0
 
16 Aug 2024
Blog Permalink

Spice Up Your Life: The Ultimate Indian Street Food Experience in Nairobi

August 16, 2024

Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and one of the most exciting food experiences it has to offer is the chance to try authentic Indian street food at Nairobi Street Kitchen. Stepping into Desi Loco is truly a sensory experience that invites you to indulge in the true essence of India, where our dishes carry the unmistakable taste of tradition and are a celebration of bold flavors.

Spicing Up The Culinary Scene in Nairobi

Welcome to the bustle, spectacular artistry, and vibrant flavors of India! Among the various food stalls available at Nairobi Street Kitchen, Desi Loco stands out for its mouth-watering plates, huge variety, and upcycled one-of-a-kind setting. Our menu pays tribute to the vibrant Indian street food culture while recognizing how this culinary tradition has interwoven with local Kenyan flavors to produce a fascinating and unique combination.

An Adventure That Goes Beyond the Plate

Trying Indian street food at Nairobi Street Kitchen isn’t simply about a meal. It’s a thrilling adventure that engages all of your senses. Our brightly painted dining bus, wafts of fragrant spices, and hubbub of people transport you to the magical streets of Delhi, creating an authentic experience through food, music, art, and traditional Indian heritage.

  1. Interactive Dining. One of the more unique aspects of Desi Loco is the opportunity you have for interactive dining. The open kitchen allows guests to witness our skilled chefs in action. It offers a delightful blend of aromas, sights, and sounds, ensuring that your journey to the final bite is as fulfilling as possible.
  2. Community and Connection. The lively atmosphere of Desi Loco fosters a special sense of community. Sharing a meal with family and friends, or even striking up a conversation with a fellow foodie adds a meaningful communal vibe that truly feeds the soul.
  3. True Cultural Immersion. At Desi Loco, we serve up a slice of India’s rich culinary history with every dish. Our carefully crafted menu features a range of traditional offerings with local, fresh ingredients and prepared using time-honored cooking techniques. Interacting with our chefs, you’ll get a glimpse into their passion for creating a fusion that is both innovative and true to its roots.

Tips For Enjoying Your Indian Street Food Experience in Nairobi 

To make the most of your visit to Desi Loco and fully immerse yourself in the flavourful, fun adventure, be sure to follow these tips: 

  1. Come with an appetite. The huge selection of dishes available means you’ll want to try a little bit of everything. Arrive hungry and ready to indulge.
  2. Be adventurous. We encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and try something new. The punch of flavor and unique textures of Indian food are something you don’t want to miss!
  3. Open up your senses. Take the time to bask in the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Interacting with our chefs is a must so be sure to ask about our fresh, local ingredients, innovative preparation methods, and the history behind our dishes.
  4. Sharing is caring. Bring family and friends along to share in the joy of discovery. After all, a meal is best enjoyed with good company.

An Experience Fit For a King

Last year, King Charles III’s visit to Nairobi Street Kitchen marked a significant moment in his royal itinerary. He stopped by Desi Loco and engaged in a conversation about Nairobi Street Kitchen’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and minimising food waste in our effort to promote sustainability in the food industry.

The historical visit also highlighted our vision to create a community hub that promotes cultural exchange, creativity, and community resilience, all of which are celebrated throughout our entire dining space. 

The Best Table in Town 

Exploring authentic Indian street food at Nairobi Street Kitchen offers a rich experience you won’t soon forget! Discover the magic of shared moments and flavourful conversation at Desi Loco, where every dish is a masterpiece and each bite an invitation to connect.

To find out more or book your table today, contact us at +254 707 800 800 or info@nairobistreetkitchen.com

28 Nov 2022
Blog Permalink

A Beautiful Roadside Affair: Take a Bite Out of India’s Street Food Culture

November 28, 2022

From masala chai to pani puri; from parathas to vada pav, Indian Street Food is a journey that no true-blue foodie should miss out on. When looking back upon its history, you’ll come across vendors who claim to have served the Mughal Kings (who are we to say any different?) while others place the beginnings of the tradition with Mumbai factory cooks. Using the day’s leftover vegetables and spices, they would create delicious, affordable meals for workers heading home after the midnight shift.  

Why Do People Love Indian Street Food So Much?  

Whatever the origins, there is no doubt that when it comes to street food, India tops the charts. From pani puris, affectionately known as the flavorful bombs of Bengal, to chole bhature, a spicy and hearty chickpea curry, Indian street food is an assault on all the senses, in the best way possible.  

 These aromatic, bright, and delicious treats are as diverse and colorful as the country itself. Known for their authentic taste, variety, and easy accessibility, they have quickly become a worldwide sensation.  

 Some of the reasons why Indian street food has seen such a quick global rise include:  

  • It Brings People Together. Street food opens the doors for people of all cultures, class, and races to share and enjoy a delicious meal. In doing so, it becomes a universal language for people to cherish their unity and diversity.  
  • It’s Authentic. Indian street food may surprise you with some modern twists now and then, but in most cases, the focus remains strongly on traditional flavor. The simplicity and original recipes are delicately and respectfully preserved so you can discover the rich history behind every delicious (and spicy!) bite.  
  • It Offers Unmatched Diversity. Almost every country has its own street food traditions, from the Pad Thai stalls in Thailand to the tamales and tacos of Mexico, but the diversity of Indian street food makes it special. From bhel puris and speakeasy sandwiches, to thali spreads and banana-leaf steamed fish, India is home to an extraordinary smorgasbord of street food across its twenty nine states.  
  • It’s a Sensory Experience. There is more to Indian street food than meets the eye – it’s a true treat for all your senses. You’ll witness the cooking process, smell the food and hear the sounds all at once. You aren’t just touching or tasting it, but experiencing it as a whole when observing the fresh quality of ingredients, the expert way the food is handled, and the pure joy of creating a dish out of love.  

 

Welcome to Desi Loco – The Best Indian Street Snack Restaurant in Nairobi

It’s a true spectacle over here at Desi Loco! With the authentic flavors of India and the vibrant energy of the markets, railways, and streets, Desi Loco brings a one-of-a-kind dining experience to Kenya. We have a passion to eat, a passion to cook, and a passion to share – so come on in and fill your belly with all the crunchy, tangy, and delightful Indian street snacks you want!  

 While our lively space evokes the feel of old-world, urban India, our modern dishes, craft cocktails, and bright pink Mumbai-inspired dining bus brings a whole load of fun to the diverse and flavorful cuisine. Here, you’re not just a bystander. Our food is fresh and prepared right in front of you, making you an important part of the process.  

Take Your Taste Buds on an Adventure Like No Other   

Discover the vibrant flavors of India’s iconic street food right in the heart of Nairobi at Desi Loco. Indulge in a sensory journey as you experience the aromas and tastes of Indian cuisine at Nairobi Street Kitchen. Ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure? Visit us at Desi Loco today! For reservations or more information, contact us at +254 707 800 800 or info@nairobistreetkitchen.com.

 

17 Aug 2022
Blog Permalink

Let’s Go Local: 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Supporting Kenyan Artists

August 17, 2022

Nairobi’s creative community has so much to offer, yet when it comes to buying artwork for our homes or offices, many of us are still hanging mass-produced prints on our walls. With so much incredible talent right in our own backyard, we can’t help but wonder why.  

At Nairobi Street Kitchen, we truly believe that supporting local artists contributes to the success of the community, which is why we’ve created a platform where art lovers can connect easily with Kenyan creatives of all experience levels and from all walks of life.  

URBAN ARTS & CULTURE AT NSK  

So whether you’re looking for your first-ever original artwork, or you’re an avid collector searching for that next special piece, here are 5 reasons why you should go local (you can thank us later).   

1. You’ll Have a Stronger Connection to the Art  

It’s likely that you share everyday experiences, struggles, and joys with those living in your own community. Kenyan artists are so influenced by their local culture and hometown that they’ll capture that familiarity in their work, allowing you to have a much stronger connection to it.  

More than that, because local art reflects the places and people in the region it was created, it cultivates a strong sense of cultural identity. You, or anyone visiting your space, will be able to see themselves reflected in the piece, and that sense of belonging is a very powerful thing.  

2. You’ll Help Enrich the Cultural Fabric of Your City  

Local artists contribute to the cultural well-being and growth of a community. Their work adds vibrancy to the city and can open us up to new ideas and ways of thinking. Their pieces also serve as a reflection of our history, culture, and current moment, whether that’s through custom paintings, sidewalk art, or murals.  

While the tendency is to indulge in popular culture or store-bought prints, supporting Nairobi’s creatives is essential in building our community. Not only will your purchase give them a voice and stronger presence, but supporting local artists will motivate them to work more, inevitably leading to a city that is financially and culturally richer and more valuable.  

3. You’ll Be Able to Customize Your Piece 

Custom artwork lets your personality and space shine in a way that no store-bought piece ever will. One of the biggest benefits of discovering an artist in your own community is that you can connect with them. Many welcome commissions and will create artwork tailored to your life and space.   

You might even get the opportunity to talk with the artist and understand them better. They can let you in on the emotions that drove the process, the true inspiration behind their work, or even make suggestions on what piece they would recommend based on your particular needs.   

4. You’ll Strengthen Your Local Economy  

When you buy from local retailers, be it a piece of art, fresh produce, or artisanal goods, you’re taking important steps to support your local economy – something that is now more important than ever. By investing in the work of a local artist, the money cycles back into your community, and everyone does better for it.  

You’ll Also Do Your Part for the Environment  

Many Kenyan artists craft their pieces from materials they find in nature or in local recycle businesses, and some even reuse their own scrap parts. So in addition to helping your economy, buying local will give you the chance to do your part in building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.  

READ ABOUT OUR ECO-FRIENDLY ARTISTS  

 

5. Shopping Locally Makes For a Fun Experience  

Shopping online for mass produced prints may be convenient, but nothing beats the experience of visiting an indoor market or a thriving local hangout when searching for your next art piece.  

When you visit Nairobi Street Kitchen, not only will you be able to connect more with the creative community, but you’ll also get to indulge in some great live music, sample awesome food and cocktails, and get handmade local art and other items from the Nairobi Street Kiosk.  

Looking for your next gift idea?  

Candles are nice, but you can only give so many before that gets old. The gift of local art is truly unique, personal, and helps support local businesses all in one.  

Local Shopping at Your Fingertips  

Our carefully-curated marketplace brings locally-made goods and entertainment to your fingertips. We’re proud to connect the community with passionate creatives, musicians, and bespoke sellers, all in support of independent businesses and artists.  

 

To discover more about how you can support local businesses, contact us at +254 707 800 800 or info@nairobistreetkitchen.com 

08 Apr 2022
Blog Permalink

“4 Simple Ways to Ease into a Vegan Lifestyle – and Stick to It”

April 8, 2022

Interested in becoming a vegan? You’re not alone! This growing trend is no surprise – especially considering that it’s one of the best ways to move towards a more compassionate way of living – for the animals, the planet, and your health.

But if you’ve been a lifelong meat-eater, it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can take to start this journey – and whether you’re doing it for health reasons, ethical concerns, or just out of curiosity, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve outlined 4 simple steps that will help you ease into a plant-based lifestyle, and stick to it.

1. Be Clear on Your Reasons for Going Vegan

Before you begin this transition, make a list of all the reasons why you are going plant-based. There is no doubt that a vegan diet has many benefits, and some of the reasons why people are increasingly adopting this way of life include:

  • Weight loss
  • Long-term health benefits
  • Compassion towards animals
  • Environmental sustainability

Remember that veganism is a significant lifestyle change that requires ongoing determination and commitment. Being completely clear as to why you want to make the shift will help you stick to it in the long run.

2. Look for Delicious Alternatives

One of the biggest challenges for new vegans is missing the taste of foods like chocolates, cheese, and burgers. If you’re worried that the love of your old favorite foods could derail your new lifestyle, do your research and seek out some vegan-friendly swaps.

Contrary to what you might have heard, going vegan doesn’t mean grazing on raw veggies or having to survive on bland food! There is a whole world of tasty options out there, including vegan cheese and milk alternatives that will make this transition painless and oh-so-delicious!

3. Learn Your Way Around a Vegan Kitchen

Vegan cooking is remarkably easy to learn and delivers all sorts of unexpected rewards. With just a little practice and exploration, you’ll soon become an expert and invariably enjoy fresher, tastier meals with higher quality ingredients.

Want to kickstart your meatless journey with a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds and fills you up, but also doesn’t require a lot of prep work? Check out the delicious and simple vegan recipe from our chef below!

Recipe: Whole Roasted Cauliflower Steak with NSK House Salad (Serves 3)

NSK Products Used: Jamaican Jerk Rub, NSK Salsa Macha

Ingredients for Cauliflower:

1 Medium Whole Head of Cauliflower (leaves picked, stems trimmed, but left on)
4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp NSK Jamaican Jerk Rub
1 Tbsp NSK Salsa Macha
1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tsp Fresh Lemon Zest

Ingredients for NSK House Salad

1 Punnet Fresh Rocket Leaves
2 Tbsp Sun Dried Tomatoes (thinly sliced)
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
4 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Raw Pumpkin Seeds
Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Cauliflower:
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Jamaican Jerk Rub, Salsa Macha, lemon juice and lemon zest and mix with a whisk or fork until well combined.
  2. Take the marination mix and rub well all over the cauliflower, reserving 1 tbsp of marination for after cooking.
  3. Preheat your oven to 165 Degrees Celsius, and when heated, place the marinated cauliflower in the oven for 27 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
For the Salad:
  1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt & pepper, and whisk until fully emulsified.
  2. Add the sundried tomatoes to the rocket leaves in a separate bowl
  3. When ready to serve, combine the dressing to the rocket and sundried tomatoes and garnish with pumpkin seeds.
Serving

Serve the roasted cauliflower with the house salad to enjoy a high protein, healthy lunch or dinner. You can thank us later!

4. Give Yourself a ‘Cheat’ Day

Going vegan may just be one of the best things you could ever do for your health and the environment, but no one said it would be easy! If you’re ready to incorporate veganism into your day-to-day life, start by giving yourself an occasional ‘cheat’ day.

Don’t feel guilty about allowing yourself a few non-vegan comfort foods while you make this transition – it will give you the motivation to continue forward, one step at a time, into this wonderful and wholly compassionate lifestyle (and hey – doesn’t that mean showing yourself some compassion too?)

We Promise Healthy Food and Happy Times

Our final piece of advice is: shamelessly indulge while exploring the meatless universe! Our diverse collection of restaurants and bars offer a huge variety of delicious vegan meals, snacks, desserts, and take-home products that even the most rigid of carnivores will rave about.

To book a table or discover more about the locally produced, artisanal products available at our retail shop, contact us at +254 707 800 800 or info@nairobistreetkitchen.com.

30 May 2021
Blog Permalink

“What’s the best way to have coffee?”

May 30, 2021

This is the question I get asked the most. In the fast-changing, increasingly trendy world of premium and specialty coffee, there are hundreds of opinions from the “experts.”

The truth is, the only way to have a coffee – no matter what anyone tells you – is the way you enjoy it. My mom likes her cappuccino with two sugars, while our General Manager is a no-nonsense Americano-with-no-milk-please drinker; then there are the espresso-only cyclists, while I enjoy a flat white every morning. Your way is the right way.

The Premium Coffee Revolution

Coffee has been around for millenia. It’s the holy grail for those who switch on their coffee machine in a zombie-like state, while for others it’s their morning fuel, powering them through the school run, traffic-jam commute, and a whole barrage of Zoom meetings.
In the last decade – alongside craft beer – premium coffee has seen a resurgence in popularity and over the last five years, this trend has made its way into the Kenyan café scene.

Not only have we seen large coffee shop chains, such as Java and Artcaffé, open up new cafes on a monthly basis, but there has also been a proliferation of boutique coffee shops popping up around the country.

The Perfect Cup of Coffee: A Masterful 3-Step Journey

The truth is, there are three key factors to ensure one enjoys an incredible cup of coffee. These are:

1. The Farmer

The first step is the farmer. Farmers typically wait 4 years before a coffee bush bears fruit, which means that after investing time, money, and resources to tenderly nurture their crops, farmers harvest only twice a year. Like wine, the weather and terroir are significant factors, resulting in a range of bean sizes and quality.

Debunking the myth of “AA” Coffee

It is worth debunking the myth that “AA” is a moniker of quality. In reality, it’s an indication of size. While size does somewhat correlate to quality, it is by no means the only indicator. Other factors that are critical to identifying and sourcing a high-quality bean include:

  • Density
  • Bean varietals
  • Altitude
  • Temperature

So, while “Kenya AA” sounds great, by no means does it guarantee you’ll enjoy the highest quality coffee out there!

2. Roasting

Next is the roasting. There is a lot of science behind roasting, given the numerous variables at play such as temperature, time, and humidity. Roasting can be done manually or it can be completely automated with cutting-edge roasting technology.

Coffee Roasting is an Art Form

Roasting is a craft that is developed over time, learned on the job, and cultivated through years of experience. It’s a time-honoured skill that many claim to have, but few truly master. A sensory explosion of sounds, colours, and smells, master roasters know how to capture the right balance and roast each variety of coffee to extract its best attributes.

Our Team of Expert Roasters

We are fortunate that our team has been together for twelve years, producing every batch of freshly roasted coffee by hand, and we recently purchased a new roaster to increase our capacity (simply a larger version of the same manual roaster). While we are using technology to generate data to inform how we roast, the final decision is always left to the person roasting that day – be it Mohammed, Godwin, or Fred.

3. Coffee Extraction

The final step is coffee extraction. This is the magic of the barista – and it isn’t easy! These days, so many people are fixated on latte art, but it’s the coffee equivalent to icing on the cake: if what’s inside isn’t good, the rest doesn’t matter.

The Magic of the Barista

Baristas train for months – sometimes even years – to be able to craft the perfect cup of coffee. Starting with the bean, he/she will adjust the grinder based on temperature and humidity to get the correct grind size and quantity (usually 7g-9g). This is extracted for 20-25 seconds to create the perfect “shot” – typically 30ml of espresso with a little crema on the top. Simultaneously, the barista is steaming milk to top-up your coffee of choice with the perfectly proportioned amount of milk.

The combination of these three elements results in the perfect cup of coffee every single time. Coffee is a plant, and like any natural ingredient, it can vary widely. The art is in passionately sourcing, fanatically roasting to perfection, and extracting with precision, to hand-craft the perfect coffee drink.

Quality Trumps Quantity Every Time

Since the advent of large chain coffee shops, there has been a fixation on size. While value-for-money is important, what makes every coffee drink unique is its flavour profile and composition, and the resulting size.

For example:

  • A cappuccino is delicious because it’s balanced with ⅓ coffee, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ foam;
  • A latte is the perfect comfort drink on a cold day with a greater proportion of milk and the same amount of coffee – hence the larger size;
  • A flat white is punchy thanks to the two shots of coffee that make up 40% of the beverage.

For those interested in a truly exquisite cup of coffee, remember: quality always trumps quantity.

The Journey of Your Coffee Cup

While waiting for your next cup of coffee, we hope that you will take a moment to think about the masterful hands that your coffee has been tended by: carefully grown and picked by a farmer on the rolling hills of the highlands, hand-roasted with love in a quaint roastery on the outskirts of Nairobi, and extracted with precision and skill by your barista.

07 Apr 2021
Blog Permalink

A Breath of Fresh Air in Nairobi’s Entertainment Scene

April 7, 2021

Three years ago, a group of Nairobi’s hottest up-and-coming hospitality creatives came together, eager to breathe new life into the city’s stagnant entertainment scene. From their collective global experiences rose the concept of Nairobi Street Kitchen.

A Bustling, Welcoming, and Unique Entertainment Experience

Nestled in the hub of Westlands, where lively indoor and outdoor areas, a thoughtfully curated mix of restaurants, bars, pop-up vendors, and entertainment spaces intersect, Nairobi Street Kitchen reflects the cosmopolitan, can-do-spirit of our growing city and the people who call it home.

What Will I Discover at Nairobi Street Kitchen?

Stroll through our renovated historic building perusing artisanal, local merchandise. Catch up over lively views of Westlands from Social, our rooftop bar, or spend hours satisfying your inner foodie as you hop between each of our 11 restaurants and bars – whatever you’re searching for, you’ll find it right here.

Looking For a Foodie Adventure For Your Next Date or Girls Night Out?

At Nairobi Street Kitchen, you can create an adventure, no matter the occasion! Stop by our buzzing margarita or wine bar  before travelling on to our endless global cuisine offerings. End your experience with a delectable nightcap at HopSkotch , our out-of-this-world dessert parlour.

In Need Of a Good Dose of Local Art and Culture?

We’re a diverse and proud collective of culinary geniuses, musicians, artists, and other passionate creatives. From the stunning, repurposed furniture to our quirky art collection, and an exclusive line-up of the city’s best live bands and DJs, come here to indulge your senses, discover incredible Kenyan talent, and purchase unique art pieces you won’t find anywhere else! (NSK Urban Art and Culture)

Eager For Some Retail Therapy?

Nairobi Street Kiosk lets you shop with a clear conscience, offering a multitude of artisanal products such as food items , branded merchandise, and bespoke homeware. All of our items are locally sourced and manufactured, and made with love and honesty. (Take a Piece of Us Home With You)

Our Promise To You

We’ve created a truly unique dining experience that connects people through delicious food and drinks, a beautifully designed and energetic space, and memorable customer service. Our team is driven by innovation, integrity, diversity, and accountability, and we interact with each other, our partners, and our valued customers with utmost sincerity, thoughtfulness, and passion.

THE NSK PHILOSOPHY

Book Your NSK Experience Today!

At NSK, we have something for everyone! Sign up to our mailing list  to stay updated on all our latest events, food and drink offers, promotions, and other news. To book a table or discover more about the locally produced, artisanal products available at our retail shop, contact us at +254 707 800 800 or info@nairobistreetkitchen.com.