From Sushi to Ramen: Why Nairobi diners are exploring Japanese cuisine
By Valerian Khakayi, September 11, 2026Nairobi’s food scene has become increasingly diverse, giving diners more opportunities to explore cuisines from different parts of the world.
Japanese cuisine is among the international food cultures gaining attention in the city, with sushi and ramen offering two distinct ways for Nairobi diners to experience Japanese flavours.
While sushi is already familiar to many food lovers, ramen is also finding its place on menus and giving diners another option when exploring Japanese cuisine.
What is ramen?
Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish made with wheat noodles served in a flavourful broth.
The noodles are typically made from wheat flour and an alkaline ingredient called kansui, which gives them their characteristic firm and springy texture.
The broth forms the foundation of the dish and can be prepared using ingredients such as chicken, pork, fish or vegetables. Depending on the style, it may be seasoned with soy sauce, miso or salt.
A bowl of ramen can also come with a variety of toppings, including soft-boiled eggs, sliced meat, spring onions, mushrooms, seaweed, bamboo shoots and other vegetables.
For Kenyans who grew up eating noodles as a quick and convenient meal, ramen offers a different experience. Rather than being served simply as instant noodles, Japanese ramen is built around the combination of noodles, broth and toppings to create a complete meal.
Although ramen has roots linked to Chinese noodle traditions, it developed its own identity in Japan and became an important part of the country’s food culture.
What about sushi?
Sushi is another well-known Japanese food, but it differs significantly from ramen.
Rather than noodles and broth, sushi centres on specially prepared seasoned rice, which can be combined with ingredients such as raw or cooked fish, seafood, vegetables and seaweed.
Some varieties are rolled in nori, while others feature fish or seafood placed over a portion of rice.
For Nairobi diners, sushi can offer an introduction to Japanese cuisine through its variety, presentation and combination of flavours.
However, sushi and ramen appeal to different tastes. Sushi can be lighter and more varied in presentation, while ramen is a hot, hearty meal built around noodles and broth.
Why Japanese cuisine
The growing interest in Japanese food reflects Nairobi’s increasingly adventurous dining culture.
As restaurants introduce diners to international cuisines, Kenyans are getting opportunities to move beyond familiar dishes and experiment with new flavours, ingredients and ways of eating.
Ramen can also appeal to the Kenyan love for warm and filling meals. A steaming bowl of noodles, broth, meat and vegetables can feel familiar to someone accustomed to enjoying hot soups and hearty dishes, even though the flavours and preparation are distinctly Japanese.
From sushi rolls to ramen bowls, Japanese cuisine offers Nairobi diners different ways to explore the country’s food culture.
Whether one prefers the delicate presentation of sushi or the comforting warmth of ramen, both dishes are helping introduce more Nairobi food lovers to the diversity of Japanese cuisine.