Do you know how to find vegan food in Nairobi in 2026?
Go with us.
When I first landed in Nairobi, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to find vegan food.
As a plant-based traveller in Africa, I’ve found that some cities offer easy vegan options. Others need a bit more research.
Nairobi, however, was a pleasant surprise.
Nairobi, Kenya
This lively East African capital is colourful and energetic. It blends modernity with deep traditions. When it comes to vegan food, Nairobi truly delivers.
No matter if you’re a tourist, digital nomad, business traveller, or a local, you can relax while exploring a plant-based lifestyle.
Nairobi has many vegan restaurants, vegetarian cafés, and plant-based menus. You can find fresh markets and traditional Kenyan dishes that are naturally vegan.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find vegan food in Nairobi, where to eat, where to shop, what to order, and how to communicate your vegan needs.
By the end, you’ll be fully confident exploring the Nairobi food scene. This includes Westlands, Karen, Gigiri, and the CBD.
Let’s dive in.
Is Nairobi Vegan Friendly? Understanding Vegan Food in Nairobi
Before visiting Kenya’s capital, I had heard much about its wholesome, plant-rich cuisine.
And yes — that reputation is absolutely true. Many of Kenya’s most iconic dishes are vegan without even trying.
Think:
- Ugali and sukuma wiki (maize meal with braised collard greens)
- Githeri (beans and maize)
- Ndengu stew (green grams in tomato and onion gravy)
- Chapati and beans
- Vegetable samosas
- Kachumbari (fresh tomato, onion, chilli salad)
This means you can enjoy delicious, authentic Kenyan food without much customisation.
But Nairobi also caters to modern plant-based eating.
The city has:
- 100% vegan restaurants.
- Vegetarian restaurants with clearly marked vegan options.
- Vegan-friendly cafés.
- Supermarkets stocked with dairy-free milk, tofu, and plant-based snacks.
- Food markets with heaps of fresh produce
- Delivery apps offering vegan meals
In Nairobi, you can enjoy a range of vegan options. Whether you crave health bowls, comfort food, smoothies, or local dishes, there’s something for everyone.
It’s easier to find vegan food here than in many other African cities.
How I Find Vegan Restaurants in Nairobi (Apps, Tools, and Online Resources)
As a plant-based traveller, I begin my research with apps, online guides, and social media.
Nairobi is no different.
1. HappyCow & Google Maps
Whenever I search for vegan restaurants in Nairobi, HappyCow is my first stop. It lists the dedicated vegan restaurants, vegetarian cafés, and plant-forward eateries. What I love most is that the listings often include:
- Photos
- Reviews
- Opening hours
- Menu highlights
Google Maps is equally helpful. Try searching:
- vegan food Nairobi
- vegan restaurants Westlands
- vegetarian cafés in Nairobi
- plant-based Nairobi
Then save your favourites to your offline map so you can find vegan food in Nairobi even when your data is spotty.
2. Vegan Blogs, Social Media & Local Guides
Nairobi has a growing vegan community, and this shows online. Instagram, TikTok, and local bloggers frequently share updated vegan guides to Nairobi.
Follow hashtags like:
- #VeganNairobi
- #PlantBasedKenya
- #VeganKenya
- #PlantBasedNairobi
Local accounts often post about new restaurant openings, vegan food markets, and wellness events. They also share reviews from real Nairobians.
This makes it easier to find vegan food in Nairobi that fits your style and budget.
Best Areas to Find Vegan Food in Nairobi
Knowing Nairobi’s neighbourhoods will help you plan where to stay and explore. This knowledge will enhance your food journey.
Westlands
Nairobi’s top spot for vegans is here. It’s trendy, welcoming to expats, and full of global cuisine. You’ll find vegan restaurants, vegetarian cafés, shopping malls, smoothie bars, and cosy breakfast spots. If you’re serious about vegan food in Nairobi, Westlands is a fantastic base.
Karen & Lang’ata
This leafy suburb is popular with travellers who want a quieter stay. It’s near Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park. Many garden restaurants offer vegan options, often using fresh, organic, local produce. Karen is a great area when you want nature, animals, and plant-based food in one day.
CBD / Upper Hill
If you’re here for work or a quick business trip, you’ll find many hotels in this area. They now serve vegan dishes, like plant-based breakfasts and dairy-free curries. You can still find vegan food in Nairobi’s CBD — especially at business hotels and modern cafés.
Gigiri / Village Market
This neighbourhood hosts embassies and the UN complex. It’s health-conscious and upscale, with many restaurants. You can find vegetable bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps, and vegan-friendly options here. You’ll easily find plant-based, gluten-free, and health-focused options here.
Top Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Nairobi
Now let’s get to the fun part: where to actually eat.
100% Vegan Restaurants in Nairobi
Here are two of the most popular vegan restaurants that locals and travellers rave about:
Soul Veg Kenya
Located in Westlands, this is one of Nairobi’s only entirely plant-based restaurants. Expect hearty portions, classic vegan comfort food, vibrant flavours, and wholesome ingredients. It’s a must-visit for any vegan in Nairobi and a brilliant example of how easy it is to find vegan food in Nairobi today.
Ethos Organic Café
In Westlands, Ethos Organic is a vegan-friendly café. It focuses on wellness and offers smoothies, brunch plates, grain bowls, soups, and healthy comfort food. It’s excellent for working, relaxing, or slow mornings with a plant-based breakfast.
Vegetarian Restaurants With Great Vegan Options
Many vegetarian restaurants in Nairobi offer vegan dishes — often clearly labelled. Expect dishes like:
- Vegan pizzas
- Lentil curries
- Tofu stir-fries
- Vegetable wraps
- Dairy-free desserts
- Smoothies and juice bowls
Always ask about ingredients. Some vegetarian spots use paneer, yoghurt, or ghee. Most places are happy to help and suggest the best vegan options in Nairobi.
How I Eat Vegan in Regular Nairobi Restaurants
Not every restaurant in Nairobi is vegan or vegetarian — and that’s okay.
I’ve found that most local restaurants are very open to preparing vegan meals when you ask politely.
Here are my go-to vegan options in everyday Kenyan eateries:
- Ugali & Sukuma Wiki – cheap, filling, traditional, and naturally vegan.
- Beans or lentils with chapati – simple, delicious, and widely available.
- Vegetable curry with rice – ask for coconut milk instead of dairy.
- Vegetable samosas – usually vegan, but check for egg wash.
- French fries (chips) – fried in vegetable oil in most places.
- Kachumbari – fresh tomato-onion salad.
What to Watch Out For
Kenyan restaurants sometimes add:
- Ghee or butter for chapati
- Milk for mashed potatoes
- Chicken broth for vegetable stews
- Milk powder in baked goods
Just ask — Nairobians are friendly and very willing to help.
Clear communication helps find vegan food in regular restaurants in Nairobi.
Swahili Phrases I Use to Communicate I’m Vegan
Speaking even a little Swahili goes a long way and makes vegan eating so much easier.
Here are phrases I use:
- “Mimi ni vegan.” — I am vegan.
- “Sili vyakula vya wanyama.” — I don’t eat animal products.
- “Hakuna mayai, maziwa, siagi, au nyama?” — Does this contain eggs, milk, butter, or meat?
- “Tafadhali usitumie ghee.” — Please don’t use ghee.
- “Nataka chakula cha mboga tu, bila maziwa na bila mayai.” — I want vegetables only, no milk or eggs.
Every time I’ve used these, servers understood and happily suggested the best vegan dish.
Simple phrases like these make it so much easier to find vegan food in Nairobi without stress.
Vegan Street Food, Market Food, and Traditional Kenyan Dishes
If you love exploring cities through food (like I do), Nairobi’s markets and street stands are a dream.
Here’s what I loved and highly recommend:
Fresh Fruit Everywhere
Kenya produces some of the best fruit in Africa:
- Mangos
- Pineapples
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Tree tomatoes
- Passion fruit
Many street sellers cut them fresh for you. They’re a simple way to enjoy whole-food vegan snacks while you search for more vegan options in Nairobi.
Roasted Maize
This is the most popular street snack in Nairobi. Naturally vegan, smoky, slightly chewy, and sold everywhere.
Githeri
This beans-and-maize dish is comfort food at its best. It’s hearty, filling, and almost always vegan.
Ndengu (Green Gram Stew)
Served with chapati or rice, this is a meal you’ll fall in love with.
Vegetable Samosas
Crispy, cheap, packed with potatoes and veggies — ask if they use egg wash (most don’t).
When eating street food, stick to busy vendors and choose food that’s cooked fresh in front of you.
Where to Shop for Vegan Groceries in Nairobi
Whether you’re in an Airbnb or enjoy self-catering, Nairobi has excellent grocery options.
Supermarkets With Plant-Based Options
Most large Nairobi supermarkets offer:
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Lentils, chickpeas & beans
- Whole grains
- Dairy-free milk (almond, soy, coconut, oat)
- Vegan snacks
- Fresh produce
- Nuts & seeds
Gigiri, Westlands, and Karen have excellent selections of vegan food in Nairobi supermarkets.
Health Stores & Organic Shops
You can also find:
- Vegan cheese
- Gluten-free products
- Organic veggies
- Superfoods
- Smoothie ingredients
This is great if you love whole-food, plant-based meals and want to cook your own vegan dishes while in Nairobi.
Budget Tips: How I Eat Vegan in Nairobi on a Budget
One of my favourite things about Nairobi is how affordable vegan food can be when you eat like a local.
Here’s how I save money while still enjoying delicious meals:
- Choose Kenyan staples like beans, maize meal, rice, and fresh greens.
- Visit local cafés instead of big chain restaurants.
- Buy fruit from markets, not malls.
- Look for lunch deals (many restaurants offer cheaper weekday lunches).
- Share platters at vegetarian spots.
You can enjoy three plant-based meals a day in Nairobi without spending much. That’s another reason I love finding vegan food here.
Safety, Etiquette & Cultural Tips for Vegans in Nairobi
A few things I’ve learned that make the experience smoother:
- Be polite when refusing food. Kenyans are warm and generous; a smile goes a long way.
- Tip 5–10%. It’s appreciated, especially in cafés.
- Dress modestly in more traditional areas. Nairobi is modern, but some neighbourhoods are conservative.
- Choose ethical wildlife activities. Avoid exploitative animal encounters. Instead, visit sanctuaries or national parks where animals roam freely.
Being respectful and kind helps you ask for vegan food in Nairobi. It also builds good connections with locals.
One-Day Sample Vegan Nairobi Itinerary
Here’s precisely how I’d spend a perfect vegan day in Nairobi:
Morning – Vegan Breakfast in Westlands
Start your day at a vegan-friendly café with a smoothie bowl, an oat milk cappuccino, or a tofu scramble. This is one of the easiest ways to find vegan food in Nairobi without overthinking it.
Midday – Karen Lunch + Activity
Head to Karen for lunch at a vegan-friendly restaurant, then visit the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Park. You get nature, animals, and plant-based food in one outing.
Afternoon – Local Market Fruit Run
Stop by a market for fresh fruit, roasted maize, or nuts. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for whole-food vegans.
Evening – Dinner at Soul Veg Kenya
End your day with a hearty 100% vegan dinner back in Westlands. It’s the perfect finish to a day of exploring vegan food in Nairobi.
FAQs: How to Find Vegan Food in Nairobi
1. Is it easy to find vegan food in Nairobi?
Yes! Nairobi is a top vegan-friendly city in East Africa. It offers many plant-based choices in restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets.
2. Does Nairobi have vegan restaurants?
Yes — there are several 100% vegan restaurants and many vegetarian cafés with clearly marked vegan dishes.
3. What Kenyan dishes are naturally vegan?
Ugali, sukuma wiki, githeri, ndengu, chapati, beans, kachumbari, and roasted maize are all vegan or can be easily made vegan.
4. How do I say “I am vegan” in Swahili?
You can say, “Mimi ni vegan.” You can also add, “Sili vyakula vya wanyama,” which means “I don’t eat animal products.”
5. Can I find vegan food near Nairobi National Park?
Yes, areas like Karen and Lang’ata have plenty of vegan-friendly cafés and restaurants. This makes it easy to enjoy plant-based food before or after your visit to the park.
6. Are Nairobi malls vegan-friendly?
Most malls, especially Village Market, Westgate, and Sarit Centre, have restaurants and cafés that offer vegan options.
7. Is vegan food in Nairobi expensive?
It depends. Local Kenyan food is cheap. Vegan cafés are mid-range. Upscale restaurants cost more, but they’re still reasonable compared to many cities worldwide.
8. Can I find plant-based milk in Nairobi supermarkets?
Yes — oat, almond, soy, coconut, and lactose-free options are widely available in larger supermarkets.
Conclusion: Your Final Vegan Nairobi Checklist
As a plant-based traveller in Nairobi, finding vegan food is easy. It’s not just possible; it’s also enjoyable and plentiful.
The city features a variety of choices. You’ll find classic vegan Kenyan dishes, new vegan eateries, health cafés, fruit markets, and supermarkets with a plant focus.
Before you go, here’s your quick checklist:
- Install HappyCow & save places on Google Maps
- Learn a few Swahili vegan phrases
- Explore Westlands, Karen, Gigiri, and the CBD
- Try local staples like ugali, githeri, and ndengu
- Visit markets for fruit and snacks
- Check menus in advance and ask for substitutions
