Nyama Choma, or grilled meat or often times grilled goat, is a scrumptious gem in East Africa. From my experience eating, I have formulated a few suggestions for ultimate satisfaction.
1. Meat
Most likely, unless you go to an ultra established renowned eatery (I wouldn’t recommend it), you will arrive at a roadside restaurant and get to choose your raw cut of meat. There will be a few goat carcasses hanging in the warm butchery and you will be faced with a decision that will make or break your nyama choma. Choose something that is not overly lean. The extra fat is much needed for the grilling process. I usually choose a chunk off the hind leg, almost always to please, with the right amount of fat to meat ratio.
2. Time
Expect to wait, don’t walk into a nyama choma joint and except to eat right away. Choose your meat, sit, relax, enjoy the smells, have a couple drinks, and lean back in your plastic chair and enjoy.
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3. Go With Friends
Closely related to the long wait, nyama choma should be a social event. There are some who go out to eat in solitude, but with a 1-2 hour wait, nyama choma is much more enjoyable with a good conversation.
4. Order Kachumbari
Sometimes there is a need to cut the straight all meat approach to eating nyama choma. Order a bowl of kachumbari which is diced tomatoes, onions, dhania (cilantro), and a couple of hot peppers. This garnish highly complements a piece of meat.
5. Wear Loose Clothing
I can’t stress this point enough, even though it is quite self explanatory. Elastic is highly beneficial when your stomach expands.
Relax, enjoy, have a great time
You are in East Africa, one of the greatest places on earth. Have a great time, enjoy it while it lasts.
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