Located in the heart of Westlands, Nairobi Street Kitchen offers a thrilling street-food market-style experience that takes inspiration from innovative and creative dining concepts worldwide.
This extraordinary establishment provides visitors with an unforgettable adventure, where they can savor an extensive range of global food and drink options, explore artisanal merchants, and immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere enriched by live bands and locally curated art.
Every aspect of Nairobi Street Kitchen’s space has been meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable experience.
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From the captivating street-art murals that grace the walls to the breathtaking upcycled and reclaimed interiors, the venue exudes an energetic and inviting ambiance.
The open-air terraces provide an additional allure, offering a serene place to relax and relish the bustling surroundings.
Nairobi Street Kitchen boasts a diverse selection of 11 dining, bar, and entertainment options, each providing a unique and distinctive experience.
Among these establishments are The Nood, Si Senor, Bird Exchange, Desi Loco, Fire & Dough, Spilt Milk, 68 Library, Buttr’dBuns, the NSK Bar, and the Roof Top Bar, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of flavors and atmospheres.
The owners’ background and expertise
Nairobi Street Kitchen is owned by Alyana and Alyssa Popat, who are members of the Simba Corp family empire.
The Simba Corp empire, founded by their father Adil Popat, includes Simba Corp Hospitality, which oversees renowned establishments such as Olare Mara Kempinski and Villa Rosa Kempinski.
Within the Simba Corp empire, Alyssa holds the role of Head of Projects and Facilities, while Alyanna serves as the Marketing Manager for Simba Hospitality.
The construction of Nairobi Street Kitchen, a state-of-the-art facility, was a collaborative effort with Studio EM and took four years to complete.
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Drawing inspiration from worldwide sources, the design of Nairobi Street Kitchen manifests as a vibrant and bustling environment adorned with mesmerizing murals and artworks.
The sisters commissioned local artists to contribute to the artistic works in the street kitchen, with influences drawn from the popular local band, Sauti Sol.
“We didn’t exactly tiptoe into the East African market, rather, we jumped in and landed with a thud, thanks to the support from a really ambitious client. It was such an amazing project to work on with a fantastic client in Alyana and Alyssa who also put their own unique spin on the project, the results are just awesome and we look forward to doing even more in the region,” stated founder and creative director of Studio EM, Emma Stinson.
The concept of Nairobi Street Kitchen embraces elements of Mexican culture, highlighting the provision of exquisite outdoor experiences. Alyana and Alyssa’s passion for diverse cuisines from various cultures worldwide fueled their desire to create this culinary haven.
Nairobi Street Kitchen employs a team of workers aged between 18 and 32, providing them with a training program where they can develop a diverse range of skills.
From pasta-making to meat smoking to kombucha production, staff members gain an understanding of various culinary concepts, enhancing their expertise.
Although the establishment faces challenges in a male-dominated field, including governmental restrictions impacting their business operations, Nairobi Street Kitchen has gained widespread popularity, attracting celebrities and political figures, including President Uhuru Kenyatta.
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Despite the obstacles encountered, Alyana and Alyssa embrace the opportunity to create a unique and accessible space, distinct from the upscale Kempinski establishments associated with their family empire. They strive to foster a friendly atmosphere, offering competitive pricing while continuously innovating to meet the demands of their clientele.