I love sitting and catching-up with friends among
plants and good food. Heartfelt menus, artisanal creations and nature-inspired
décor provide the perfect break for the city-weary amongst us and creates the
ideal weekend hangout.
The latest entry into Nairobi
I first heard about this intimate café and restaurant
from a friend who wouldn’t stop telling me about it, but after a recent visit
to the Kidawa Festival (watch us explore it on Our2Cents here), where they sold a
selection of fresh breads and homemade chili sauce – I was convinced a visit
was a must.
Conveniently located at 904 James Gichuru Road in
Nairobi’s leafy Lavington neighbourhood, its hand-painted sign tucked out of
sight when closed, a quaint family villa and its garden has been transformed
into a charming establishment with warm service and a small menu featuring all
your favourites from Eggs Benedict, to pasta, wraps, sandwiches, and even
burgers. For those looking for a departure from the obvious café menu options,
The Arbor also offers delicious Malaysian staples such as Laksa Noodles and
Nasi Pattaya, paying homage to the founder’s heritage.
Perfect for warmer days; sit out on the terrace
overlooking a small plant nursery where you can buy pots of herbs and even
carrots from their Veggie Patch for your home garden. Indulge in a momentary
escape as you sit in a swinging garden sofa. Dine under the large protective
branches of large, mature trees. Only a couple of months young, The Arbor is
poised to be one of Nairobi
What is Laksa?
Malaysian cuisine reflects its many cultural
influences focused on a mix of flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques
derived mainly from India , Thailand and China
The secret to any delicious Laksa is its flavourful
paste of dried and fresh chili, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, diced onions, fresh
turmeric, and a mixture of Asian herbs and spices – cooked thoroughly in oil to
release the fragrances of the ingredients. Depending on the variety, The Arbor finishes
their Laksa with creamy coconut milk and stock, and finally pours it over
noodles and garnishes with prawns, julienne vegetables and egg.
What is Nasi Pattaya?
Usually cooked in a smoking-hot wok, rice is fried
with vegetables, shallots, garlic and fish sauce. The Fried Rice is put aside.
Beaten egg is swirled in the wok until it forms a thin round omelet. The rice
is then placed on top and wrapped by the omelet into a pouch.
When you cut into the omelet pouch, steam traced with
aromas from the fragrant fried rice is released. Quite the experience. If you
like eggs and fried rice – this is a no brainer!
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