Introduction
Gather around for a lesson in the art of food and wine pairing – the Kenyan style! Forget about fancy French cheeses and delicate sushi, we’re talking about pairing wine with some of the most flavorful and bold dishes from the heart of East Africa, Kenya.
From pairing a Shiraz with a plate of chapati na maharagwe, to a Riesling with a serving of ugali and sukuma wiki. Get ready to discover and learn.
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, we hope this guide will help you discover the perfect wine to complement your next Kenyan meal.
So grab your wine glasses🍷, and let’s embark on a culinary journey.
Food and Wine Pairing Basics
- The general rule of thumb is to match the weight, flavour, and texture of the wine with the food. For example, a light-bodied white wine such as a Riesling would pair well with a light and delicate fish dish, while a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon would pair well with a hearty meat dish.
- Another important principle to keep in mind is the concept of “cut and complement.” This means that the wine should either cut through the richness and fats of the dish or complement the flavours of the dish. For example, a high-acid white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of a creamy dish, while a rich and buttery Chardonnay can complement the flavours of a seafood dish.
Classic Pairing
When it comes to specific wine and food pairings, there are a few classic combinations that have stood the test of time.
- One of the most popular pairings is Chardonnay and seafood, particularly shellfish. The buttery and creamy notes of Chardonnay complement the flavours of the seafood, while the acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the butter sauce.
- Another classic pairing is Pinot Noir and duck. The light-bodied and elegant nature of Pinot Noir complements the rich and earthy flavours of the duck.
- When it comes to spicy food, it is important to choose a wine that can stand up to the heat. A dry Riesling or a Gewürztraminer would pair well with spicy Asian cuisine, while a fruity and spicy Syrah or Zinfandel would pair well with spicy Latin or Mexican dishes.
Kenyan Foods Wine Pairing
1. Nyama Choma
Nyama choma is a traditional Kenyan dish made from grilled meat, usually beef or goat. Because of its bold flavours and richness, nyama choma pairs well with full-bodied red wines:
- A full-bodied red wine such as a Shiraz or a Malbec can pair well with nyama choma. The tannins in these wines can help cut through the richness of the grilled meat, while the bold flavours complement the flavours of the meat.
- A bold red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot can also be a good pairing for nyama choma. The tannins and dark fruit flavours of these wines complement the bold flavours of the grilled meat and cut through the richness of the meat.
- A rich and full-bodied red wine like a Barolo or a Brunello di Montalcino can also be paired with nyama choma, as the tannins and bold flavours can help cut through the richness of the grilled meat and complement the flavours.
2. Ugali
Ugali is a traditional Kenyan staple food made from cornmeal. It is often served with a side of meat or vegetables. Because of its starchiness and its neutral taste, Ugali can be paired with a variety of wines.
- A light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling can pair well with Ugali because of its acidity. The acidity of the wine can help cut through the starchiness of the Ugali and complement the flavours of the meat or vegetables.
- A light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Gamay can also pair well with Ugali. The acidity and fruitiness of these wines help complement the flavours of the meat or vegetables and cut through the starchiness of the Ugali.
- Additionally, a medium-bodied red wine such as Zinfandel or Syrah can also be a good pairing for Ugali. The bold flavours and tannins of these wines can help complement the flavours of the meat or vegetables and cut through the starchiness of the Ugali.
3. Pilau
One popular dish that pairs well with wine is pilau. This is a spiced rice dish made with a variety of vegetables and meat. The spices used in the dish such as cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, make it well-suited for a light-bodied red wine such as a Grenache or a Tempranillo, as the acidity and fruitiness of these wines help to complement the spices and cut through the richness of the meat.
4. Biryani
Another popular dish in Kenya is Biryani which is a spiced rice dish that can be made with chicken, beef, or vegetables.
A light-bodied red wine such as a Pinot Noir would pair well with the dish, as the acidity and fruitiness of the wine help to complement the spices in the dish and cut through the richness of the meat or vegetables.
5. Mukimo
This meal is a mixture of mashed potatoes, corn, and green vegetables. This dish is typically served with a side of meat or fish.
A light-bodied white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling would pair well with this dish, as the acidity of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the mashed potatoes and complement the flavours of the vegetables.
6. Matoke
Matoke is a popular Kenyan dish which is made from green bananas and is typically served with a side of meat or fish.
The starchiness and sweetness of the bananas make it well-suited for a light-bodied white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or a Chenin Blanc, as the acidity of these wines helps to cut through the sweetness of the plantains and complement the flavours of the meat or fish.
7. Wali Wa Nazi
A traditional Kenyan rice and stew called Wali wa Nazi made with coconut milk and vegetables such as spinach and collard greens, could pair well with a Chardonnay or a Viognier, as the creamy and buttery notes of these wines complement the flavours of the coconut milk.
8. Irio
This is a dish made from mashed potatoes, corn, and green peas. It can be paired with a light-bodied white wine such as a Pinot Gris/Grigio or a Viognier. The acidity and fruitiness of these wines help to complement the flavours of the vegetables and cut through the starchiness of the mashed potatoes.
Additionally, a medium-bodied white wine such as a Chardonnay or a Viognier can also be a good pairing for Irio. The creamy and buttery notes of these wines can complement the flavours of the vegetables and cut through the starchiness of the Irio.
If you are having Nyama na irio, pair it with a medium-bodied red wine such as a Merlot or a Shiraz. The tannins and bold flavours of these wines complement the flavours of the grilled meat and cut through the starchiness of the mashed potatoes.
9. Kienyeji
Kienyeji is a traditional Kenyan stew made with chicken or goat meat. Because of its bold flavours and richness, Kienyeji pairs well with medium-bodied red wines.
- A medium-bodied red wine such as a Zinfandel or a Syrah can pair well with Kienyeji. The bold flavours of these wines complement the bold flavours of the stew and cut through the richness of the meat.
- A medium-bodied red wine like a Grenache or a Tempranillo can also pair well with Kienyeji. The acidity and fruitiness of these wines can complement the flavours of the stew and cut through the richness of the meat.
- A full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot can also be paired with Kienyeji, as the tannins and dark fruit flavours of these wines complement the bold flavours of the stew and cut through the richness of the meat.
10. Kuku wa kupaka
A dish made from pan-fried chicken and mixed with spices, kuku was kupaka can be paired with a medium-bodied white wine such as a Chardonnay or a Viognier. The buttery and creamy notes of these wines complement the flavours of the spices and cut through the richness of the chicken.
11. Mchuzi Wa Samaki
Mchuzi wa Samaki is a fish stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices. This dish can be paired with a medium-bodied white wine such as a Chardonnay or a Semillon. The creamy and buttery notes of these wines complement the flavours of the coconut milk, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the stew.
12. Chapati na Maharagwe
Chapati na maharagwe is a traditional dish from East Africa. This meal typically consists of chapati (a type of flatbread) served with lentils cooked either in coconut milk and spices.
- A dry red wine such as a Shiraz or a Zinfandel would be a good pairing with this dish, as the bold flavours of the wine can complement the spices in the lentils and the tannins can cut through the richness of the coconut milk.
- A dry rosé or a fruity white wine such as a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer could also work well as a pairing, as the acidity in the wine can help to balance the richness of the dish.
Notable Mentions
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Samosa
Samosas which are deep-fried or baked pastries filled with meat or vegetables also pairs well with wine. The spiciness and richness of samosas make it well-suited for a dry Riesling or a Gewurztraminer, as the acidity and sweetness of these wines help to cut through the spiciness of the dish and complement the flavours of the meat or vegetables.
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Mahamri
This is a traditional Kenyan snack made from fermented dough and is usually served with tea or coffee.
If you are having the mahamri without the tea or coffee, you can spice it up by pairing it with a light-bodied white wine such as a Moscato or a Riesling, as the sweetness of these wines complement the sweetness of the dough and the acidity cuts through the richness of the snack.
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Kachumbari
This is a salad made from diced tomatoes and onions. It can be paired with a light-bodied red wine such as a Tempranillo or a Grenache. The acidity and fruitiness of these wines complement the freshness of the salad and cut through the acidity of the tomatoes.
As you can see, there are many Kenyan foods 🍛 that can be paired with wine to enhance the overall dining experience. Pairing wine with food can be a fun and enjoyable experience when you understand the basic principles and are willing to experiment.
Remember that the most important aspect is personal preference, so don’t be afraid to try different pairings and find what you like best.
Conclusion
At Jays Wines, we pride ourselves on our extensive selection of wines from around the world. We are dedicated to helping our customers find the perfect wine to complement their meals and preference. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, we hope that these Kenyan foods and wine pairing tips will help you create a perfect wine and food pairing experience.
Come visit us and let us guide you through the art of pairing wine with food. We are at Watersys Plaza, 2nd Floor, along Biashara Street. Alternatively, you could explore and order from our wide range of wines on our website, here.
Buy any drink from us Online in Nairobi and we will deliver to your doorstep, in Nairobi, and its environs. We also have next-day delivery within the country.
By Roseline Maina: Digital Marketer
