Swahili Village - Washington, D.C. Menu (Update 2025)

Welcome to Swahili Village - Washington, D.C., where the rich culinary traditions of East Africa come alive. Nestled in the heart of D.C., this vibrant restaurant invites you to explore a menu that embodies the essence of Swahili cuisine.

  • Salmon Oven-Baked Fillet: Delight in a luxurious experience with tender salmon, seasoned to perfection and paired with a buttery sauce, making it a seafood lover’s paradise at $40.
  • Mbuzi Mchuzi (Goat Stew): A heartwarming classic, slow-cooked and infused with aromatic spices, creates a comforting meal priced at $34.
  • Kenyan Sausages: These authentic sausages come alive with rich flavors, complemented by a tangy dipping sauce for just $10.

Round off your meal with the indulgent Chocolate Cake or the crispy Ndizi Kaanga (fried sweet plantains), and let the ambiance sweep you away. Each dish at Swahili Village is a celebration of flavor, culture, and exceptional hospitality.

Drinks

Jam Jar Sweet White

A playful blend bursting with sun-kissed tropical fruit flavors and a hint of sweetness that dances on the palate

Indaba Chardonnay

Crisp and fresh with notes of ripe pear and a whisper of vanilla, this chardonnay is a refreshing companion to any meal

Indaba Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty and vibrant, with bright citrus notes and a crisp finish that leaves a refreshing tingle

The Curator White Blend

A harmonious blend of chenin blanc, chardonnay, and viognier, offering layers of stone fruit, citrus, and a touch of spice

Jam Jar Sweet Red

Sweet and juicy, bursting with ripe berries and a hint of dark chocolate-perfect for those who love a sweeter red

Indaba Merlot

Smooth and velvety, with rich flavors of plum, cherry, and a hint of mocha, making every sip a luxurious experience

Indaba Mosaic Red Blend

A well-rounded blend of dark fruit, spice, and oak, creating a symphony of flavors that linger on the palate

The Curator Red Blend

Complex and bold, this blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre, and Cinsault offers deep berry flavors with a touch of earthiness

Apothic Red

A daring blend of rich dark fruit, mocha, and spice, with a smooth, lingering finish

Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon

Robust and full-bodied, with layers of dark fruit, cassis, and a hint of tobacco-an ideal choice for red wine lovers

Glenelly Cabernet Sauvignon

Elegantly crafted, offering deep blackberry and plum flavors with a refined, smooth finish

Ruffino Prosecco

Bubbles of joy! Fresh and fruity with flavors of apple and citrus, this prosecco is perfect for celebrating any moment

Cupcake Rose

Light and breezy, with notes of fresh berries and a subtle hint of citrus-perfect for a sunny day

Graham Beck Brut Rose

A sparkling celebration in a glass, with notes of strawberry and raspberry that make every sip feel like a special occasion

Kanonkop Kadette

Kanonkop Pinotage

A true south African gem, with deep flavors of black cherry, plum, and a hint of smoky earthiness

Apothic Rose

A daring rose with bold flavors of ripe strawberry and watermelon, balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish

Moet & Chandon Imperial Nectar Rose

Luxuriously sweet with vibrant flavors of red berries and a delicate mousse, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things

Stella Artois

A sophisticated and refreshing belgian lager with a crisp, slightly bitter finish

$8.00

Miller Lite

A light beer with a smooth, refreshing taste that's perfect for any occasion

$8.00

Yuengling

America's oldest brewery offers this classic lager with a rich amber color and a well- balanced flavor

$8.00

Snake Dog

A bold IPA with strong hoppy flavors and a citrusy finish, perfect for the adventurous beer lover

$7.00

Blue Moon

A Belgian-style wheat ale with a hint of orange peel and coriander, served with a slice of orange for the perfect touch

$8.00

Seasonal Ask Server

Ask your server about our rotating selection of seasonal drafts, crafted to bring out the best flavors of the current season

$9.00

Chapman

A refreshing blend of grenadine, lime juice, and orange bitters, balanced by the sweetness of Sprite, fresh lemon, and lime. Served with a splash of gin and a cool cucumber garnish for a taste that's both vibrant and satisfying

$18.00

Flaming Margarita

This fiery twist on a classic margarita combines tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice with a splash of pineapple. Topped with a 151-float that's set ablaze, it's an unforgettable cocktail experience

$18.00

Smoking Thunder

Overproof rum meets triple sec, lime juice, and a hint of sweetness, served with a dramatic flame-stopping ice chunk for a cocktail that brings the thunder

$18.00

Mango Mojito

A tropical escape in a glass, with rum, triple sec, and mango puree, muddled with fresh mint, and topped with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing finish

$18.00

Tropic Infusion

A layered paradise of white rum, spiced rum, coconut rum, blue curacao, grenadine, and a medley of tropical juices. A perfect infusion of island flavors

$16.00

Sangria

Choose red or white wine, mixed with fresh pineapples and oranges for a fruity, refreshing sip

$16.00

The Homeland

A powerful blend of vodka, gold tequila, gin, rum, and triple sec, with a tropical twist of mango puree for a cocktail that's both strong and sweet

$16.00

Tropical Splash

Dive into the flavors of black rum, pineapple juice, and mango puree for a splash of tropical delight

$12.00

Tamu

A sweet and fruity mix of coconut rum, melon schnapps, and peach puree that's as delightful as it is delicious

$14.00

Heaven's Nectar Martini

A heavenly combination of gin, orange liqueur, and peach schnapps with a rich peach puree for a martini that's pure nectar

$14.00

Swahili Tini

An exotic blend of patron XO cafe, triple sec, and amarula, creating a creamy, coffee- infused treat that's truly unique

$16.00

Ginger Beer

Spicy, bold, and refreshingly fizzy, this ginger beer packs a punch

$7.00

Soda Products

All carbonated soda beverages

$8.00

Chai Tea

Masala or extra ginger, this spiced tea is a warm and aromatic escape from the ordinary

$8.00

Cappucino

$8.00

Cafe Latte

$8.00

Cranberry Juice

$8.00

Pineapple Juice

$8.00

Orange Juice

$8.00

Pink Lemonade

$8.00

Chapman - Non-Alcoholic

Non-alcoholic version without the gin

$10.00

Virgin Frozen Cocktails

$14.00

Samosas

Delicate, hand-crafted pastry pockets filled with spiced ground beef, seasoned to perfection with traditional Swahili spices. Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, offering a taste of East Africa in every bite

$10.00

Chicken Wings

Juicy chicken wings marinated in a blend of swahili spices, grilled or deep-fried to your liking. Served with our signature Swahili sweet sauce for a perfect balance of savory and sweet

$12.00

Kenyan Sausages

Authentic farmer's choice sausages from Kenya, known for their rich, savory flavor and perfect blend of spices. A true taste of home, served with a side of tangy dipping sauce

$10.00

Bhajia

Crispy, golden potato slices lightly coated in a seasoned lentil batter with bell pepper and fresh cilantro. A classic Swahili snack that's crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside

$8.00

Swahili Basket

A delightful assortment of east African flavors featuring samosas, bhajia, and Kenyan sausages. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, this basket is a journey through Swahili street food

$13.00

Nyama Choma Bites Suya

Succulent, bite-sized cubes of beef, marinated in a blend of Swahili spices and char-grilled to perfection. A smoky, flavorful appetizer that embodies the essence of East African barbecue

$18.00

Mbuzi Bites Goat

Tender chunks of goat meat, marinated and char-grilled to bring out deep, robust flavors. Sauteed with onions and a special blend of Swahili spices, offering an authentic taste of East Africa

$18.00

Samaki Fillet Bites

Delicate tilapia fillet chunks, deep-fried until golden and served in your choice of a rich coconut curry sauce or sauteed with onions and cilantro. A flavorful and aromatic start to your meal

$18.00

Kuku Choma Grilled Chicken

Juicy chicken breast marinated in a blend of aromatic Swahili spices, then char-grilled to perfection. This dish delivers a smoky, savory flavor with a touch of East African tradition in every bite

$30.00

Kuku Curry Curry Chicken

Tender chicken slow-cooked in our rich, signature curry sauce, infused with a medley of traditional spices. This dish offers a harmonious balance of warmth and depth, bringing the comforting flavors of Swahili cuisine to your table

$30.00

Samaki Kaanga Whole Tilapia

A whole tilapia, expertly deep-fried with the bone to preserve its rich flavor. This traditional Swahili dish offers a crispy, golden exterior with tender, succulent fish inside, perfect for a true taste of East Africa

$34.00

Samaki Tilapia Fillet

Choice of deep-fried tilapia fillet chunks served in a rich, creamy coconut curry or sauteed with onions and fresh cilantro. Each option provides a unique and flavorful experience, highlighting the versatility of Swahili cuisine

$32.00

Samaki Wa Nazi Whole Tilapia

Whole tilapia deep-fried to crispy perfection, seasoned with authentic Kenyan spices, and finished with a luscious coconut sauce. This dish offers a delicious blend of crunchy and creamy textures, with the bold flavors of east africa

$35.00

Samaki Wa Mchuzi Whole Tilapia

Crispy, deep-fried whole tilapia seasoned with a special blend of Kenyan spices and finished with a flavorful masala sauce. This dish combines the richness of masala with the freshness of tilapia for a truly satisfying meal

$35.00

Red Snapper

A whole red snapper, carefully seasoned and pan-seared before being slow-baked to perfection. Served with a medley of mixed vegetables and a special blend of spices, this dish is a true culinary experience that captures the essence of Swahili coastal cooking

$45.00

Salmon

Oven-baked salmon fillet, delicately seasoned with Swahili spices and finished with a rich butter sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, making it a sophisticated choice for seafood lovers

$40.00

Nyama Choma Suya

Succulent beef cubes, marinated in a blend of authentic Swahili spices and char-grilled to perfection. This dish offers a smoky, robust flavor, capturing the essence of traditional east African barbecue

$34.00

Nyama Mchuzi Beef Stew

Tender beef, slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful stew infused with Swahili village's signature blend of spices. This hearty dish is a comforting taste of east African home-cooking, with deep, savory notes that warm the soul

$32.00

Nyama Kaanga

Char-grilled beef cubes sauteed with fresh onions, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant cilantro. This dish combines the smoky flavors of grilled meat with the bright, zesty notes of sauteed vegetables, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal

$34.00

Oxtail Stew

Rich, tender oxtails slow-braised to perfection in a savory Swahili spice blend. This stew is a luxurious and flavorful dish, with melt-in-your-mouth meat surrounded by a rich, comforting broth that showcases the depth of Swahili cuisine

$38.00

Lamb Chops

Three succulent lamb chops, marinated in a rich blend of garlic butter, thyme, and a secret mix of Swahili herbs and spices. These chops are pan-seared to lock in the flavors and then slow-grilled over an open flame, creating a tender, juicy dish with a perfect balance of smoky and savory notes

$42.00

Mbuzi Choma Grilled Goat

Marinated chunks of goat meat, expertly char-grilled to a smoky perfection, then sauteed with onions for a burst of flavor. This dish showcases the traditional Swahili method of grilling, offering a rich and savory taste of East Africa

$38.00

Mbuzi Mchuzi Goat Stew

Tender goat meat, slow-cooked in a deeply flavorful stew infused with Swahili village's signature blend of spices. This hearty dish is a comforting and aromatic experience, bringing the rich culinary traditions of East Africa to your table

$34.00

Mbuzi Kaanga Grilled Goat

Juicy, marinated chunks of goat meat, char-grilled for a smoky flavor, then sauteed with onions, ripe tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. This dish combines the bold flavors of grilled goat with the brightness of sauteed vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful meal

$38.00

Goat Supu

A nourishing goat soup, slow-cooked with onions, carrots, and greens to create a rich and hearty broth. Available on Saturdays and Sundays only, this traditional Swahili soup can be ordered with an extra kick of spice for those who love a bit of heat

$18.00

Dengu Plain Lentils

A hearty stew of slow-simmered lentils, infused with rich coconut milk and traditional Swahili spices. On its own as a satisfying, flavorful option

$12.00

Dengu Meal Lentils

A hearty stew of slow-simmered lentils, infused with rich coconut milk and traditional Swahili spices. This comforting dish with your choice of two sides for a complete meal

$24.00

Maharagwe Plain Red Beans

Tender red beans cooked to perfection in a creamy coconut stew, enhanced by a blend of Swahili spices. Without sides for a lighter, yet still satisfying, experience

$12.00

Maharagwe Meal Red Beans

Tender red beans cooked to perfection in a creamy coconut stew, enhanced by a blend of Swahili spices. Choose to enjoy this dish with two sides for a full and nourishing meal

$24.00

Group Platter

Serves 5. A generous feast designed to serve five people, featuring a delicious assortment of char-grilled goat, beef, and chicken. This platter is accompanied by traditional sides, including tender collard greens, sauteed spinach, and flavorful cabbage, along with authentic Ugali and soft, flaky chapati. Garnished with fresh kachumbari, this platter offers a true taste of Swahili cuisine, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Sides can be substituted to suit your preferences

$145.00

House Salad

A refreshing blend of fresh mixed greens, juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, and plump raisins. This simple yet satisfying salad is perfect as a light starter or a healthy side, served with your choice of ranch or Italian dressing

$14.00

Samaki Fish Salad

Crisp mixed greens topped with tender chunks of tilapia fillet, juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, and raisins. This salad offers a delightful combination of freshness and rich flavor, served with your choice of ranch or Italian dressing

$20.00

Kuku Chicken Salad

Fresh mixed greens are paired with juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, and raisins, then topped with tender, grilled boneless chicken. This hearty salad is a perfect balance of fresh and savory, served with your choice of ranch or Italian dressing

$22.00

Nyama Beef Salad

A robust salad featuring mixed greens, ripe tomatoes, sweet onions, and raisins, all topped with succulent, grilled beef cubes. This dish combines the freshness of a salad with the rich flavors of grilled beef, served with your choice of ranch or Italian dressing

$22.00

Mango Mousse

A luscious, creamy mousse infused with the vibrant sweetness of ripe mangoes. This light and airy dessert is a tropical delight, offering a refreshing finish to your meal

$10.00

Cheesecake

Indulge in our classic cheesecake, featuring a rich and velvety cream cheese filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This timeless dessert is a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, satisfying any sweet tooth

$10.00

Chocolate Cake

Decadent layers of moist chocolate cake, generously coated with a smooth, fudgy frosting. This rich and indulgent treat is a chocolate lover's dream, offering a deep, satisfying flavor with every bite

$10.00

Mandazi

Enjoy these soft, fluffy African doughnuts, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, these traditional treats are a delightful taste of east African cuisine

$8.00

Mandazi Chai

Experience the comforting combination of our soft, fluffy African doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar, paired with a warm cup of spiced chai tea. This pairing offers a harmonious blend of flavors, perfect for a cozy, satisfying end to your meal

$14.00

Chips

Crispy, golden French fries, perfectly seasoned and fried to a delicious crunch. A classic side that complements any dish

$8.00

Pilau Rice

Fragrant basmati rice cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, offering a rich and flavorful accompaniment to your meal. A staple in Swahili cuisine, this rice is a must-try

$8.00

Chapati Flatbread

Traditional Kenyan flatbread, expertly heated and folded to create soft, layered perfection. This versatile bread is ideal for scooping up stews or enjoying on its own

$8.00

Mokimo

A hearty mash of green peas, corn, and potatoes, sauteed with onions for a burst of flavor. This traditional dish is both comforting and satisfying, with a rich blend of textures

$8.00

Ndizi Kaanga Fried Sweet Plantains

Sweet, ripe plantains deep-fried to a golden brown, offering a caramelized exterior and soft, sweet interior. A delightful side that adds a touch of sweetness to your meal

$8.00

Kabeji Cabbage

Sauteed cabbage with shredded carrots, cooked to tender perfection. This simple yet flavorful side brings a light and fresh element to your plate

$8.00

Spinach

Fresh spinach sauteed in creamy coconut milk, creating a rich and silky side dish with a hint of tropical flavor. A delicious way to enjoy your greens

$8.00

Sukuma Wiki Collard Greens

A Swahili classic, these collard greens are sauteed with sweet onions for a savory and slightly tangy flavor. A nutritious and flavorful side that pairs well with any main dish

$8.00

Ugali Corn Fufu

A soft, doughy staple made from cornmeal, perfect for soaking up soups or stews. This traditional side is a comforting and essential part of east African cuisine

$8.00

Wali White Rice

Fluffy white rice, boiled to perfection and mixed with bits of peas and shredded carrots for a touch of color and flavor. A simple and versatile side dish

$8.00

Jollof Rice

A vibrant and flavorful west African classic, featuring long-grain rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a medley of spices and vegetables. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and is a favorite across the continent

$9.00

Kachumbari

A refreshing mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and fresh habanero pepper, tossed in lime juice. This zesty salad adds a bright, spicy kick to your meal, making it a perfect complement to richer dishes

$8.00

Food