Local food map Diani Beach (Kenya)
Diani Beach guides
Recipes 3
Pick a recipe
All Diani Beach recipes
🐟
Main course Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥580kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾22gCarbs
🥑38gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🐟 Fish

Samaki wa Kupaka

How to order / say it
Say it Samaki wa Kupaka — [sa-ma-kee wa ku-pa-ka]
Order Could I have the fish in coconut sauce?
Locally Naweza kupata samaki wa kupaka?
Say locally

Grilled fish coated in a rich coconut curry sauce.

Why try it?

This dish is a symbol of the fusion between Swahili and coastal flavors, highlighting the abundant seafood of the region. It's a must-try for an authentic taste of Diani Beach.

How it tastes

The fish is tender and flaky, enveloped in a creamy, aromatic coconut sauce with hints of turmeric and coriander. It's often served over rice with a side of vegetables.

Origin & History — first documented: 1880

Samaki wa kupaka has its roots in coastal Swahili cuisine from the late 19th century, when coconut and spices became widely used. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved staple in Diani Beach, reflecting the area's rich cultural exchanges.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🐟 500 g whole fish
  • 🥛 400 ml coconut milk
  • 🧂 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 🌿 2 tbsp coriander
  • 🍋 1 lime
  • 🧄 3 garlic cloves

Method

  1. 1 Clean and season the fish with lime, salt, and turmeric.
  2. 2 Grill the fish for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
  3. 3 In a saucepan, mix coconut milk, garlic, turmeric, and coriander.
  4. 4 Simmer the sauce until thick, then pour over the grilled fish.
All Africa recipes — Kenya — Diani Beach — Samaki wa Kupaka
keyboard_arrow_up