Popular dishes include:

• Biriyani (a fragrant rice dish).
• Samaki wa kupaka (grilled fish marinated in a spicy coconut sauce).
• Ugali (a dense maize porridge) is a staple accompaniment.
• Mahamri (sweet fried dough) & Samosas are common snacks.
• Wali wa nazi (Coconut rice) is often served alongside seafood or meat.
• Chapati complements many meals.

Lamu’s street food scene also offers delights like Kachori (fried dough filled with spiced lentils) and chilli sauce. While chai (spiced tea) rounds off meals. The rich flavours and diverse ingredients of Lamu’s dishes reflect the region’s cultural melting pot, offering a unique culinary experience.

Oh how we love Lamu. It is quirky, so full of life and the people are charming. We have visited every single little small rental, small hotel and villa in this area. So please feel free to book your accommodation via us, but in the meantime let’s talk food…

In Lamu, unlike much of the rest of Kenya, the traditional food is absolutely delicious!!!

Lunch Experiences

• Mike’s Camp, Kiwayu – Head out on a 2-3hr speedboat trip to this beautiful desert island for an incredible seafood lunch.
• Cabanas, Kizingoni – Walk for 3km along the beach from Shela, have lunch here on the beach and walk back (NB. Book first).

Good Food

• Peponi – Visit for breakfast, lunch, sundowners or supper. In our opinion, you just can’t go wrong here… Did I say they have great Margaritas? 🍸🍋
• Kijani Bar & restaurant – It’s a vibe with cool music. 🎶 🌊 A lovely location overlooking the sea & attractively decorated… their spiced tea is amazing.
• The Majlis Resort (on Manda Island, overlooking Shela) – Sundowners & cocktails here are a must! 🍹 The cocktails and the incredible view of Shela with the sun going down behind it, mmmm hmmm. They also have two barefoot beach restaurants here, one Japanese and one Swahili.

• Pizza-O – Pizza on the Pavement (Shela) is a nice pizza restaurant that overlooks the teeny town square & sea beyond.
• Floating Bar & Restaurant (in the sea between Manda & Shela) – Barefoot, rickety & full of fun & flavour! Call +254 721 510852 to book. We’d go for a sundowner and then decide on food whilst there.

Local Cuisine

We highly recommend you go to at least one of these!

• Sea Suq Café – Our favourite local restaurant for lunch – We recommend the Creamed Mchicha, Coconut Beans, Coconut rice & Tamarind juice. The café overlooks the teeny town square & sea beyond. NB. They also offer wonderful Lamu cooking courses here.
• Bahari – Similar food with an upstairs overlooking the sea… have some spare time 😅.
• Stopover – Again similar food, but downstairs overlooking the sea… Again have some spare time.
• Rangaleni – Very simplistic with a basic menu of chips, beans, fish etc.
• Swahili Home – How about lunch or dinner in a Swahili home (sitting on the floor and having the option of sharing one big platter)? Offering only Swahili dishes and snacks, from Chicken Biryani to Pilau or how about Kaimati (sweet dumplings). A one-day prior reservation is required.

Ice cream 🍨

• Gelamu – A little Gelati in the centre of Shela. Serves ice cream, has dairy-free or vegan options and is great for being in the centre of Shela life.

Planning a family holiday in Lamu?

Check out our family’s complete guide: What to do in Lamu, with Kids

Looking for a safari to accompany some time in Lamu? We’d just love to help you. Take it from someone who has been on over 60+ safaris with kids. This is THE Ultimate Safari Packing List to help make this experience happier :).

Whether sculpting with termite clay, fishing in the Indian Ocean or tracking wildlife by bike, our team at The SAFARI Company tailors safaris to your family’s hobbies and interests. We ask about your weekend activities and what excites your children & will design a safari experience that connects you as a family.

With firsthand knowledge from travelling with our own children aged between two and 18, we create bush itineraries that balance excitement and relaxation, ensuring everyone is entertained and rejuvenated. Let us help you discover the wonders of Africa and each other in a whole new light.

Send us a message at 📧 [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!

Let’s travel more… with our kids,

Have fun, explore & be positive…
Chania
Chania Tundo