All about Barka hotel Mombasa, President Uhuru's favourite hangout

Piece by: Peninah Njoki
Lifestyle

It's no secret that President Uhuru Kenyatta loves Barka hotel in Mombasa and he never misses a chance to eat there whenever he travels to Mombasa.

Many might wonder why the most powerful man in Kenya would go eat at such a kawaida place.

Well maybe he is so used to mashakura and wants a change of diet.

Dishes served at the include viazi karai, mahamri, matobosha, muhogo wa nazi (cassava in coconut), viazi tamu (sweet potatoes dipped in coconut cream) mabokoboko (banana in coconut and sugar) among others.

The restaurant also opens early so customers can enjoy breakfast. It stays open late.

The hotel is also popular for its shawarma, grilled meat on skewers, attractively displayed outside the restaurant to attract more guests.

With all the 'important' people being served at the hotel, one might expect different classes of service, but that is not the case.

Management says it gives every guest the same excellent service, without class distinctions.

Below is a list of what to indulge in at Barka

Chicken biryani - Sh550

Mutton biryani - Sh550

Viazi Karai - Sh50              

Chicken pilau - Sh550

Mkate Mayai - Sh80                   

Mkate sinia - Sh80                  

Fish - Sh440 - 470

Fried meat  - Sh450

Juice per glass - Sh300

Tea - Sh80                        

Tamarind juice -  Sh150

Why does the hotel attract VIPs?

The hotel in Old Town is a few metres from the Central police station and presumably the security of guests is guaranteed.

The hotel management says quality services and food has made them a preferred venue in the CBD area.

The management also said Barka is the only hotel where its guests, including the political class, are guaranteed privacy.

The eatery has three lounges, including a common lounge, a VIP lounge and a VVIP lounge.

"Our taste has never changed, our services have remained the same and we have always maintained a clean environment," a manager said.