National Dish of Kenya Sukuma Wiki

Servings

4 Person

Prep Time

10 Min

Cook Time

20 Min

Total Time

35 Min

1 lb.
kale
2
medium tomatoes (diced)
1
large white onion (peeled and diced)
1 tbsp.
peanut / vegetable oil
1 tsp.
cumin
½ tsp.
ground coriander
½ tsp.
saffron powder
1 ½ tsp.
kosher salt
3 tbsps.
Lemon juice
1 cup
water
Freshly ground black pepper

Sukuma Wiki is one of Kenya’s national dishes. It is essentially braised greens and tomatoes. Traditionally, kale, spinach, or collard greens are used which makes this dish very nutritious. The name of the dish is actually a phrase that means to “stretch the week,” in Swahili. Sukuma Wiki is eaten with other Kenyan dishes such as ugali and roasted meat or fish.

Directions for Preparing Sukuma Wiki

  1. Rinse the kale in cold water, then chop it into one-inch pieces, including the ribs.
  2. Heat the oil in a deep pot or wok, then add the diced onions.
  3. Sauté the onions for about eight (0:08) minutes on medium-high heat until soft.
  4. Add the coriander, cumin, saffron powder, diced tomatoes, spices, onions, and chopped kale (one handful at a time), stirring continuously so that each set is well seasoned.
  5. After all the kale has been added to the pot, add the salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Add one cup of water to the pot.
  7. Place the lid over the pot and reduce the heat to medium-high.
  8. Let the kale cook for about fifteen (0:15) minutes or until tender.
  9. Remove the lid and turn off the heat.
  10. Add the lemon juice to the kale and toss it together.
  11. Serve the Sukuma Wiki with extra diced tomatoes on top, ugali, and any type of roasted meat or meat stew.

National Dish of Kazakhstan |

Sukuma Wiki is one of the national dishes of Kenya and a staple of everyday Kenyan meals. The name sukuma wiki comes from Swahili and translates to “stretch the week,” reflecting the dish’s role as an affordable, filling food that helps households make meals last longer.

The dish is traditionally prepared using leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, or spinach, slowly braised with onions and tomatoes. These vegetables are widely grown across Kenya, making Sukuma Wiki both accessible and highly nutritious. Its simplicity allows it to be cooked quickly while still providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Sukuma Wiki developed as a practical accompaniment rather than a standalone dish. It is most commonly served with ugali, a maize-based staple, and paired with roasted meat, fish, or meat stews when available. Because meat can be expensive, the greens often take center stage, reinforcing the dish’s reputation for economy and nourishment.

Today, Sukuma Wiki is eaten across all regions of Kenya, from rural homes to urban restaurants. It represents resilience, simplicity, and the importance of plant-based foods in Kenyan culinary culture.

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