Pizza has become a beloved dish in Kenya, blending global flavors with local culinary traditions to create a unique dining experience.
From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the coastal towns of Mombasa, pizzerias and restaurants offer a wide variety of pizza options that cater to diverse tastes.
While classic Italian and American styles are widely available, Kenyan-inspired flavors such as nyama choma pizza and peri-peri chicken pizza have captured the hearts of locals.
Whether you prefer a traditional Margherita or a creative twist with local ingredients, the types of pizza in Kenya showcase the country’s growing love for this global favorite.
Types Of Pizza In Kenya
Pizza ranks among the most popular fast foods in Kenya, providing people across the country with a delicious and versatile meal option.
Kenyans enjoy pizza as a quick snack, share it with friends and family, or serve it at parties, making it an integral part of the country’s vibrant food culture.
Blending international classics with Kenyan-inspired creations, the wide variety of pizza options in Kenya satisfies all tastes and preferences.
This guide highlights the different styles, flavors, and unique toppings that define pizza in Kenya and offers tips on where to find the best choices.
The Rise of Pizza Culture in Kenya
Kenya’s love affair with pizza started with the introduction of international franchises like Pizza Inn and later expanded as local restaurants and eateries adopted this global delicacy.
Pizza’s adaptability to diverse ingredients and flavors makes it easy to integrate into Kenya’s culinary traditions.
Over the years, pizzerias have introduced innovative toppings like nyama choma (grilled meat), peri-peri chicken, and sukuma wiki (collard greens), making pizza a favorite for Kenyan palates.
Common Pizza Styles in Kenya
- Classic Italian Pizzas
- Italian-style pizzas, such as the Margherita or Neapolitan, are widely available in Kenya. These pizzas feature thin, soft crusts, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. They are often enjoyed for their simplicity and authentic flavor.
- American-Style Pizzas
- With their thicker crusts, larger slices, and generous cheese layers, American-style pizzas are a hit in Kenya. Popular toppings include pepperoni, sausage, and barbecue chicken, making these pizzas perfect for hearty appetites.
- Pan Pizza
- Commonly found in pizza chains like Pizza Inn, pan pizzas have a crispy crust and are slightly thicker than traditional Italian pizzas. This style is ideal for those who enjoy a bit more crunch with every bite.
- Stuffed Crust Pizzas
- Stuffed crust pizzas, filled with cheese or other ingredients like garlic and herbs, are gaining popularity in Kenya for their indulgent appeal.
- Thin-Crust Pizzas
- Thin-crust pizzas are perfect for those looking for a lighter option. These pizzas are crispy and often topped with fresh vegetables or gourmet ingredients.
- Dessert Pizzas
- As the Kenyan pizza scene evolves, sweet options like banana and chocolate or Nutella pizzas are making their way onto menus, offering a delightful end to a meal.
Popular Pizza Flavors in Kenya
- Nyama Choma Pizza
- This uniquely Kenyan creation pays homage to the country’s love for roasted meat. Topped with grilled beef, goat meat, or chicken, nyama choma pizza combines smoky, savory flavors with the richness of melted cheese.
- Peri-Peri Chicken Pizza
- Inspired by East African and Portuguese influences, this pizza features spicy peri-peri marinated chicken, red onions, and sometimes cilantro, delivering a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Pizza
- Vegetarian options are popular among health-conscious diners, with toppings like mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, olives, and spinach. Some restaurants even use local greens like sukuma wiki for an authentic Kenyan twist.
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Hawaiian pizza, featuring pineapple and ham, is widely available in Kenya. Some local variations replace ham with chicken or beef to cater to different preferences.
- Meat Lover’s Pizza
- Loaded with beef, chicken, sausage, and sometimes bacon, meat lover’s pizza is a favorite for those who enjoy protein-packed meals.
- BBQ Pizza
- Barbecue-flavored pizzas often feature grilled chicken or beef with tangy barbecue sauce. This flavor profile appeals to those who enjoy a smoky, slightly sweet taste.
- Seafood Pizza
- In coastal areas like Mombasa, seafood pizzas featuring shrimp, calamari, or fresh tilapia are popular, reflecting the abundance of fresh seafood in the region.
- Cheese Lover’s Pizza
- For cheese enthusiasts, this pizza is loaded with a mix of cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, or even local cheese varieties.
Local Innovations and Unique Toppings
- Sukuma Wiki Pizza
- Sukuma wiki (collard greens), a staple in Kenyan cuisine, is used as a topping for a distinctly Kenyan flavor. Often combined with beef or chicken, this pizza is both nutritious and delicious.
- Ugali-Inspired Pizza
- Some innovative chefs experiment with ugali, Kenya’s staple dish, either as a topping or as part of the crust. This creative fusion offers a uniquely Kenyan take on pizza.
- Tilapia Pizza
- Tilapia, a popular freshwater fish in Kenya, is occasionally used as a topping, particularly in regions near Lake Victoria or along the coast.
- Sweet Pizzas
- Dessert pizzas, featuring toppings like bananas, cinnamon, and chocolate, are gaining popularity, especially in Nairobi’s upscale restaurants.
Popular Pizza Brands and Restaurants in Kenya
- Pizza Inn
- One of the most popular pizza chains in Kenya, Pizza Inn is known for its “Terrific Tuesday” offer, where customers get two pizzas for the price of one. The chain offers a variety of flavors, including meat lovers, Hawaiian, and vegetarian.
- Domino’s Pizza
- Domino’s brings international favorites like Pepperoni Feast and Chicken Alfredo to the Kenyan market, along with localized options that cater to Kenyan tastes.
- Debonairs Pizza
- Known for its triple-decker pizzas and wide range of toppings, Debonairs offers both classic and innovative flavors.
- Local Pizzerias
- Nairobi and other cities boast numerous independent pizzerias offering handcrafted pizzas with unique toppings. Some of the best include 360 Degrees Pizza, Urban Gourmet Pizza, and Mambo Italia.
- Supermarket and Frozen Pizzas
- Many supermarkets, including Carrefour and Naivas, offer ready-to-eat or frozen pizzas, making it convenient for families to enjoy pizza at home.
Pizza Delivery and Online Ordering
The rise of online food delivery platforms like Glovo, Jumia Food, and Uber Eats has made it easier than ever to order pizza in Kenya.
Many pizza chains and local restaurants partner with these platforms, offering discounts and quick delivery to customers across major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Why Pizza is So Popular in Kenya
Pizza’s versatility is one of the key reasons for its popularity in Kenya.
It caters to diverse tastes, whether someone prefers a traditional Margherita or a bold nyama choma pizza.
Tips for Choosing the Best Pizza in Kenya
- Experiment with Local Flavors: Try Kenyan-inspired pizzas like nyama choma or sukuma wiki for a unique experience.
- Look for Deals: Take advantage of special offers like Pizza Inn’s “Terrific Tuesday” to enjoy great value.
- Consider Dietary Preferences: Many pizzerias offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options to cater to different dietary needs.
- Order from Trusted Brands: For consistent quality, stick to well-known chains like Pizza Inn or Domino’s.
- Explore Local Gems: Independent pizzerias often offer unique toppings and freshly made dough.