1 week Ago By VinieO
This year, I’ve decided to embark on a delicious mission to explore the world—one plate at a time. It’s the perfect excuse to step out every month, and discover new flavors, new stories, and new cultures. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Last week on Wednesday afternoon precisely 2 30 pm, I kicked off my culinary adventure at a place I’d heard about time and again—Thai-Chi by Sarova, on 102 Manyani East Road in the serene suburb of Lavington.
My drive there set the tone for a truly memorable experience—the lush greenery on the right as you drive into Thai Chi, which leads one to this beautiful stone building: large and stately, almost like a former residence now transformed into something extraordinary. As I stepped out of the car, and made my way into the restaurant, the warm breeze carried the inviting aroma of spices and fresh herbs, immediately making me feel like at peace and well, ready for a special treat. The restaurant was already buzzing with chatter, though not loud or overwhelming.
It was the kind of atmosphere where mature, lively conversations filled the space. Soft, mellow music played in the background, creating a soothing rhythm that perfectly matched the Zen-like surroundings. Terryann, the afternoon hostess for the day, greeted me with a big smile and offered a quick tour of the space (which I had eagerly requested).
Thai-Chi effortlessly merges the natural beauty of tropical greenery with refined elegance—an oasis of Zen in the heart of Nairobi. The restaurant offers a variety of settings, from intimate private dining rooms to a garden bar and lounge, with outdoor seating areas perfect for enjoying the sun. Each corner invites you to unwind and savor the moment, with every detail carefully curated to offer an experience that is both soothing and captivating.
Naturally, I opted to sit outside; after all, with Nairobi’s beautiful weather, why not enjoy the sun and the vibrant flora surrounding the garden? What a beautiful garden they have- an Instagram worthy set. As I settled in, Terryann introduced and handed me over to my waiter for the afternoon, Nicholas. Young and sharp, he carried himself with an easy confidence that hinted at his Gen Z energy—prompt, attentive, and effortlessly personable.
With a bright smile, he introduced himself and casually mentioned that he had a twin brother, Ian, who also works at the restaurant. Intrigued, I jokingly asked if both of them could serve my table. To my surprise, Nicholas soon returned with Ian, his identical twin brother, just to say hi.
“How do you two manage not to confuse guests?” I asked with a laugh, already charmed by the unique twist to my dining experience. I don’t know if you’re like me, but whenever I walk into a restaurant, one of my favorite things is to ask the chef (if they’re not too busy) to personally recommend a few dishes. There’s something so exciting about letting the chef take the reins, trusting their expertise, and allowing them to craft a unique experience just for you (makes me feel extra special).
So when I asked Nicholas if I could do just that, I couldn’t help but feel that little thrill of anticipation. And luck was definitely on my side—within minutes, he returned with a glass of sparkling rosé, setting the stage for what I knew would be a special meal. and right behind him was the chef himself.
Warm and approachable, the chef greeted me with genuine enthusiasm. “Let me take you on a little journey,” he began, before suggesting a couple of dishes from the menu. “It’s not just about flavors here,” he said.
“Every dish is crafted with artistry and mastery. Our aromatic curries will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok without leaving Nairobi, and the delicate flavors of our sushi will evoke the elegance of Japan.” He paused for a second, letting the words sink in before continuing.
“Thai Chi is a blend of two cultures, Thailand and China, bringing their best flavors together in perfect harmony.” With my sparkling rosé in hand, it was finally time to dive into what I had come here for—the food. (And please, no judgment! I confess I indulged in a feast clearly meant for three, even though I was dining solo.
) I began with the dry chilli chicken and the Far East rolls (EBI) sushi , a delightful introduction to what lay ahead. The chilli chicken tender pieces were coated in a spicy glaze with just the right amount of heat to keep you reaching for more- it was chunky and spicy and one of my favourites for the afternoon. The sushi, on the other hand, was a delicate work of art.
The EBI rolls, filled with shrimp and wrapped in perfectly seasoned rice, offered a refreshing balance to the boldness of the chicken. For the mains, the chef insisted I have the Pad Thai Goong , a traditional prawn pad Thai that’s practically a staple in Thailand. It had rice noodles in it.
It didn’t feel like a heavy meal- it was light, comfort and adventure rolled into one. Every forkful felt like a postcard from the streets of Bangkok, brimming with authenticity and heart. Next up were the pork chops sweet with mashed potatoes and the See Krong Moo Kra Team Prik Thai (garlic spare ribs) .
The pork chops were beautifully plated, caramelized & their sweetness tempered by a savory depth that made each bite irresistible. The garlic spare ribs, meanwhile, were fall-off-the-bone tender, their bold, garlicky aroma alone enough to make you swoon. If love could be served on a plate, it might just taste like these ribs.
It came with really soft mashed potatoes with wasabi. This too was one of my favorite meals. But no meal is complete without dessert.
The sticky toffee pudding was pure decadence—rich, buttery, and drizzled with just enough toffee sauce to make you close your eyes in delight. You can never go wrong with this choice. As for the other dessert— the sticky mango pudding —unfortunately, I decided to pass on it since I’m not a huge fan of mango.
However, I must admit the presentation was impressive. The fresh mango slices on the side added a burst of brightness to what seemed like an already perfect dish. By the time I was done feasting like a King (yap, i finished all that food), it was around 6:30 pm, and to my surprise, the restaurant was absolutely buzzing.
For a Wednesday evening, I hadn’t expected such a lively atmosphere. Nicholas, ever attentive, mentioned that it was Diva’s Night , a themed evening complete with live entertainment by the Mystique Band. Suddenly, everything made sense—the steady stream of elegantly dressed women arriving, accompanied by equally dapper gentlemen, added a vibrant energy to the space.
As I prepared to leave, I couldn’t resist the pull of familiar faces. I spotted some friends—Scheaffer, Vicky, Diana, Mutoni, and Nadia—at a nearby table, laughing and catching up. Naturally, I made my way over to join them.
What started as a solo culinary adventure had effortlessly transformed into a warm and unexpected gathering of friends. We stayed until about 10. 30 p.
m. It’s moments like these that make dining out so much more than just a meal; it’s about the connections, the conversations, and the stories shared over plates of incredible food and drinks..
