A Taste of Nairobi Nights in Washington, D.C.: Swahili Village
Exploring the bold flavors of Kenya in the heart of the Capital.
At Swahili Village, ample portions accompany bold, vibrant flavors at reasonable prices.
Founded by Kevin Onyona and his wife, Lynn, Swahili Village serves authentic East African cuisine that showcases Kenyan culture. With three locations across the East Coast– Washington, D.C.; Beltsville, Maryland; and Newark, New Jersey– the restaurant has built a strong following.
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., this little corner of Africa offers traditional Kenyan dishes such as Nyama Choma (grilled meat often marinated in spices), as well as American dishes with a Kenyan twist, like the deep-fried Safari Wings. Of course, the foodie in me demanded I experience the best of both worlds.
To start off my dining experience, I ordered the Tropical Splash cocktail ($12). Loaded with black rum, pineapple juice and mango puree, the drink—yellow and orange in color—resembles a sunset across the African Savanna. The Tropical Splash is perfect for those who enjoy sweet cocktails and pairs well with the restaurant’s cozy ambience.
Tropical Splash Cocktail
Thursday evening is a great time to visit. There is no wait to be seated, entrees come out quickly, and the atmosphere is relaxing, with dim (but not too dark) mood lighting and Afrobeats, courtesy of the DJ. The music moves effortlessly through the room, setting a rhythm that invites you to unwind, sway in your seat and fully settle into the experience. It’s perfect for family outings, birthday dinners and date nights.
When visiting on a weekday, it's important to keep in mind that Washington, D.C. uses metered parking facilitated through the Park Mobile app. On the plus side, weekday parking is free after 6:30pm in the district.
Not long after ordering my drink, the appetizers arrived. I started with the Nyama Choma Bites ($22) and Safari Wings ($15). The Nyama Choma Bites were tender and juicy, served with refreshing Kachumbari—a mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro and fresh habanero pepper tossed in lime juice. The beef was seasoned so well that I didn’t feel the need to ask for any dipping sauces.
Nyama Choma bites and Safari Wings
Next up were the Safari Wings. I enjoyed this twist on the traditional buffalo wing appetizer. Deep-fried to perfection and marinated in a blend of Swahili spices, the wings were crispy (but not too hard) and packed with flavor. What really put them over the top was the Swahili Sweet Sauce they were tossed in. The sauce was sweet but also had a nice kick— something different.
Before I finished my appetizers, my entree had already been brought to the table. Some patrons may prefer more time between courses, but I don’t mind having everything served at once.
Time for the main event: three hefty Lamb Chops ($42) marinated in a garlic butter sauce and a mix of Swahili herbs and spices, served with my choice of two sides– Jollof rice and Cabbage. The lamb was cooked perfectly to my well-done specifications while remaining tender and juicy, delivering fresh, flavorful bites. The sauteed cabbage and shredded carrots complimented the lamb well, and the jollof rice was savory and satisfying. While I’m accustomed to the spicier Nigerian version, this Kenyan take on jollof rice did not disappoint.
Lamb Chops with Jollof Rice and Cabbage
If you’re like me and looking to spice things up, ask for a side of the restaurant’s famous Hot Pepper Sauce, also known as Pilipili. The sauce packs some serious heat and pairs best with grilled meats. Made from a variety of peppers, including chiles and scotch bonnets, the ingredients may vary depending on the region where it’s prepared.
I was very pleased with the service, atmosphere and overall quality of the dishes. The food arrived hot and beautifully presented. Unlike other restaurants in the area who prioritize aesthetics over taste, the food’s appeal did not stop at the eyes. Menu prices are reasonable given the generous portion sizes– I had more than enough leftovers from my starters and entree to enjoy at home during a late-night craving and bring into the office the next day.
All in all, Swahili Village is a fantastic spot for authentic East African cuisine. I will be back.
