Nargis Kenyan Restaurant

Authentic Kenyan Flavors in Cozy Ambiance

Stepping into this unassuming nook in Old Southall offers a gastronomic detour straight to the heart of Kenya. The charmingly rustic decor may whisper that updates are overdue, but within those walls, the allure lies in the plate rather than the painted façade. The air is deliciously perfumed with hints of spiced meat and sweet pastries—a prelude to the feast awaiting. Although there’s been murmuring about inconsistent customer service, including mishaps with the famed samosas and delivery snafus, the atmosphere overall retains a benevolent, almost familial vibe thanks to staff that are generally amiable and eager.

The menu is a vivid tapestry of East African flavors, where dishes like Mishkaki skewers and Ugali pair seamlessly, painting a delightful picture on your palate. In particular, the Naan and Keema Chapati reflect the restaurant’s commitment to producing authentic, fresh fare that resonates as familiar and comforting as home-cooked meals—for those intimate with its origins. While the scene may not brook the elegance expected by die-hard aesthetes, it boasts a cozy intimacy punctuated by traditional aromas. Anyone within drivetime might contend for the best seat near its sunny window to savour scoops of daal bhajia with an obligatory side of laughter—believing firmly, if just for a while, in the legend within the layers of Kenyan charm layered across the room. — Audrey Al Dente