A First Impression of Al Nusra
When I first heard about Al Nusra, my initial thought was, “That’s a place for old people.” You might be wondering why I would think that way. In my mind, restaurants targeting younger people are usually located outside the town center. Al Nusra, however, is situated in the heart of Nanyuki town, on a street filled with business offices. All the reviews I had heard about this place came from older individuals.
My boda guy, who is probably in his mid-thirties, once mentioned that their coffee was the best he had ever tasted in Nanyuki. Another review came from a 50-year-old client, who claimed that their camel tea was so good, he must have it every time he visits Nanyuki.
Until recently, Al Nusra was surrounded by business centers, and its exterior looked like something that older people with “important” business meetings would appreciate. However, they recently introduced a shawarma booth, which is the first of its kind in Nanyuki. This change has started to attract younger customers.
A New Look and Feel
The decor at Al Nusra has undergone a transformation. The ground floor now features booths that are perfect for business meetings or family dates. The first floor includes both indoor and outdoor setups. The indoor area has booths, a dining table, and tables for two—ideal for romantic settings. The warm lighting, brown seats, and plants create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Despite these changes, the menu and the space remain family-friendly.
My first visit to Al Nusra was a quick breakfast date. I ordered a latte with mahamri. The latte was excellent—easily the best I’ve had in Nanyuki. I didn’t mention mandazi, as I love wheat but tend to avoid it unless I make the mahamri myself. In Nanyuki, many hotels claim to serve mahamri, but what they actually offer is mandazi full of yeast, which can lead to uncomfortable bloating.
A Solo Christmas Experience
My last visit to Al Nusra was on Christmas Day. I had a chicken shawarma and chips. The chips were well-cooked, offering a perfect balance between softness and crunchiness. The chicken wrap was decent, but the portion size was small. I was sitting between two families, and when the waiter brought my order, I was confused. That portion looked like a kids’ serving. To be fair, the price matched the portion size. The chicken wrap with chips costs Sh350, and I suggest they offer this as a kid’s plate, then introduce an adult version with a higher price.
All the food was well presented, showcasing good culinary skills. The platters are served on a sinia (a round tray), similar to how Swahili people serve their meals. The wraps were also well presented. However, the sauce on top made eating them difficult. I use my hands to eat, and so did the kids and other guests. I understand the importance of aesthetics, but the sauce should have been inside the wrap. Stacking the wraps on top of each other was a good idea, but the sauce should stay inside.
The Taste Test
My food arrived cold. The wrap was underwhelming. The chicken was well-cooked, and the vegetables were fresh, but that was it. There was no salt, no chili, no vinegar—just wheat, chicken, and lettuce. Given the chance, I would make two chicken shawarmas: one spicy and one non-spicy. The non-spicy version would feature well-marinated and seasoned chicken, with a sauce containing some vinegar or lemon.
I would also use cold, crunchier lettuce and season the wrap with either plain salt or add some oregano. A seasoned wrap, cold lettuce, hot chicken, and a tangy sauce would create a perfect balance.
The beverage of the day was masala tea. Operating like a 30-year-old, I ordered mild masala tea. The menu listed both mild masala and masala tea, so I asked the server about the difference. From my experience with Muslim and Indian friends, I know that when it comes to spices, going for medium is usually safer. I opted for medium, but the tea served was not what I expected. It had no masala in it, and it wasn’t even masala tea—it was camel tea. I have had camel tea before, and its taste lingers on your tongue.
I didn’t complain or ask for a replacement. First, it was Christmas, and with so many families around, the staff was either confused or exhausted. Second, I have weak knees. Camel soup and camel milk are said to help with bone health. I can confirm the bone soup. Do you want a recipe?
Who Should Visit Al Nusra?
On weekdays, Al Nusra attracts older people with important business to discuss. On weekends, it draws families, lovers, and those looking for authentic Swahili and Ethiopian dishes.
I haven’t tried their Swahili and Ethiopian dishes yet, but I saw some being served. I might be short-sighted, but I can recognize Pilau Njeri from afar. What Al Nusra served the couple next to me was something authentic. Karibu niwaambie wanigawie.
A resident of Nanyuki mentioned that as a small town, we tend to lag behind. In this case, she highlighted fashion items. Since the shawarma booth is a new addition, I’m willing to be lenient. There's so much potential, and I look forward to seeing what they offer in 2025.
I believe it’s best if we stick to what the restaurant is known for, what its name suggests, and what’s popular on the menu. The next time I visit, I would love to try any of their rice, Ethiopian dishes, or coffee.
Till next time, find me where the food is.