From exotic bakeries like Le Grenier à Pain which is pushing the city to new culinary heights to simple joints like Sidai Oleng that offer some of Kenya’s most authentic dishes, Nairobi (and its environs ) have  it all.

Today we look at some eateries that offer great food for less than 1300 Kshs :

Malindi Dishes -For Swahili Food

I’ve heard of rave reviews about Malindi Dishes located on Gaborone Rd, Nairobi, Kenya. And the best part is that I’ve gotten to dine in this restaurant and their food gives you the best of what the Kenyan coast has to offer in terms of cuisine.

In addition, the joint offers Oriental and Arabian cuisine.

 Azuri restaurant-For Western, Eastern and Central Kenyan Food

For ‘inland’ Kenyan food like Githeri and Matoke Azuri Restaurant opposite Tuskys Beba Beba seems to be the popular choice.

With a rating of 4.5 on Trip Advisor, the restaurant on 1st Floor Imenti House, Moi Avenue, Nairobi is the go to joint for the cheap thrills that come with food.

One user even wrote “I had chicken biryani for only Kshs.350. The food was alooot but also well cooked. I would definitely recommend it.” While another wrote “This place is nothing fancy, but I absolutely loved it! Grab a table outside, drink a huge cup of coffee or feed and enjoy!”

City Star Restaurant -For Somali Food

City Star Restaurant next to Nation Media Group house on Kimathi Street has hands-down the best Somali food, Ethiopian food and Swahili food I’ve ever eaten. For as low as 300 bob, you get to fill your stomach with one of the best foods in Nairobi.

On Trip Advisor, one reviewer wrote "My friends couldn't get enough of the camel meat and we came there every chance we got. The fresh passion fruit juice was amazing, my personal best. I got to try ugali and camel meat for the first time and trust me, it was great. I will definitely come back when i can."

Habesha- For Ethiopian food

For some, Ethiopian food especially Injera is an acquired taste but for those who know what’s popping in terms of Ethiopian food their go to joint is Habesha where a platter goes for 1000 bob. The joint is located at Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi, Kenya.

Quickmart and Tuskys -Chicken Wings and Boerewors-Dogs

Quickmart in Ruaka and Kahawa Sukari serves up some of the best wings on this side of the Sahara for as low as 180 Kshs with Tuskys serving up some of the best Boerewors dogs for as low as 100 Kshs. These two places offer a sumptuous snack for when the budget is super tight.

 ‘Mama Rocks’ For Burgers

According to foodies and just common folks like us who enjoy a good burger, the holy-grail of Kenyan gourmet burgers is ‘Mama Rocks’.

The brand aims at serving up gourmet burgers with street food freshness for less than 800 Kshs.

Their food truck is usually at The Alchemist Bar also known as the ‘Yard’ on Parklands Road, Westlands but during events like 'Safari seven's, the truck travels to serve up that gourmet burger goodness.

Ole Polos Country Club, Jiweke Tavern and Kamakis for Nyama Choma

It wouldn’t be a Kenyan Eats’ joint without Nyama Choma now would it? Lucky for most of us Nairobi and its environs offer some of the juiciest critically acclaimed meat joints in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ole Polos Country Club in Kiserian, Jiweke Tavern on Ngong’, Kamakis off Thika road along the Eastern Bypass and Kenyatta Road offer some of the best roast meat. And if you like your chicken, some Rumba music and a whole lot of brown leather jackets then Jambo Grill on Thika road is the go-to joint.

Mama Ashanti-For West African Food

Kenyans are still in the experimental phases of West African food but for the authentic taste of West Africa especially Jollof, Fufu, Ofada Stew, Ghanaian dish Waakye and Okra vegetable soup with goat meat, Mama Ashanti onMuthangari Gardens at  Lavington, Nairobi is the pace to go. The meals stated in the last sentence go for less than 1300, but there are meals that can even go up to 3,000 like the Mama Ashanti Platter for Two.

Sidai Oleng’ For Eccentric Kenyan food

Sidai Oleng' offers one of the strangest yet shockingly delicious foods in this country known as Kuku Mtungo (Chicken/boiled maize). The hotel is known for its strange platter of road-runner chicken, potato chips, maize, boiled eggs, cucumbers, arrowroots and tomatoes.

For what Kenya has to offer in terms of Travel, Check Out: 8 underrated but outstandingly beautiful Kenyan sites you should visit at least once in your lifetime