Most of the common vegetables in Kenya are often referred to by their English names rather than their Swahili equivalent. Good examples include spinach, carrot, and cabbage.
This makes sense since a majority of these vegetables are exotic to these parts despite how commonplace they’re today. Herbs and spices often get a similar treatment with the exception being regions where spicy dishes are a long-standing tradition e.g. the Kenyan coast.
The more obvious exception however are the traditional, or rather indigenous vegetables, which tend to be referred in their vernacular. Good examples include the likes of Terere, Managu, Kunde and Mrenda.
Below is a list of translations for some common vegetables and herbs & spices to clear the confusion as to their Swahili or English names.
Vegetables
Note: Names in the brackets are vernacular (not Swahili) to help with identification.
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| African nightshade | Mnavu (‘Managu‘) |
| Amaranthus | Mchicha (‘Terere‘) |
| Beetroot / Beet | Kiazisukari |
| Bitter Lettuce | Mchunga |
| Broccoli | Brokoli |
| Cabbage | Kabichi |
| Capsicum / Bell Peppers | Pilipili Hoho |
| Carrot | Karoti |
| Cassava Leaves | Kisamvu |
| Cauliflower | Koliflawa / Kolimaua |
| Celery | Figili |
| Collard Greens / Kale | Sukuma / Sukumawiki |
| Cucumber | Tango / Tangopepeta |
| Courgette / Zucchini | Mung’unye |
| Eggplant | Biringanya / Mbilinganyi |
| French Beans | Maharagwe ya Kifaransa |
| Garlic | Kitunguu Saumu |
| Green Beans | Maharage Mabichi |
| Green Peas | Njegere |
| Jute Mallow | Bunani (‘Mrenda‘) |
| Leek | Liki |
| Lettuce | Saladi |
| Mushroom | Uyoga |
| Okra | Bamia |
| Onion | Kitunguu |
| Potatoes | Viazi |
| Pumpkin | Malenge / Boga |
| Spider Plant | Mgagani (‘Saget‘) |
| Spinach | Spinachi |
| Sweet Potatoes | Viazi Vitamu |
| Sweet Potato Leaves | Matembele |
| Taro Root / Arrowroot | Magimbi / Majimbi (Nduma) |
| Tomato | Nyanya |
| Turnip | Mkereza |
| White Eggplant | Nyanya Chungu |
| Yam | Kiazi Kikuu |
Herbs and Spices
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Basil | Mrihani/ Mrehani |
| Black Pepper | Pilipili Manga |
| Caraway | Kisibiti |
| Cardamom | Iliki |
| Cayenne pepper | Pilipili Kichaa / Mwachaka / Udaha |
| Chilli Pepper | Pilipili |
| Cinnamon | Mdalasini |
| Chives | Kitunguu Jani |
| Cloves | Karafuu |
| Coriander | Giligilani (Dhania or Dania) |
| Cumin Seeds | Jira |
| Fenugreek | Uwatu |
| Ginger | Tangawizi |
| Habanero Chilli | Mbuzi / Pilipili Mbuzi |
| Lemongrass | Mchaichai |
| Mustard | Haradali |
| Nutmeg | Kungumanga |
| Parsley | Kitimiri / Kotimiri |
| Turmeric | Bizari / Manjano. |
| Saffron | Zafarani |