Nairobi stands as Kenya's capital city, a hub of business and culture in East Africa. The city balances urban development with natural beauty, sitting at an elevation of 1, 795 meters above sea level. Tourist attractions include the Nairobi National Park, the only wildlife park located within a major city. The markets buzz with activity while skyscrapers rise in the business district.
Key highlights:,- Authentic West African cuisine featuring traditional dishes from Ghana and Nigeria - Two locations: a quiet garden setting in Lavington and an upscale spot at Waterfront Karen,- Live music on Friday evenings and a play area for children

PROFILE

Mama Ashanti brings West African flavors to Kenya through carefully crafted dishes. The restaurant opened to satisfy the cravings of West Africans in Kenya and introduce East Africans to this cuisine. Both locations operate from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are also accepted. The restaurant aims to provide good quality home-cooked meals at reasonable prices. Its target audience includes West Africans living in Kenya and locals curious about West African food.

AMBIENCE

The Lavington location features a lush garden with various seating options. You can choose to dine inside, on the verandah, in a gazebo, or in the garden. The Waterfront branch sits in Karen, a peaceful suburb away from city noise. African-inspired decor and artwork create a cultural atmosphere at both locations. Background music includes modern and classic West African melodies. On Friday evenings, a live band performs, adding to the atmosphere. The spaces are family-friendly with kids' play areas. Waterfront Karen offers additional activities for children, including slides, swings,and go-karts.

MUST-TRY

Goat Pepper Soup stands out with its rich spices and tender meat. It's available in medium or hot spice levels to suit your taste. The Suya skewers offer a taste of street food with charcoal-grilled meat coated in peanut paste. You can order beef or chicken variations. Jollof Rice paired with meat provides the core West African dining experience. For seafood fans, the Stewed Fish Whole brings fresh flavors in a tomato-based sauce.

FOOD

The menu spans Nigerian and Ghanaian classics made with fresh ingredients and bold spices. Traditional recipes pass down through generations, maintaining authenticity while accommodating local tastes. Soups form a significant part of the menu, served with various starches like fufu and eba. The restaurant caters to different spice preferences, offering medium and hot options. Some guests note that the dishes contain less palm oil than in West Africa. This modification likely makes the food more approachable to local diners. The portions are generous, and the menu encourages guests to ask for seconds. A kids menu with milder options is available at the Waterfront location.

SERVICE

Staff members know the menu well and can recommend dishes to newcomers. Several reviews mention specific servers who provided attentive service. Wait times can vary, with some customers reporting prompt service while others mention delays. The longest reported wait was over an hour for food. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis but also accepts reservations. Customer experiences range widely, from excellent to disappointing. Some reviewers praise staff members by name for going above expectations. Others mention issues with order tracking and communication.

PRICING

Starter prices range from Ksh 400 for Suya skewers to Ksh 900 for Fish Light Soup. Main courses like the Jollof Rice and Meat Platter cost around Ksh 1, 200. The price point sits in the moderate to upper range for Nairobi restaurants. Most reviews consider the value fair given the portion sizes and quality. Some special deals exist, like discounted pricing when ordering multiple Suya skewers. The Eko Lounge in both locations offers drinks and cocktails at additional cost.

SUMMARY

Mama Ashanti offers an authentic taste of West Africa in two distinct Nairobi locations. The restaurant balances traditional flavors with local expectations. Despite occasional service issues, the unique menu and cultural ambiance make it worth visiting. It fills a niche for both homesick West Africans and curious local diners. The restaurant's motto "Strangers, friends or family, the way to happiness is through the stomach" captures its approach. At Mama Ashanti, they welcome you home through food.

FAQs

What types of West African cuisine does Mama Ashanti serve?

Mama Ashanti specializes in Nigerian and Ghanaian dishes, including jollof rice, fufu with various soups, and grilled meats like Suya.

Is Mama Ashanti suitable for families with children?

Yes, both locations feature play areas for children, and the Waterfront location specifically offers a kids menu with milder options and additional activities like slides and go-karts.

Do I need to make reservations before visiting?

While the restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis and welcomes walk-ins, reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups or weekend dining.