In Shona language of South Africa, munyu is salt. Among the Luhya of western Kenya, munyu or munyu musherekha is a traditional lye/salt made from burning and then leeching the ash of certain dry plant matter. Likhubi in Luhya (scientific name Vigna unguiculataa; common name cowpea in English and kunde in Swahili) is a traditional … Read more
In this recipe of a medley of Luhya traditional vegetables, you’ll see: Lisebebe (pumpkin leaves -Cucurbita sp.), inderema (Indian spinach – Basella alba), miroo (sunnhemp – Crotalaria brevidens), mrenda (jute plant – Corchorus olitorius), tsimboga or tsimboka or livogoi (Amaranthus species). Watch Video
In Maragoli language, bananas (the fruit or food) is known as ligomia. Magomia is what we call the banana plantation itself. In our culture, a seasoned eye can look at the stem, leaves or poise of magomia and come to a conclusion to which ligomia it will bear. Ligomia can be: mulalu (good only for … Read more
Lifwafwa/sikayangaya/linyoronyoro/linyolonyolo is an ever green plant that is today considered more of a weed than an easy to vegetable that our grandfathers loved to hate. It grows in fertile soils and spreads fast when the land is tilled. I remember growing up mum would insist that when tilling land, to be particular with lifwafwa. She … Read more
When making traditional Luhya beer, one needs the best quality traditional yeast, known as limela (pl. kamamela) in Bukusu language, they can find. This traditional yeast can be made from either sorghum or millet depending on availability, preference and financial ability. How to make the traditional Luhya yeast limela (pl. kamamela) The business of kamamela … Read more
Going vegan? Here’s our curated list of seven delicious traditional Luhya vegan dishes to try out. With love, from the Luhya of Kenya, bubwoba to mrenda, tasty nutritious choices for a vegetarian diet. When I try recalling my late grandfather’s diet, I realize that animal protein was if present in traces. He didn’t do milk … Read more
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. In this informative article, we take a look at Luhya rules of eating chicken. We share these rules to help you avoid cultural faux pas so that you can enjoy chicken in a way that respects and celebrates it as a much beloved Luhya delicacy. Please your … Read more
In Kenya termites, as food, is considered a uniquely Luhya thing. As such, some have termed termites a bizarre food choice. It’s a lazy take that betrays ignorance on the nutritional benefits of termites. Further, the insipidness of such a take on a gourmet Luhya delicacy leaves a bad taste. I find the promise of … Read more
How to make aged beef the Luhya way video and recipe. The aged beef a type of the Luhya delicacy enyama esike, is a special meal reserved for special guests. When served, acknowledge your host’s reverence of being honored by your presence. Because, basically they are sharing with you the very best of their granary. … Read more
You read that right, here the rules to serving ugali the Luhya way sans careless cultural faux pas. Oh, yes! There are rules to serving ugali, the Luhya way. Khukabula busuma and all the secrets to hosting a Luhya in a way that will make them feel not just completely honored, but at home too. … Read more
