Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Nairobi, Kenya

High interest

Booked 2 times today.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Alicia_S ·

Mar 2026

This was the best cooking experience I’ve ever had. Nimoh’s attention to detail far exceeds any tour I’ve taken. From the details of the bus service to the produce market engagement with vendors and explanation of choosing quality vegetables was exceptional. Of course, her cooking skills are to be envied. What a delicious meal! This tour is not to be missed and highly recommended. Enjoy!

· Alishia_J ·

Jan 2026

Nemo, was a great teacher and host. We made a traditional Kenyan meal. She was very welcoming and provide detailed instructions, as well as demonstration of how to prepare the dishes. The class is completed in her home, which is extremely clean. She does have two cats. However, she puts the cats away for the class.

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Overview

Sample Menu

Main

Kenyan Traditional Local Dishes

A selection of Kenyan Traditional Local Dishes made with fresh locally grown vegetables. We will be preparing three Kenyan style Traditional meals.

What's Included

Bottled water

Alcoholic Beverages

Bring your own wine/beer
Private transportation

Incase you prefer a personal private driver/ride

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Java House Westlands Square
PRP2+FX3, Woodvale Cl, Nairobi, Kenya
Kindly ask the Uber driver to drop you at "The Westlands Square Mall" along Waiyaki Way opposite The Mall". The location pin is accurate. I will be waiting for you at the front main entrance/car park so that we can begin the experience. 15 minutes wait time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Only the cooking class location is wheelchair accessible.
Building has lifts and easily accessible
Let me know in advance, if there's mobility issues
Let me know if you have cat allergies
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Alexandra_M

We had the BEST time with Nemo! This experience was honestly more than just a cooking class — it was also a super fun walking tour through the local market, and it felt so authentic from start to finish. Nemo is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and full of energy (seriously… CRAZY energy in the best way 😂). She’s also very knowledgeable and explained everything so clearly, while keeping the whole experience fun and relaxed. She answered all our questions with so much patience and enthusiasm, and she had us laughing the whole time. The tour was a bit longer than originally mentioned, but we didn’t mind at all — we were having such a blast. It was me and my husband, plus four other people, and the group vibe was amazing. We cooked a delicious salad, fish, greens, and ugali — and everything tasted SO good. I genuinely learned a lot during the cooking part (not just “follow instructions,” but real tips and local knowledge). One of the highlights for me was also trying a local Nairobi bus during the experience Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Nairobi! Nemo is one of those people you instantly want to be friends with❤️

Reviews

4.9

based on 219 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

I had such a wonderful...

Iman_K, Mar 2026

I had such a wonderful experience! Nimoh has such a warm and inviting personality. She’s incredibly knowledgeable with Kenyan food and history/culture. This tour gives you a true taste of local life with the local bus ride and local market. I learned how to cook Kenyan dishes and I am so excited to cook again by myself.

This was the best cooking...

Alicia_S, Mar 2026

Local food tour experience

Lina_R, Mar 2026

The local food tour with Nimoh was very nice. We loved that the experience started taking the matatus so that we could get a taste of daily life as a Nairobian. The visit to the market was wonderful, with lots of fruits, herbs, and vegetables, walking through narrow paths and finding the products for the menu. Once at Nimoh's house, we felt at home, very comfortable, and we cooked a delicious, exquisite meal. We learnt about Kenyan food from a particular ethnicity and not only as food as substance but also as identity, memory, and resistance.

A great start to our Kenya experience !

Rebecca_H, Mar 2026

We had an absolutely amazing experience with Nimoh on this excursion and it was a great way to start our holiday in Kenya . There were options for the meal we would be cooking that catered for all diets . The market was such a cool experience and we felt very safe and welcomed . Nimoh was a fantastic chef and shared so much knowledge of not just the food we prepared but also Kenyan culture .The trip ended up lasting longer than the allocated slot but we didn’t mind this at all as was having so much fun

Fantastic food and cultural experience

Lucas_C, Mar 2026

What an amazing experience! I was a little worried when I was standing outside the meeting place and hoping I was in the right spot, but when the host showed up, she made sure I had an amazing experience! She made sure to ask what I wanted out of the experience and catered the meal to my wants/needs. At the market she did a wonderful job explaining what we were getting as well as the cultural significance of the items. The actual cooking experience was fun and she made sure I was involved and also learning about the food and culture. And the food was fantastic! I had some general questions and the host, who knows Nairobi well, went above and beyond in answering my questions and helping me. I would 100% recommend this experience and would even do it again myself!

Nimoh is a Gem!

Heidi_M, Feb 2026

Nimoh is a gem. In addition to shopping and cooking, Nimoh also provided incredible education on Kenyan way of life. Just an absolutely fantastic experience.

She took us to a market...

tokilia_h, Feb 2026

She took us to a market where we purchased the food to eat. She let you pick what you want to cook. Then you take a bus back to her apartment. Her kitchen was very clean. She did teach us how to prepare the food, and was very hands on. Afterwards we ate at the table. She was very welcoming

I booked this activity...

Phionah_B, Feb 2026

I booked this activity because I had a day and half layover in Nairobi and wanted something fun to do. I was scheduled to land at 8pm on the 12 but Unfortunately I was not able to make this appointment excursion because my flight was canceled and the one I was rebooked on didn’t land in Nairobi until 6am. By the time I got to my hotel it was too late. I replied to a message I received from the host explaining but never received a response. Its sad because I was really looking forward to this. Would have been nice if someone had responsed to my message.

This is an experience for...

Joseph_B, Jan 2026

This is an experience for travelers who want a bit of an adventure and want to experience Nairobi the way Kenyans do! You navigate the city like a local, see the beautiful produce at the local market, hit up Nimoh's neighborhood butcher, before rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. We learned and had a wonderful time. On top of that, the food was exceptional! Nimoh was a wonderful guide, host, and teacher.

Highly Recommend

Alishia_J, Jan 2026

Great food adventure

Michelle_D, Jan 2026

It was a fabulous day. Nimoh is amazing, telling us about local food customs and making incredible food (her skills in the kitchen are great) and felt super comfortable walking around the market with her, where clearly everyone knows her. An experience we never would have had on our own. Would absolutely recommend this tour!

Cooking Class Nairobi – not the best experience

Laura_B, Jan 2026

We met our cooking teacher and two other people at a mall and drove to a local market with a local bus. There we accompanied our teacher buying the ingredients for dinner. From there we took another bus with screens and loud music to her apartment. So far a nice experience. There she unpacked everything as we waited to get started. She told us how to peel a potato or garlic and how to chop tomatoes and onions. We cook a lot and very well at home and felt somehow as if we were little children, not knowing how to do such basic things. The cooking itself was done by the her. Maybe because she thought we cannot do it. Maybe because she though we would expect that. Or maybe because there was simply not enough space in the kitchen that we could all cook. We were in her apartment, not at a cooking school, where there would be several stoves. The food was great – except from the goat. Unfortunately we didn’t receive the recipes of what we, or rather she, cooked. Years ago I attended a cooking class in Thailand. There we were at a cooking school where different groups of people had enough space to cook different dishes. And in the end we received a small book with all the recipes we cooked and many more. I still use them at home. That was a great experience. Unfortunately the experience in Nairobi wasn’t as good. It also seemed as if the cooking teacher was a little bit arrogant: because she treated us the way I described. And also because she charged a lot for the class and we could feel clearly that we are one of three groups she brings the her apartment every day. We were aware about the fact that this is her business model. But it would have been nice, if it didn’t feel that obvious.

A highly recommended tour to know about Kenyan gastronomy

Pierangelly_D, Jan 2026

It was a great experience! I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about Kenyan cusine and everyday life!

More than a cooking class!

Sarah_W, Jan 2026

What a fabulous experience to see Nairobi from the perspective of a fun and talented local starting with an adventure through the market, riding the local party bus, and being welcomed into her home to prepare a delicious and traditional meal. We learned about prepping and cooking a meal as well as her culture through an explanation of the wedding process that is very different from my culture. Naomi was the perfect hostess. Don’t miss this experience!

Absolutely amazing experience!

Alexandra_M, Jan 2026

Great food and tour!

Sarina_F, Jan 2026

Excellent tour, food, and chef. I highly recommend this experience. The party public bus transportation is a must!!

Awesome cooking experience with Nimoh!

Jeff_P, Jan 2026

We loved our experience in Nairobi with Nimoh. We shopped at the local market, had a ride in a local party bus, and learned how to cook a traditional Kenyan meal. The food was delicious and the experience for me and my family was great.

More than just cooking.

Kirsten_R, Jan 2026

We had a great time and learned so much about Kenyan culture, not just cooking. Really enjoyed our time. Thank you!

Great for small groups and teams

Wayne_A, Dec 2025

The “day in a life” experience was amazing! Our team included 5 people. Nimoh was organized, responsive, and handled all the logistics of the trip. Her expertise in the market and how she was able to share the history of items we were purchasing and how they made it to market added to the experience. Loved the added cultural education on the wedding rituals between the clans. Overall, a really great experience. One that I would have never dared take on my own. Nimoh was very aware of our surroundings and safety. She was engaging and very knowledgeable and created a really great day for us!

Must-do for lovers of food and culture

Rosette_F, Dec 2025

This is a must-do for anyone who travels for food and the culture that surrounds it. I would say I enjoyed this more than the safari. You'll experience and learn about everyday life which is not readily available from the internet or other tours. I felt like I got to learn about the market, food, and public transportation with the very expert guidance of Nimoh, who was enthusiastic about answering questions and sharing what she knows first hand. As for the food, it honestly is the best Kenyan food I've had in the 4 times I've been able to visit in the last 3 years. She gave give choices for the starchy staple that we would cook. I chose her tribe's staple, mokimo, which is honestly so good I look forward to recreating it back home. Don't hesitate! Book it!

This was a great...

Devin_C, Dec 2025

This was a great experience to get a taste of what life is like for everyday Kenyans riding on public transport, going to the market and cooking. The host is very kind and explains everything well, and put up with my many allergy modifications. She also has two cats that are fun for the kids to play with. I’d highly recommend this activity to anyone looking to do something outside of just safaris and nature related activities.

A "must do" in Nairobi

Todd_H, Nov 2025

What a great experience. Nimo was a fantastic guide, knowing so many people on the street and in the market. She always had the situation well under control even in the chaotic streets of Nairobi. Nimo was always checking in on our comfort and made sure that we got the most out of our tour by taking the craziest Matatu bus in the city. I've never experienced anything like it. Her apartment is quiet and well appointed, her cooking and instruction for the meal you prepare makes every moment of this tour well worth your time.

Nimoh was wonderful! She...

Sharnez_G, Nov 2025

Nimoh was wonderful! She was flexible with my husband and I changing our recipe choice at the last minute. She took us on a matutua and it was such an amazing experience! Walking through the market was great. We gathered the ingredients for our meal as Nimoh shared information about the Kenyan food culture. The best surprise was we cooked in Nimoh's home! This was such a personal experience that made it even more memorable. After making our delicious meal, we sat and ate together. If you want to experience an authentic Kenyan meal, book with Nimoh.

Delicious Meal

Courtney_J, Nov 2025

Great experience cooking with Nimoh and the food was super good! We ended up making pilau and it was my first time having it. Very flavorful and very full meal. You will not leave hungry. Getting to the market was an experience. I would recommend not having the music so loud in transport and you do have to be kind of quick on your feet to keep up with the group.

Incredible Experience. Highly Recommend.

Prue_C, Nov 2025

This was one of the most incredible experiences of my work-based trip to Kenya. Right up there with doing a safari! Nimoh taught us not just cooking, but about life in Nairobi. She is organised, articulate and knowledgeable and expertly guided us onto the city’s buses, through very non-touristy produce markets and then to her peaceful haven of an apartment. After cooking up a traditional meal of goat, greens and the Kenyan maize staple ugali, we (myself and 2 other women I didn’t know) sat at her dining table and chatted for ages. She was so generous with her time. Afterwards, Nimoh sent photos of me in the market. Absolutely highly recommend.

Na

Marc_G, Oct 2025

Great experience learning about the culture through food and market tour. Nemo was an excellent cook and host.

A proper hands-on cookery class from start to finish.

Curzon_W, Oct 2025

Shopping for fresh ingredients in the market was just the start of a truly educational experience. We were involved in every step of the cooking from shelling beans to mashing potatoes and along the way learning about grass roots Kenyan culture. Nimoh made us feel very welcome in her home and in her country and the food we helped produce was delicious. I can't recommend this class highly enough, the best cookery class we've done.

Exceptional culinary experience

Leila_O, Oct 2025

We had the full experience from shopping in the open market to eating the authentic dishes! This included using the local transportation with the chef and cooking in her home. The food was soooo good!

Nimoh was excellent! She...

Jessica_J, Sep 2025

Nimoh was excellent! She showed us Nairobi's public transit, local market and butcher, and invited us into her home to cook a lovely meal. The whole experience lasted about 5 hours because of traffic in the evening, so we recommend eating beforehand.