Our Story
Rooted in Kenya,
Cooked with Soul
"Where passion for authentic food meets the Kenyan savanna"
Rooted in Kenya,
The Founder
JOE
GATONYE
GATONYE
Founder & Head Chef
Est.
London
UK
London
UK
Meet the Founder
Joe Gatonye —
A Passion Turned Purpose
Safari Food was born from one man's unshakeable passion for authentic Kenyan cuisine. Joe Gatonye grew up surrounded by the bold, fire-kissed flavours of East Africa — a culinary heritage built on open flames, slow-roasted meats, hand-rolled chapati, and the warmth of communal feasting.
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Bringing that spirit to the United Kingdom, Joe set out not just to cook — but to transport every guest to the landscapes of Kenya through flavour. Safari Food is that vision made real: a premium Kenyan catering brand built on quality, cultural pride, and an obsession with taste that never compromises.
What started as a passion project has grown into a full catering operation serving weddings, corporate events, festivals, and private parties across the UK — with every dish still carrying the same soul it always has.
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"Every grill is a ceremony.
Every meal, a celebration."
Every meal, a celebration."
Joe Gatonye
The Safari Philosophy
Food as a
Journey
The name "Safari" isn't just branding — it's a philosophy. In Swahili, safari means journey. Every dish on our menu is a stop on that journey: the smoky char of Nyama Choma, the fragrant spice of Pilau Rice, the crispy warmth of fresh Samosas, and the comforting depth of Ugali with Sukuma Wiki.
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We don't serve food — we serve memory, culture, and connection. Whether it's a wedding feast with 300 guests or a family party in East London, Safari Food brings the same level of care, authenticity, and vibrant energy to every table.
Proudly based in Manor Park, London. Serving the entire United Kingdom.
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
01
Premium Quality
We position ourselves as a premium brand because we believe Kenyan cuisine deserves premium treatment. Fresh ingredients, proper technique, no shortcuts — ever.
02
Cultural Authenticity
Our recipes are rooted in Kenyan tradition — not adapted for a Western palate. We bring the real thing: the flavours, the spices, and the cooking methods of East Africa.
03
Celebration First
Food in Kenyan culture is inseparable from celebration. We cook with joy, serve with warmth, and ensure every event we cater feels like a genuine feast.
The Journey
How Safari Food
Came to Be
The Beginning
A Passion Ignited
Joe Gatonye's love for authentic Kenyan food begins with family feasts and the smell of Nyama Choma on open fire. A dream forms: to bring this to the UK without compromise.
East London Roots
Manor Park, London
Safari Food establishes its home base at 500 High Street North, Manor Park — a location at the heart of one of London's most vibrant African communities. The kitchen opens Thursday to Sunday.
Building the Menu
30+ Dishes, Zero Compromise
From Pilau Rice and Chapati to Tilapia Chef Special and Choma Goat Suya — a full menu of authentic Kenyan dishes is crafted, tested, and refined until every plate is perfect.
UK-Wide Growth
The Safari Goes Nationwide
From Manor Park to the whole of the UK — Safari Food begins catering weddings, corporate events, festivals, and private parties across the country, bringing Kenya to every corner of Britain.
Now
The Story Continues
Safari Food is growing — a brand refresh, a new website, and a full marketing launch is underway. The best chapter is just beginning.
Our Belief
"Authentic Kenyan food deserves a place at every table in the United Kingdom. Not adapted, not diluted — the real thing, cooked with fire, spice, and soul."
— Joe Gatonye, Founder of Safari Food
Experience Safari Food
Come Taste the Story
Visit us in Manor Park, explore our full menu, or book Safari Food for your next event. The journey starts here.