A Day at Sea on a Lamu Dhow
The sea is still quiet in the morning; slowly waking up from its busy night of dreaming among the waves and the pull of the moon. We walk to the beach from Mkoko House, our eyes heavy with sleep, our moods picking up the pace; excited for our day on water. The dhow is hovering […]
Lamu Spice Cake & Swahili Chai
It’s Friday in Shela village, ljumaa, the day of rest and worship. Men dress up in their “friday best”, with long tunic-like kanzus and round embroidered kofias on their heads and women are busy preparing lunch for it is the day of pilau. After morning prayers, friends and family gather to tuck into this dish […]
Mkoko House BBQ Gambas
Your feet will get wet. You arrive by boat with all your airport gear, luggage, maybe even a hat for the sun, but the island laughs at your formality. The strong sea breeze knocks off your hat, the sand engulfs your toes, the salt water licks at your jeans. With your shoes in hand, you […]
The matchbox maharagwe thief
“If I could choose one dish to eat every day, it would be maharagwe.” “As a child, I used to sneak up to the boiling pot with an empty matchbox, choosing this over a spoon because I could fit more maharagwe into a matchbox!” Idi tells us with the biggest “tabasam” (smile in Swahili) you […]
