Mazungo's Mandazis!

That is the name of my new mandazi enterprise. It has already been copywritten, trademarked, registered, patented...so don't even try to steal it. 

Let's break the name down:


Mazungo = simply means, "white man" in Swahili. Basically, it's the only name I hold in Kenya. Wherever I go,"Mazungo!" is yelled from market stands, children playing in the fields, patients in the ward...it is just how it is. Now, this isn't meant offensively...and I definitely clarified that in the first week of being here. We all know greeting one another in America as, "white man!" or "black man!" wouldn't bode well. However, it's actually endearing and simply meant as a kind greeting. Very interesting.

Mandazi = a popular fried dough treat. Balls of dough are rolled out, cut into small squares and then fried in vegetable oil until puffy and golden brown. Delicious!


Anyhow, it has become a nice little weekend tradition to help the guys in the kitchen make mandazis for the hospital's little cafe. Manas (who taught me to ride the pikipiki), Mesheck (Manas' brother) and Dominick all work in the kitchen and are awesome. Simply put. They make great food and are fun to be around. Luckily, I was allowed to learn and now assist in the Mandazi making each Saturday. Good fun, good food, nice way to relax from the medical ward. 

My primary job is to fry these little guys until perfectly golden brown. So far, the masses have approved of my work and Manas markets my work as "Mandazis of America!" I think we're going to start a business back in the states. 

Below are just some pictures of the past few mandazi sessions:

All ready to be rolled out!

Mesheck's perfect technique.
Not too thin, not too thick

Mesheck and I

Mesheck!

Ready to be fried

Dominick and Manas. Hilarious.

In the pot! Well on their way to golden brown perfection. 

Bowl of finished Mandazis.