Photo credit: Andrew Gatere
Mombasa isn’t just where I grew up…it’s where my palate was shaped, where food meant community, and where every street corner carried flavor, so many memories, and rhythm.
This guide is my way of giving back to the city that raised me. ❤️
Instead of a generic restaurant list, I teamed up with my friend ChaQula, a Mombasa-based content creator and founder of a Mombasa street food tour, to share places locals actually eat…the snacks, stalls, and cafés that define (Coastarian) coastal food culture.
If you’re looking for authentic Swahili food in Mombasa, this is where to start.
Meet the Local Guide Behind These Picks: ChaQula
Meet Qamili aka ChaQula (@chaqula_). Qamili is a Mombasa street food expert who documents and curates the best bites across the island from hidden stalls to iconic snack spots.
🔗 Find her on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/chaqula_
Every place listed below comes straight from her local knowledge.
Mama Khadija’s – Classic Swahili Bitings in Kibokoni
📍 Location: Kibokoni (tell the tuk-tuk driver “next to Pijot Place”) Click for Map
⏰ Timing: Daily, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
What to try:
- Viazi Karai (deep-fried, spiced potatoes)
- Bhajia (crispy fritters)
- Fresh ukwaji (tamarind chutney) & coconut chutney
This is Swahili street food done right. The bhajias are crispy on the outside and soft inside, and the ukwaji sauce is unforgettable—tangy, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
📸 Photo credit: Khadija
📱 Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@dida_snacks
Mike’s Café – Legendary Swahili Snacks in Ganjoni
📍 Location: Ganjoni, Town Click for Map
⏰ Timing: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What to try:
- Kebabs (arguably the best in Mombasa)
- Chana Bateta (rich coconut-based chickpea & potato soup)
Mike’s Café is a local institution. The kebabs are crunchy, juicy, and perfect with lemon or coconut chutney. If you want something comforting and filling, the chana bateta hits every time.
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikes_cafe1
Café Ayaz – Snacks, Full Meals & the Warmest Hospitality
📍 Location: Town Click for Map
⏰ Timing: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What to try:
- Chana Bateta
- Maru Bhajia (thinly sliced potato fritters)
- Kebabs & samosas
- Honey garlic wings (don’t skip these!)
Café Ayaz blends classic Mombasa snacks with full meal options. The food is consistently good, and the service is even better—Ayaz and his team make everyone feel welcome.
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeayazmsa/
Lighthouse (ChaQula Approved)—The Ultimate Coastal Snack Stop
📍 Location: Town Click for Map
⏰ Timing: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What to try:
- Cold madafu (fresh coconut water)
- Cassava crisps with chili & lemon
This is pure coastal simplicity—refreshing, fresh, and full of flavor. Ask for Mwini (the one with the biggest smile). Locals know him; visitors remember him.
No Instagram, no branding, just great food and good vibes.
Why This List Matters
Mombasa food culture lives in its streets, its people, and its everyday rituals. These spots aren’t curated for tourists…they’re where locals eat, where flavors stay true, and where stories are shared over paper plates and plastic stools.
If you’re visiting, start here.
If you’re from Mombasa, you already know ❤️
This list is my love letter to the city that raised me and a thank you to the community that continues to feed, teach, and inspire.