented porridge)
The fermented porridge is made by putting flour(maize/millet/sorghum) into a container with water and left covered for two days to ferment.
Froth formed is then skimmed out, and the mixture is stirred and poured into a cooking pan under medium heat. Stirring is done until the mixture thickens, continuously adding water until you get the right consistency you're looking for.
Serve hot in a calabash.
Kuon(ugali)
A Kenyan staple food, ugali is stiffened porridge made from maize/millet/sorghum flour. Sometimes cassava is added to the grains before being ground at the posho mill to make the flour.
It can be served with any protein or vegetable.
Be sure to try the brown ugali with deep-fried fish and a side of traditional vegetables.
Fast food restaurants in Kisumu
Java House
Located at Westend and United malls, Java house offers a wide range of food and beverage options. However, the restaurant is famous for its original, well-brewed Kenyan coffee.
The location is perfect for families and groups of friends, and the atmosphere and staff are very welcoming.
They also do deliveries; therefore, one can order from the comfort of their home/hotel room rather than visiting the physical place.
K.F.C
Kentucky fried chicken(KFC) is a fast food chain. It is known for its signature fried chicken made using a secret blend of herbs and spices, and chips. It is located on the ground floor of United mall.
KFC may be an excellent option to consider if you are in Kisumu and looking for a quick and convenient meal.
Winner's Pizza
It is located at Hass petrol station opposite Lions High School on the Kisumu-Nairobi highway. Winner's pizza is home to Kisumu's best pizza, pies and burgers.
One can also order the food online using the delivery apps such as glovo and jumia food, which deliver to your doorstep.
Galitos, Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn and creamy Inn
These outlets are managed by simbisa brands, Kenya's largest fast-food restaurant operator located at United mall and Mega plaza.
Galitos offers authentic flame-grilled chicken marinated with natural ingredients infused with select herbs and spices.
Chicken Inn serves various chicken dishes such as grilled chicken, fried chicken and chicken burgers, and side dishes like french fries, salads and sandwiches.
Pizza Inn offers a range of pizza options, including classic cheese and pepperoni, as well as more unique flavours like BBQ chicken and Hawaiian. They also have a selection of pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Creamy Inn offers a variety of ice cream flavours as well as other desserts and beverages. In addition to ice cream, the chain also serves a variety of other desserts, such as cookies, cakes, and pastries. They also provide a selection of sundaes, shakes, and other ice cream treats.
Romantic Restaurants in Kisumu
Roan Rooftop Restaurant
Located in the heart of Kisumu, on Oginga Odinga street, the restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere and a variety of dishes.
The rooftop location offers panoramic views of the city, making it an excellent choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Kiboko Bay
The restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and offers a cosy and intimate setting for a dinner date. The menu features a mix of Kenyan and international delicacies, and the restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area with lake views.
Cucina Bistro
This Italian-inspired restaurant menu features a variety of dishes such as pasta, pizzas and salads. The restaurant's cosy and intimate atmosphere makes it a great choice for a romantic date.
It also has an outdoor seating area to enjoy your meal with city views.
The restaurant is located on Ojijo-Oteko road in Milimani.
Mon Ami
Mon Ami restaurant is known for its French-inspired cuisine and the cosy atmosphere, especially the poolside seating area. The menu features both local and international dishes, as well as a selection of desserts and drinks.
It is located at Megacity mall.