Advertisement

Mexican Restaurants in Kenya

Mexican cuisine in Kenya isn’t as common as Indian or Italian, but if you know where to look, you’ll find some surprisingly good spots, especially in Nairobi. Places like Soi in Westlands have quietly been serving up authentic tacos and fresh guacamole that locals swear by. And it's not just the usual Tex-Mex fare; some kitchens add unique twists using fresh Kenyan ingredients, like swapping out beef for Nyeri goat or using local chillies to amp up the heat.

One thing I’ve noticed is that Mexican food tends to get more popular during the cooler Nairobi evenings when sitting outside at a casual spot with a margarita just makes sense. If you’re new to the flavors, start slow,some cooks here don’t shy away from fiery sauces, unlike the milder versions you might be used to. Also, worth trying: the homemade tamales you might stumble on at bigger food markets like the Nairobi West Market.

My tip? Skip the chain-style places with generic menus and head to neighborhood joints in Kilimani or Lavington. You’ll find meals crafted with real care, and, often, it’s a chance to chat with the chef about what’s fresh that day. Plus, the staff often have great recommendations on local twists they’ve added. Mexican food in Kenya is a niche scene but definitely one to explore if you love bold flavors and fresh, simple ingredients.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Kenya:

If you're booking your trip to Kenya last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

A little foodie tip

If you’re wandering around Kilimani or Westlands hungry for Mexican, pop into smaller, less flashy spots. They’re often run by cooks passionate about real recipes and tend to serve dishes that aren’t overdone or too Americanized. I once found a tiny place serving tacos with fresh coriander and a squeeze of tangy lime that reminded me of trips to Mexico City. Also, meal times here matter,a lot of places get lively in the evenings and some even offer happy hour margaritas that won’t break the bank.

And a heads-up: some Mexican restaurants source their ingredients locally, so flavors can shift with the seasons. This means you might get a fresher, more unique taste than usual, which is a nice bonus in Kenya's food scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Mexican restaurants in Kenya? I’ve got answers from my own experience.

There’s a bit of both. While you’ll find some tex-mex style dishes on menus, certain places like Soi in Westlands try to keep it genuine with proper tacos and salsas made from scratch. Just ask them about what’s homemade.

For true tacos, I’d recommend checking out eateries in Kilimani or Westlands. They tend to have chefs who’ve spent time learning the recipes properly and use fresh local ingredients. Soi and some street food stalls during food markets are also great.

It can be! Kenyan cooks often use local chilli varieties that pack some heat. But if you ask nicely, they’ll tone it down. I usually tell them I want flavor without needing to chase the fire with water.

Tequila is fairly common in bars around Nairobi, especially cocktail spots that feature margaritas. Mezcal is a bit rarer but some upscale bars occasionally stock it. If you like your drinks authentic, ask about their Mexican spirits.

Yes! Many Mexican restaurants here will offer veggie tacos or quesadillas. Ingredients like beans, corn, avocado, and grilled veggies are popular choices. Just double-check if they use any lard or animal broth if you’re strict.

Tamales pop up sometimes at bigger food markets, like Nairobi West Market, but elote (grilled corn) is more of a local Kenyan snack. Still, some places have adapted street food styles well,you just have to explore a bit.

Explore Restaurants Categories

International (53 places) Kenya's food scene isn’t just about nyama choma and ugali. If you’re craving something a bit different, say sushi, pasta, or a good curry, there’s a surprisingly wide range of international restaurants here. Nairobi, in particular, has neighborhoods like Westlands and Gigiri where you’ll find everything from Japanese… Explore
European (28 places) Europeans in Kenya have played a significant role in shaping the country's rich cultural and historical landscape. From early explorers and settlers to contemporary expatriates, Europeans have contributed to Kenya’s development in sectors such as agriculture, commerce, education, and tourism. Many European communities… Explore
Cafes (25 places) Kenya's cafe culture is a vibrant blend of traditional and modern influences, offering visitors a delightful experience. From bustling urban coffee shops in Nairobi and Mombasa to cozy, rustic cafes in the countryside, Kenya showcases a rich diversity in flavors and ambiance. Many cafes proudly feature locally grown… Explore
Al Fresco (24 places) Al Fresco in Kenya offers a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy their meals outdoors, surrounded by the country's stunning landscapes. Whether it's a sunset dinner overlooking the savannah, a breakfast by the beach, or a secluded picnic in the forest, Al Fresco dining captures the essence of Kenya's rich… Explore
Indian (24 places) If you’re craving Indian food in Kenya, you’re in luck. Nairobi, Mombasa, and other cities have long-standing Indian communities, so authentic curries and dosas are easy to find. And trust me, it’s not all just the usual butter chicken or samosas you’ll find in tourist guides. There are places mixing local ingredients… Explore
Asian (22 places) Kenya's Asian restaurant scene is way more interesting than you might expect. Nairobi, in particular, has pockets where you can find everything from dim sum served traditionally in Westlands, to sushi bars that use local fresh fish. And it’s not just Nairobi,Mombasa’s coastal twist on Indian and Chinese dishes adds a… Explore
African (21) • Italian (21) • Seafood (20) • Chinese (19) •

Top Things To Do in Kenya

See All →

Top Things To Do in Kenya

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide ZimbabweMy Guide Saudi ArabiaMy Guide Sharm El Sheikh

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again