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A True Taste Of Kenya
- 2 Center St Suite #174, Newark, NJ 07102

Restaurant ★4.0 (6)·$30–50

2 Center St Suite #174, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

4.0
Food was fire, the jollof was slightly dry but there was potential. The music is amazing ! Atmosphere was gorgeous. Waiting a long time for someone to take our order and bring the bill and wasn’t even crowded! - Briana Butler
A True Taste Of Kenya Overview Intro Detail Photos Location Reviews
$30–50 per person Reported by 6 people$20–30$30–50$50–100

A True Taste Of Kenya Introduce

For those in **New Jersey** seeking a truly authentic and vibrant international dining experience, **A True Taste Of Kenya** offers a culinary journey to East Africa right in the heart of **Newark**. This restaurant, known as **Swahili Village**, is celebrated for bringing the rich, diverse flavors of Kenyan and broader East African cuisine to America. It acts as a cultural bridge, offering an authentic taste that weaves together African, Arabian, Indian, and Persian flavors, all based on a unique blend of seasonings and traditional cooking methods.

The atmosphere at A True Taste Of Kenya is a powerful draw, described as both **casual, cozy, and trendy**. The ambiance is often noted as "gorgeous," with a lively spirit that is perfect for a social evening out. The venue offers a refined setting, sometimes featuring a bi-level space with a bar and areas ideal for special occasions. It is a destination spot, appealing to both **Groups** looking for a communal dining experience and **Tourists** eager to explore the diverse culinary landscape of **Newark, NJ**.

The menu is rich in **Comfort food** from the Swahili coast, with hearty stews, expertly seasoned meats, and flavorful side dishes. The restaurant is popular for **Lunch and Dinner**, and while service can sometimes experience delays, the quality of the food and the overall experience often make it a worthwhile destination. It stands out in the **New Jersey** dining scene by offering **Great cocktails** and a curated **Great beer selection**, perfectly complementing the spicy, robust flavors of the East African dishes.

Furthermore, A True Taste Of Kenya emphasizes its commitment to authenticity and community. The establishment is founded on a desire to create a clean, welcoming space that celebrates its heritage while often involving a charity-focused ethos, elevating the dining experience into a meaningful cultural exchange.

***

Location and Accessibility

A True Taste Of Kenya is conveniently located at **2 Center St Suite #174, Newark, NJ 07102**. This places it in a prime, easily accessible location within the downtown Newark area, close to major commercial and arts districts. Its central placement makes it an excellent choice for a wide audience across **North Jersey**.

Accessibility is a key feature of this location, particularly within the modern complex structure. The restaurant ensures a welcoming environment for all patrons by providing **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**. This focus on inclusive planning makes it comfortable for every guest. Given its downtown address, patrons are advised to utilize public transportation or nearby parking facilities common to the **Center Street** area of Newark.

The restaurant’s vibrant, central location means it is easily found and serves as a significant spot for both the local community and visitors looking to experience African hospitality and cuisine in a beautiful setting.

***

Services Offered

A True Taste Of Kenya is a full-service restaurant and bar, offering comprehensive options for various dining needs throughout the day and into the evening.

  • Full Dining Service: Guests are welcome to enjoy the full experience with comfortable **Seating** and **Table service** during **Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert**.
  • Reservation Acceptance: The establishment **Accepts reservations**, which is highly recommended for larger **Groups** or during peak dining times, ensuring a smooth experience.
  • Bar and Beverage Offerings: A full **Bar onsite** is available, featuring a comprehensive list of beverages, including a **Great beer selection**, **Wine**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor**.
  • Flexible Meal Options: The menu includes options for **Quick bite** and **Small plates**, perfect for appetizers or a less formal meal.
  • Takeout Service: For those on the go or preferring to dine at home, **Takeout** is available, offering the convenience of enjoying East African flavors anywhere in **New Jersey**.
  • Payments Accepted: All major payment forms are accepted, including **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.
  • Family Amenities: The restaurant is accommodating to families, providing **High chairs** for children.
  • Extended Hours: The venue often features extended operating hours, particularly on weekends, making it an excellent late-night dining and social spot in Newark.

***

Features / Highlights

The core appeal of A True Taste Of Kenya lies in its authentic cuisine, excellent bar program, and the elevated dining experience it provides.

  • Signature East African Dishes: The menu is built around traditional East African staples. Highlights include slow-cooked, tender dishes like **Oxtail Stew** and **Beef Stew (Nyama Mchuzi)**, often paired with traditional sides like **Ugali** or **Chapati**.
  • Char-Grilled Meats (Choma):** The grilling traditions of Kenya are well-represented with options like **Suya-Nyama Choma** (succulent beef cubes seasoned with Swahili spices) and **Grilled Goat (Mbuzi Choma)**, offering robust, smoky flavors.
  • Diverse Appetizers: Enjoy classic East African snacks such as **Samosas** (delicate pastry pockets), **Bhajia** (crispy potato slices in lentil batter), and traditional **Kenyan Sausages**.
  • Great Bar Program: The venue is highlighted for its **Great cocktails** and **Great beer selection**, which includes a curated South African wine selection and vivid, eye-catching cocktails crafted with African-inspired flavors.
  • Ambiance and Music: Customers often praise the inviting, beautiful **Atmosphere** and the amazing **Music**, which contributes to a lively and elegant dining experience.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu is naturally rich in vegetables and fruits, with dishes like **Red Beans (Maharagwe)** and **Lentils (Ndengu)** cooked in creamy coconut stew, ensuring options for vegetarian and vegan diners.

***

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or inquiries about the dining experience, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2 Center St Suite #174, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: (973) 494-7379

***

What is Worth Choosing A True Taste Of Kenya?

**A True Taste Of Kenya** is the premier choice in **New Jersey** for anyone seeking an immersive, high-quality East African dining experience. What makes it particularly worth choosing is the unparalleled **authenticity of the cuisine**, which goes beyond standard offerings to feature signature dishes like **Oxtail Stew** and perfectly seasoned **Nyama Choma**. The food is consistently described as "fire" and delicious, offering a rich and exciting array of flavors.

Beyond the food, the restaurant provides a sophisticated and lively **Atmosphere** with beautiful decor and amazing music, making it a perfect spot for celebrations, dates, or simply a vibrant night out. The extensive and highly-rated bar program, with its focus on **Great cocktails** and diverse drink selection, adds a significant element of enjoyment to the meal.

While some customers have noted occasional delays in service and mixed experiences with drink consistency, the overall draw—a cultural, authentic, and high-energy dining spot—remains strong. For **Newark, NJ** residents and visitors, this restaurant is a cultural and culinary destination, offering a unique opportunity to explore the delicious world of Kenyan and Swahili flavors in an elegant and accommodating setting.

A True Taste Of Kenya Details

  • Service options

  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Children

  • High chairs

A True Taste Of Kenya Photos

A True Taste Of Kenya Picture 1A True Taste Of Kenya Picture 2A True Taste Of Kenya Picture 3A True Taste Of Kenya Picture 4A True Taste Of Kenya Picture 5

A True Taste Of Kenya Location

A True Taste Of Kenya

2 Center St Suite #174, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

A True Taste Of Kenya Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 12 user reviews.

atmospheredinner

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1
  • Food was fire, the jollof was slightly dry but there was potential. The music is amazing ! Atmosphere was gorgeous. Waiting a long time for someone to take our order and bring the bill and wasn’t even crowded!

    December 01 · Briana Butler
  • My appetizer was Suya and the steak pieces had a lot of flavor but too much fat. My drink I sent it back they put too much mango puree it tastes like syrup. They made me another one it was also bad. I end up getting a Bahama mama drink and that was nothing but orange juice. The person making the drinks was not doing a good job. I told the waiter the drink was still too sweet and she told me I was wrong because she watch them make it. So I said ok nevermind . I was not trying to go back forth and my dinner was ok.

    February 16 · Layo
  • As an American Black man who appreciate culture and experiences, I received that and some dinning here . Im not from Jeresy but WHENEVER I'm back I will most definitely be going back , dressed to the NINES cause that's what their Giving !!!!!!!! 10/10 .Can't wait to go again !!

    July 17 · Justin Barker
  • It's a YES! The food, the service, the ambiance was all stellar.... Dinner was filling, the people were amazing and made us feel welcomed, and the atmosphere was so calming and intriguing to the eye. This is a definite must do again .

    November 14 · Vonetta Hawkins
  • Exceptionally fresh and authentic food. Beautiful decor, excellent service. Highly recommend.

    December 27 · Karen Wells

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