Zarda Café

Titan complex, mezzanine floor Chaka Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
+254 793 296606
$$$ Cafe
(211 Reviews)
Price Range KES 1,000–2,000

Nestled within the Titan Complex on Chaka Road, Nairobi, Zarda Café is a delightful haven for those seeking a taste of authentic Swahili cuisine. This charming café effortlessly combines the warmth of coastal culture with an inviting atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot for intimate dates, casual catch-ups, or even a productive business lunch.

As you step into Zarda Café, you are welcomed by an ambiance that exudes tranquility—a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With tastefully decorated interiors and soft jazz melodies setting the stage, you can’t help but feel at ease. The café is praised for its customer service, boasting friendly and attentive staff who truly enhance the dining experience, including the lovely wait staff member, Tracey, who has garnered multiple compliments for her exceptional service.

The heart of Zarda Café lies in its diverse menu, offering a splendid array of well-curated dishes, all prepared with love and freshly sourced ingredients. Start your day with the tantalizing Swahili Pancakes or indulge in the savory Maru Bhajia, a plate of crispy potato fritters that brings comfort and joy in every bite. For those who crave something scrumptious, the Chicken Biryani and Goat Biryani are must-tries, each lovingly cooked with rich spices that dance on your palate, perfectly complemented by aromatic rice. The Fish Biryani is especially noteworthy, with tender fillets bathing in exquisite flavors that leave you craving for more.

Vegetarians and coconut lovers are in for a real treat with dishes like the Coconut Beans cooked in aromatic coconut stew and the Mbaazi, pigeon peas simmered in a luscious sauce. Each dish is not just a meal but a vivid representation of Swahili heritage, allowing you to relish the coastal culinary traditions right in the heart of Nairobi.

Don't forget to try the special Tamarind Juice, a refreshing beverage that captures the essence of Swahili flavor, perfect to complement your meal. Zarda Café has truly made its mark as a hidden gem, thanks to the heartfelt testimonials from locals who sing praises of its wholesome offerings and homey feel.

Customer reviews reflect the sentiment of those who have found a special place in Zarda Café—from Emmanuel Kiniga’s appreciation of the café’s ambiance for dates to Wambui Maingi’s description of it as a 'quaint place with wholesome Swahili food.' Whether you are there for a family dinner, a casual meet-up, or just to unwind with a good cup of coffee, Zarda Café promises a memorable experience that will leave you yearning for your next visit.

With convenient parking and easy accessibility, Zarda Café invites you to explore the rich offerings of Swahili cuisine in a cozy setting that feels just like home. Discover why food lovers across Nairobi regard it as a culinary treasure!

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

211 Reviews
Emmanuel Kiniga

03 Oct 2025

I have trully enjoyed the food and ambience at Zarda. Great recommendation for someone looking for a quiet place for a date or even business meal. Serves ambience with excellent Swahili food (had lemon rice with samaki wa kupaka) Quiet, great interiors that brings with it the Swahili warm culture. Easily accessible Parking available Excellent services Also great coffee For lovers of coffee you will not be disappointed Promise Will definitely be back. Shukran team Zarda

Wambui Maingi

02 Oct 2025

This is a quaint place with wholesome Swahili food and warm hospitality. A true coastal taste experience and a hidden gem for sure. The food is as delectable as it looks.

Fern Fish Limited

01 Oct 2025

Awesome menu & service, freshly made, ambience top, jazz background, well lit. Recommend it any day

Hellen Nyasimi

20 Sep 2025

This place is so cutsey omg! The service is so amazing and quick. Tracey is such a sweet, polite and professional waiter. The food is delicious and homey! You should definitely try their tamarind juice! 100% recommend!!

chemutai kenei

16 Aug 2025

Zarda Cafe offers an array of favourite swahili dishes to delight the palate. Everything is freshly prepared with generous portions. I especially loved the kaimati, beans in coconut sauce and the beef mshkaki. Coffee lovers are in for a treat too. The ambience is inviting with a tasteful decor and, attentive and friendly staff. I highly recommend it, whether for family dinner, casual meet-up or business lunch. If you are unable to go physically, they offer delivery services so go ahead and indulge yourself. I will definitely be back.

Ramla Mohamed

12 Aug 2025

Great food, cozy vibe, and friendly staff. Everything was fresh and full of flavor. Will definitely be coming back!

Violet Otoki

29 Jun 2025

The ambience draws you in from the start! Perfect warm lighting. Rich and flavorful coffee. I had goat biriani, and it was amazing!

Jacqueline R. Nkumba

19 Jun 2025

Feasting on Zarda food is always a delight. It's my go-to place, especially when I have guests at home and little time to cook. They never disappoint. The food is very tasty - authentic Coasterian food, and their portions are generous. Apart from the usual favorites (biryani, pilau, coconut fish, curries..), I tried the Swahili porridge (Uji wa ngano). My! Oh my! What a pleasant surprise that was! Will definitely be having more of that often. I'd also highly recommend the snack - mahamri, samosas, and viazi karai. I recently went to their new location in Kilimani and absolutely loved it. Very warm and inviting ambience. The owner's passion for his business and clientele is quite evident.

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