One (of the many) great things about living in a large African city is that we have access to incredible food and restaurants any time we want.  In the week that we have lived here we have been to incredible Indian, Ethiopian, and Kenyan restaurants.  There are several authentic Indian restaurants in the area, the closest being at the Village Market less than 1/2 mile away.  We had Ethiopian at a place across town called Habesha.  I found out that the word Habesha is actually a  term of pride that  Ethiopians use to refer to themselves (Thank you Wikipedia), but also happens to be the name of this incredible restaurant here in Nairobi.  Eating ethiopian food (for those who haven’t had it) is a great experience.  The food is served on a flat, moist, sourdough bread called injera.  We had several different types of vegetables, Wat (types of stew), and Goat-tibs.  They sit the tray of food on a Mesob, which is a cool woven straw table/stand,  then everyone digs in using their hands to eat.  It is a very cool experience and you can’t help but become quite close with the people you are dining with.  However, our favorite place so far is this incredible Kenyan restaurant practically across the street.  You would never know it is a restaurant by just passing by, in fact, we passed by several times without realizing it until someone took us.  It appears to be a run down shack/barn at first glance, but once you smell the Kuku (chicken) and Goat cooking you know it is much much more than that.  We each ordered a plate of meat, irio (mashed up corn, potatoes, sacuma (like greens) or dengu peas),  steamed cabbage, chapati (grilled flat bread), and beans for only 150 shillings!  That is around $2.30!!  Needless to say, we will not be going hungry here in Nairobi.   

Another highlight to this wonderful city is the coffee.  There are a few places (Dorman’s, Java House) that make excellent coffee.  I had gotten so used to being in the States (where the number one focus of coffee making seems to be to make it as quickly as possible) that I had almost forgotten how good it should be.  You may wait 10-15 minutes for an espresso, but it will be served  to you in a ceramic mug and it will be perfectly crafted every time.  Ahhhhh……

Ethiopian goodness....

Delicious Kenyan food waiting inside....

Mmmmmmm.....Dorman's Coffee.