Culinary diplomacy on display as Kenya and Thailand celebrate Thai food in Nairobi

Kenya and Thailand came together in Nairobi on Wednesday for the Thai Select Promotion, where authentic Thai cuisine showcased culture and strengthened connections.

The event, hosted at Thai Chi by Sarova in Lavington, brought together diplomats, chefs and culinary enthusiasts to celebrate Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.

Her Excellency Morakot Jane Mutrakorn, Thai Ambassador to Kenya, was accompanied by Natthapong Senanarong, Trade Attaché of the Royal Thai Embassy, and other officials.

The Thai Select certification recognises restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine worldwide, with over 1,700 certified globally.

In East Africa, five restaurants in Kenya and several in Uganda and Tanzania hold the certification.

“This event introduces people to how authentic Thai cuisine should be prepared and the health benefits it offers,” Mutrakorn explained.

“Through this, we hope people across East Africa will learn more about our dishes and culture.”

The festival coincided with Thailand’s Mother’s Day on August 12, celebrated in honour of the Queen Mother, revered as the “Mother of the Nation.”

Mutrakorn described her role in preserving Thai culture, handicrafts and cuisine, noting that Thai dishes reflect not only taste but wellness.

“Thai people view food as medicine, using herbs and spices to support health,” she added.

Dennis Kariuki, General Manager for Thai Chi by Sarova, detailed how the restaurant maintains Thai Select standards.

“We ensure authenticity through ingredients, menu selection and trained staff. Hosting this event allows us to introduce guests to genuine Thai culinary experiences,” he noted.

Mansur Juwani, CEO of GoPlaces, which promotes culinary tourism across the region, said authentic cuisine shapes tourism.

“Food is at the core of a traveller’s experience. Kenya and East Africa offer diverse culinary options, and events like this showcase international dishes alongside local flavours,” he observed.

Mutrakorn also spoke on broader cultural and business connections. “Thai restaurants in Kenya are mostly Kenyan-owned, allowing locals to engage with our cuisine while strengthening tourism and trade ties,” she said.

The embassy has collaborated with institutions like Utalii College to train chefs in authentic Thai cooking, further fostering cultural exchange.

Looking ahead, the ambassador discussed upcoming projects, such as the East Africa–Thailand Medical and Wellness Expo, which aims to share expertise in wellness, supplements, and traditional medicine.

“Thailand and Kenya can learn from each other, especially in integrating herbs and traditional medicines into public health,” she added.

The festival also gave Thai Chi by Sarova a platform to showcase its culinary standards and encourage future collaborations.