Diani Beach
One of the only dedicated Indian options in town, this makuti (thatched-roof) restaurant is good value, with plenty of vegetarian options such as palak…
Must-see restaurants in East Africa
South Coast
The best-value nyama choma (barbecued meat) joint in town also offers big plates of chicken, other kinds of meat, and chapati, served with a soda. A…
Uganda
Drop in to this excellent cafe located near the Equator marker for a cold drink, coffee or a meal, and browse some artwork. All profits fund activities to…
Kenya
This tiny canteen is usually packed with customers, including bus and matatu drivers, notoriously good judges of cheap places to eat. Emphasis on fish …
Southern Rift Valley
Out in Buffalo Mall where Moi Ave meets the Nakuru–Nairobi road, Tuskys is a well-stocked supermarket; their beef samosas (available from the bakery deli)…
Pemba
A basic eating house serving local dishes, such as beans or fish and rice. There's no sign; look for the outdoor counter under a tree a few shops up the…
Northern Kenya
Set up just outside the prison for the staff, this canteen offers ample room to eat nyama choma (barbecued meat) and drink slightly warm beer surrounded…
Southeastern Tanzania
Kilwa's lively night market gets going each evening from around 6pm, with grilled pweza (octopus), mishikaki (grilled meat skewers) and other snacks.
Diani Beach
This rowdy joint is a popular place for nyama choma (barbecued meat) – if you’ve been missing your roast meat and boiled maize, Rongai’s here for you.
Southern Highlands
Fresh milk, yoghurt and delicious Italian cheeses. It’s just off the main road; turn in by the TFA building and go down about two blocks. The shop is to…
Moshi
This roadside destination has two big menus, Indian and Italian. Both are quite good, but the Indian dishes are preferable. Try the fish masala or the…
Masai Mara
The Seasons Hotel has a good restaurant serving a lunch buffet (popular with passing tour buses) as well as spicy beef, chicken stew and a few vegetarian…
Northern Tanzania
The Blue Turaco Pizza Point, unmissable along the south side of the main road, makes good wood-fired pizzas. Seating is in a small courtyard area just…
Southern Rift Valley
Brightly painted Ribs Butchery does all the usual nyama choma (barbecued meat) options and is the pick of numerous such places along the main road.
Southern Rift Valley
As basic as they come, this little green-and-white treasure offers cholesterol-filled fried breakfasts and hearty stews with a focus on dishes locals love.
Moshi
This smooth place does good coffee and everything from burgers to biryani; Tuesday is biryani day. In the evening it morphs into a very cool lounge space.
Dar es Salaam
Huge beef, chicken and fish mishikaki (marinated, grilled kebabs), barbecue chicken and freshly baked garlic naan in a streetside setting.
Arusha
Mirapot serves local fish dishes, traditional beef stew, and chicken in coconut sauce, as well as burgers, sandwiches and decent local coffee.
Masai Mara
A large, well-stocked supermarket in Oltalet Mall on the way through town. Good for supplies or for takeaway meals from the deli and bakery.
Southwestern Uganda
This friendly cafe on Kabale's main drag serves up pizzas, burgers and curries to hungry travellers. It also has decent coffee and pastries.
Southwestern Uganda
A smart German-owned cafe with decent coffee, burgers, BLTs and meatball dishes. It sells secondhand books and quality crafts next door.
Dar es Salaam
Enjoy tasty samosas, kebabs, chapati and other snacks plus a delicious cup of chai (tea) with the locals in this classic corner place.
Kigali
By far the best option for self-caterers, this huge supermarket in the Union Trade Centre has pretty much everything you’ll need.
Mwanza
Plastic tables and chairs, a semi-open-air environment, and burgers, fried chicken and chips make this a popular local lunch stop.
Western Kenya
Kakamega's best supermarket has plenty of supplies as well as ready-made foods (including yummy samosas) in the deli and bakery.
Southwestern Uganda
Serving typical Ugandan fare and more, scenic Lakeside Restaurant is good if you can spare a long time to wait for your food.
Southern Rift Valley
If you're stocking up on supplies, Jamaa Supermarket on Kenyatta Ave is probably the best stocked in the centre of Naivasha.
Southern Highlands
This small but well-stocked supermarket is a good bet for self-caterers. It's near the southeastern corner of the market.
Southeastern Tanzania
This small supermarket, diagonally opposite the market in the centre of Kilindoni, has a reasonable selection of basics.
Mombasa
Mombasa’s ‘Master Baker’ cooks up excellent cakes and muffins here, and in several other locations around town.
Southeastern Tanzania
Lindi's most upmarket restaurant offers seafood grills plus some meat selections on a terrace overlooking the water.
Lake Victoria
A wonderful and unassuming Bukoba institution that feels like a cross between a grocer and a little cafe-restaurant.
Southern Highlands
This busy local eatery is as good a spot as any to get a meal in Makambako. It's just south of the main highway.
Rwanda
This well-stocked supermarket across the road from the main market has cheese, meats, yoghurts and fresh bread.
Central Tanzania
A barebones cafe near Innoor Mosque serving good, cheap Indian food, including a vegetarian thali.
Kenya
The best grocery store in town. Go here to stock up on essentials if you are camping or self-catering.
Uganda
If you forget to pack anything in Kampala, this small supermarket on Commercial St will come in handy.
Arusha
A perennial favourite for burgers of all sorts, as well as pizzas, kebabs and other light meals.
Northern Tanzania
Located at headquarters, Mwahingo Canteen does chicken, pilau, and beans and rice.
Northern Kenya
This zebra-striped building has decent Kenyan staples and is popular with locals.
