Street Food
Mombasa is a paradise for street food enthusiasts, with its bustling markets and vibrant street corners offering a diverse array of flavours and culinary delights. One popular destination for street food is the Old Town area, where visitors can sample Swahili specialities such as mahamri (sweet fried bread), viazi karai (spicy fried potatoes), and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers). Another must-visit spot is Mama Ngina Drive, a waterfront promenade lined with food stalls serving fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local snacks like cassava crisps and bhajias (spiced potato fritters). For those seeking a taste of East African cuisine, the Mwembe Tayari area is famous for its chapati (flatbread), samosas, and nyama choma (grilled meat). Whether you’re exploring the city’s markets or strolling along its bustling streets, Mombasa’s street food restaurants promise a flavorful and authentic culinary experience that reflects the vibrant culture of the region.
Indian BBQ
In Mombasa, Indian BBQ restaurants offer a fusion of aromatic spices and grilled flavours, creating a tantalising dining experience. One popular destination is Shaam E Bahaar, renowned for its BBQ stations serving succulent kebabs and tandoori specialities. Another favourite is Bollywood Bites, where diners can indulge in a variety of vegetarian dishes infused with Indian spices and flavours. These restaurants often feature an extensive menu showcasing a range of meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, all cooked to perfection on open flames or traditional tandoor ovens. With their vibrant ambience and flavorful dishes, Indian BBQ restaurants in Mombasa provide a delightful culinary journey for those craving the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine.
Swahili Dishes
Swahili restaurants in Mombasa offer a delightful culinary journey through the rich and diverse flavours of coastal East Africa. One popular spot is Jahazi Coffee House, known for its authentic Swahili dishes such as biryani, and pilau, and seafood specialties like grilled fish and coconut-infused curries. For a taste of traditional Swahili cuisine in a vibrant setting, diners can visit Nawal Centre, where they can enjoy classic dishes like mahamri (sweet fried bread), viazi karai (spicy fried potatoes), and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers). These restaurants use fresh ingredients and spices to create dishes that reflect the region’s cultural heritage and culinary traditions. With their warm hospitality and flavorful offerings, Swahili restaurants in Mombasa provide an immersive dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of flavours found along the Swahili Coast.
6AM NYE Festival
The 6 AM NYE Festival in Diani is an electrifying celebration held on New Year’s Eve. The festival is known for its vibrant atmosphere, electrifying music, and unforgettable experience. The event typically kicks off in the evening and lasts until the early hours of the morning, offering revellers the chance to dance, socialise, and ring in the new year in style. Multiple stages feature a lineup of local and international DJs spinning the latest tracks across various genres, including electronic dance music, Afrobeat, reggae, and more. The festival also includes light shows, immersive visual displays, and other exciting entertainment elements that create an electrifying ambience throughout the night. Food stalls and bars offer a wide selection of refreshments to keep everyone going.
Blue Marlin
Nestled along the picturesque coastline, the Blue Marlin offers guests a memorable culinary experience paired with stunning ocean views. Specialising in seafood cuisine, Blue Marlin serves an array of freshly caught dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. From succulent grilled fish to flavorful seafood pasta, the menu caters to seafood lovers and discerning palates alike. Additionally, the restaurant offers a selection of non-seafood options, including grilled meats, salads, and vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The restaurant is inviting and relaxed, with an open-air layout that allows diners to enjoy the gentle sea breeze and panoramic vistas of the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re dining for lunch, dinner, or sunset cocktails, Blue Marlin provides a tranquil setting to unwind and savour delicious food in the company of friends and family. With its combination of delectable cuisine, scenic location, and warm hospitality, Blue Marlin Restaurant is a favourite dining destination for both locals and visitors.
The Salty Squid
The Salty Squid is a charming beachfront restaurant known for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, it offers guests the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy delicious food while soaking in breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood delicacies, including freshly caught fish, prawns, calamari, and lobster, prepared with local flavours and spices to tantalise your taste buds. Additionally, there are options for those who prefer meat or vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The Salty Squid’s beachfront location allows guests to dine with their toes in the sand, creating a truly memorable and immersive dining experience. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner for two, a family gathering, or simply catching up with friends over drinks, The Salty Squid provides the perfect ambience for any occasion.
Fine Dining
Fine dining in Mombasa offers a refreshing journey through a fusion of flavours, drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions and fresh local ingredients. From elegant seafood restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean to sophisticated eateries showcasing international cuisine, Mombasa’s dining scene caters to discerning palates. Visitors can indulge in gourmet dishes crafted with precision and creativity, accompanied by impeccable service and exquisite ambience. Whether savouring succulent grilled seafood, aromatic Swahili delicacies, or innovative fusion cuisine, each dining experience promises to be a feast for the senses. Many fine dining establishments in Mombasa such as Tamarind also offer carefully curated wine lists, featuring selections from around the world to complement the flavours of each dish.
Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is a historic landmark located in Mombasa, Kenya, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it stands as a testament to Mombasa’s rich and diverse history. The fort served as a military stronghold during the colonial era, witnessing numerous battles and changing hands between various European powers. Today, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mombasa’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the fort’s well-preserved ramparts, bastions, and dungeons, which offer insights into its tumultuous past. The fort also houses a museum that showcases artefacts, exhibits, and displays related to Mombasa’s maritime history, Swahili culture, and colonial heritage. With its commanding views of the sea and strategic location at the entrance to Mombasa’s harbour, Fort Jesus remains a symbol of resilience and endurance, inviting visitors to delve into the fascinating history of East Africa’s coastal region.
Old Town
Old Town is a historic neighbourhood renowned for its rich cultural heritage and distinctive Swahili architecture. Dating back centuries, this labyrinth is a living testament to the city’s cosmopolitan past, with influences from Arab, Persian, Indian, and European traders evident in its narrow streets and ornate buildings. Visitors to Old Town can wander through its bustling markets, admire the intricately carved wooden doors of its historic houses, and explore its many mosques and ancient landmarks. The area is also home to a vibrant community of artisans, craftsmen, and merchants, selling everything from handcrafted jewellery and textiles to spices and souvenirs. With its vibrant atmosphere, colourful architecture, and unique blend of cultures, Old Town offers visitors a glimpse into Mombasa’s storied past and provides a fascinating insight into the cultural diversity of Kenya’s coast.
Ali Barbour’s Cave
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant provides a magical dining experience in Diani. Set within a natural coral cave, the restaurant offers guests a one-of-a-kind ambience that blends nature with culinary excellence. The cave itself creates an intimate and atmospheric setting, with soft lighting illuminating the ancient rock formations and creating a sense of enchantment.