Nyama choma, smocha and other Kenyan street food now go global

“Food trends and recipes can go viral in various ways, however many are accelerated by food influencers online who’ve amassed a huge following,” says the BBC. 

Kenya’s street food scene marries affordability with convenience, offering meals often priced under a dollar. This accessibility supports budget-conscious consumers and provides essential income for vendors facing high living and operational costs.

Content creators amplify this by highlighting their culinary skills and the rich history of Kenyan cuisine, tying into broader economic and consumer trends.

Some of these content creators have taken various themes including the need for sustainable food production to address the high greenhouse gas emissions from the food industry, up to 35 per cent of total emissions.

Some of the top food content creators promoting Kenyan foods include @adiamos1 who goes beyond mere food preparation but shares insights into the entire food cycle—from planting to consumption—while connecting dishes to Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry.

This creator infuses content with humour, reflecting on how certain foods have been depicted in the country’s comics and satire. 

Then there is @ifys.kitchen who explored an array of street foods like mahindi choma (grilled corn), smokie pasua, mayai pasua, nyama choma, mutura and savoury broths during a visit to Kenya.

Ify shares her experiences with these delicacies by highlighting their irresistible tastes that had her taking some delights home on her culinary journey through Kenya themed, Ify’s Kitchen Tastes Kenya.

Another globetrotter and food enthusiast @davidsbeenhere captures the essence of Kenyan street biryani while offering travel tips for worldwide destinations. David’s videos not only showcase the dish but also reflect the vibrant street food culture of Kenya through David’s Kenyan Street Biryani Adventure.

@bitebuddies1 is known as a hub for food lovers in Kenya, excelling in revealing the secrets behind popular street foods and where to find the best and cleanest spots. Their content features a variety of Kenyan cuisine and unique street food combinations available, with mutura videos enjoying millions of views.