Bhajia Tasting Around Nairobi

Bhajias are deep fried potato and chickpea flour fritters. Originally from India, they have over the years become a very popular snack and street vendor offering in Nairobi. They are usually made with sliced potatoes that are coated in a lightly spiced chickpea flour batter and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. But some Bhajias can also be made of eggplants. They are served with an array of sauces.

I am a big fan of potato bhajias and I never turn down an opportunity to indulge. I've been keeping tabs on my bhajia gorging around the city and here are my thoughts on various bhajia spots around town.

Maru's Bhajia- Accra- Munyu Road

I've been eating bhajias at this place for years! My mum told me it was where she got her fix with her pregnancy cravings when she was carrying me. Haha! Guess this is where my love of bhajia stems from.

This tiny cafe along Accra-Munyu road has been in existence for decades. Legend has it that the original owner was a man named Maru. He had bhajia apprentices work under him for years and when he left for the UK, he let them take over the business.

His family still runs a shop by the name of Maru's Bhajia House, on Ealing Road, Wembley, London.

A plate goes for 150 served with Kachumbari/Tomato Sauce.

I was there last weekend and I noticed the quality of the bhajias was a bit iffy and that just makes me sad. Or...it was just a bad day at work. But don't take my word for it, try them out yourselves.

Marita's Bhajia

Located on Magharibi Place Mai Mahiu, Lang'ata road, Marita's bhajia is a popular fast food spot with some bomb bhajias. A serving goes for Ksh 250 but baaaaaaby….you'll have to make your order early enough because they're on demand and the waiting queue is crazy. Good thing is now they're on most food delivery apps. Be sure to try their pilipili sauce.

ChowPaty-Westlands

Their Bhajias have a distinct besan flour taste. Very filling. They're served with some of the tastiest mint chutney sauce you'll ever come across in Nairobi. A plate will set you back ksh 410. Again, the wait. It's excruciating but totally worth it.

Bhagwanji- Parklands

Located in Parklands, Highridge, Pramukh Swami Avenue, Bhagwanji's Mirchi Bhajias are delish! Served with chilli chutney, a generous serving goes for Ksh 300.

Maru Bhajia- Diamond Plaza Parklands

Not sure if this place has any relations to the first listing but boy, they have some tasty, crispy bhajias. I'm going to go out on a limb and say they have the best bhajias in the Westlands/Parklands area. I mean, just walk in any day around lunch time and you won't believe how packed this place is. I'm sure they've limited patrons in these COVID-19 times but their bhajias, I hear, still go for Ksh 300 a plate. Be sure to try their Ukwaju (tamarind) sauce.

*Image: KAPA