In an extraordinary celebration of Kenyan cuisine and brewing heritage, Tusker Beer Fest joined forces with Fairview Hotel to deliver a unique beer and meal pairing experience. This exclusive event showcased how iconic Kenya Breweries beers can elevate traditional Kenyan dishes, offering a modern twist on beloved flavors.
The event, curated by Chef Rami Saloum, Fairview Hotel’s Executive Chef, redefined the role of beer beyond a beverage to a versatile kitchen ingredient. Designed to inspire new festive season recipes, the menu featured innovative dishes where beer took center stage, from cocktails to desserts, blending seamlessly with Kenyan culinary traditions.
Culinary Innovation Meets Kenyan Heritage
Chef Rami Saloum emphasized the creative process behind the menu:
“This experience was about pushing boundaries and reimagining how beer can be used in the kitchen. We wanted to tell a story that celebrates Kenyan culture while offering our guests something fresh and exciting. Kenya Breweries’ diverse range of beers provided the perfect foundation to infuse bold flavors into every course.”
The event began with a bold and refreshing welcome drink, Tusker Malt infused with green chili, ginger, and fresh strawberry. Served in shot glasses rimmed with lemon and rock salt, this unique creation set the tone for an afternoon of culinary exploration.
Highlights of the Beer-Paired Menu
- Starter: Beer-Infused Mutura
The quintessential Kenyan street food, mutura, was elevated by boiling it in Tusker Lager before grilling to perfection. Accompanied by a rich beer reduction sauce and beer-soaked kachumbari, the dish was a favorite among attendees, perfectly blending tradition with innovation. - Main Course: Guinness Nyama Choma with Beer Ugali
The main dish featured goat meat marinated in Guinness and grilled to perfection. It was served alongside Tusker Lager ugali, a unique twist where the traditional staple was infused with malt for enhanced flavor. Beer kachumbari added a refreshing complement to the hearty meal. - Dessert: Poached Pears with Cream Anglaise and Beer Jello
The dessert brought the experience to a delightful close. Pears were poached in Manyatta Pineapple & Mint cider with warm spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. The flavorful cider was then used to create creamy anglaise and playful beer-flavored jello cubes, delivering a memorable finish.
Tusker’s Commitment to Celebrating Kenyan Culture
Speaking about the event, Brigid Wambua, Tusker Senior Brand Manager, remarked:
“Tusker has always been a part of Kenya’s social fabric, and this pairing experience was a new way to honor that legacy. By pairing our iconic beers with Kenyan meals, we showcased their versatility and encouraged consumers to experiment with beer in the kitchen during this festive season. This event exemplifies how Tusker continues to bring people together to celebrate shared pride and creativity.”
The Tusker Beer Fest and Fairview Hotel collaboration highlighted the boundless culinary potential of Kenyan traditions, emphasizing Tusker’s role in fostering creativity and community connection.
Try It Yourself: Beer-Inspired Recipes from the Event
Welcome Drink: Infused Tusker Malt
- Infuse Tusker Malt with green chili, ginger, and fresh strawberry for two days.
- Serve in shot glasses with a lemon rim and rock salt.
Starter: Beer Mutura
- Boil traditional mutura in Tusker Lager until cooked.
- Grill to perfection and reduce the remaining Tusker into a sauce.
- Serve with beer-soaked kachumbari (onions soaked in Tusker).
Main Course: Guinness Nyama Choma with Beer Ugali
- Marinate goat meat in Guinness and grill as usual.
- Prepare ugali with Tusker Lager malt, cooking it like traditional ugali.
- Serve with beer kachumbari.
Dessert: Poached Pears
- Poach pears in Manyatta Pineapple & Mint cider with cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom.
- Use the cider to prepare cream anglaise and beer-flavored jello cubes.
For those seeking new and exciting ways to incorporate beer into their meals, this experience provided a tantalizing introduction to beer-inspired cuisine—a celebration of Kenya’s rich culinary traditions and Tusker’s enduring legacy.