Happy New Month My Friends! ๐ Are you ready for an exciting Culinary Adventure?! The Talisman Restaurant is possibly one of Karen’s best-known-secrets…
If you are curious to get ‘in the know’, peak your taste-buds and let’s find out why!
A few weeks ago, Wanjiku Thuo and I put on our ‘foodie hats,’ to go sampling the menu at Talisman Restaurant. I was pretty thrilled, as the Talisman Restaurant had been on my ‘Restaurantย bucket-list’ for sometime now, since my friend Amira recommended it! ๐
How To Get There…
The Talisman Restaurant is located in Karen, about 2 minutes drive from the Karen Shopping Centre.
You can also, pick a Matatu no. 111 from the CBD and a little past Karen Shopping Centre, alight at St. Elizabeth… Talisman Restaurant is opposite St. Elizabeth, to your right.
Tip: Call in advance to make a reservation.
The Talisman Restaurant: First Impressions
Walking in, you may not guess the beauty that lies behind the small, all-white structure… But there are subtle hints to it, with the large Swahili style windows and lovely rugs adorning the doorway. ๐
I particularly liked how they’ve played with a rich mix of colors and eclectic dรฉcor of Asian and Moroccan influenceโฆ
My moods instantly spiked up thanks to the warm, uplifting ambiance of the restaurant. ๐
Our rare Nairobi sun had come out to play, so you know we had to do the most! ๐ We chose to sit outside in their lovely, airy garden…
Consistently Spectacular Service
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou
When we finally sat down to eat, our patient server, Anthony brought us the menus. I noticed that he was knowledgeable about every item, making rather helpful suggestions about what to order…. ๐
Honestly, that makes all the difference because ordering ร la carte is a big struggle of mine!
Later on, Alphonse- their longest serving Waiter came to say hello and gave us a little History about the Talisman Restaurant.
He’s a kind soul, and you can feel his passion for the job from the way he speaks… He also told us about his fresh, special chilies that he grows in his garden. We had a taste, and it’s a real banger for chili lovers! ๐

Alphonse the great!
Fresh Organic Food For Days!
This, is simply the best part and I know you know it! ๐
One of the things I miss most about being upcountry, is freshly-picked food from the shamba! They have an organic garden at Talisman where they grow most of their produce, so I was ready to put it to the test!
Starter of the Day: Chicken Wings and Samosas
Anthony suggested these Starters, and he was spot on!! ๐

Feta and Coriander Samosas, served with Chili Ginger Jam

Talisman Nyati Wings, served with Blue Cheese & Chive Dip, Crudities
The chicken wings were hot, tasty and crunchy; it’s a must try! With the blue cheese dipping sauce, it’s best enjoyed while hot!
Wanjiku and I agreed: the fresh Feta and Coriander samosas tasted better than most meaty samosas of these days! Must be the fresh veggies! And one is simply not enough! ๐
Main Course: A Mini Foodie Trip To Morocco!
For my main course I chose the Moroccan Spiced Beef with Bhajia, because if you can’t go to Morocco (yet), bring Morocco to you! ๐
The beef was extra soft and flavorsome; you can taste the various spices and ingredients…
The bhajias were to die for! My goodness, I wish they served bigger portions though! Because I would certainly go back for them! ๐
Wanjiku went for the Braised Belly of Pork, served with Potato wedges. The pork crackling you see placed on top, was quite something… and I’ll leave that tidbit for you to find out when you visit! ๐
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO
We were pleased to note that though they get busier, the ambiance stays the same, maintaining the quietness of it allโฆ ๐
>>The meals at Talisman typically cost between Kes. 1,500 and Kes. 2,500.
>>The Talisman restaurant is perfect if you are looking for a quiet, scenic place to work or for an intimate lunch or dinner.
>>There’s a children’s play area, so it can work well for a family outing as well.
We finished off our lunch with Lavender and Caramel Ice cream for dessert. Two words- Yum yum! ๐

Open, Full Happiness!
Our sincere thanks to the entire team at the Talisman Restaurant for making our visit pleasant and indeed memorable! ๐
Thank you for reading my friends! ๐ Did you enjoy the read? I love hearing from you; be sure to leave a Comment down below with your questions and/or feedback; I’ll be sure to respond! ๐
<<Stay. Inspired. Always>>
22 Comments
Vivian wanimo
February 11, 2019 at 9:11 pmLooks lovely only wondering if the portions are filling
Scrapbook Journeys
February 11, 2019 at 9:59 pmTruthfully, I took away because I was so full! ๐ And our kind waiters were great at advising us on what order would be filling… Enjoy Viv! ๐
Wacuka
September 17, 2018 at 5:40 pmGreat read! Sounds like an amazing place to try out
Scrapbook Journeys
September 20, 2018 at 8:14 pmHi Wacuka!Thank you for reading and yes it is! Do give it a try sometime! It should be perfect with the sunny weather ๐
Nesh
September 17, 2018 at 12:48 pmBeen to Talsiman before and it brings such sweet memories indeed. You took me back down memory lane. A romantic place to go for an evening or Sunday afternoon. Job well done Scrapbook journeys .
Scrapbook Journeys
September 20, 2018 at 8:16 pmOh wow! I am glad to hear you’ve been! I am always happy to hear such great feedback! Time to go back and create some more memories right? Thank you for reading dear ๐
FINA
September 14, 2018 at 8:51 pmAwesome !
Scrapbook Journeys
September 20, 2018 at 8:17 pmThank you Fina ๐
Samuel
September 9, 2018 at 12:15 pmThis makes me want to go try their chilli recipe… Good stuff as always.
Scrapbook Journeys
September 10, 2018 at 6:14 pmYaass! Cheers to Chilli lovers like you coming through! Do go visit! Thank you for reading Sam and for the comment! ๐
Fina
September 8, 2018 at 8:21 pmGood stuff girl what a way to complement them I would like to go there I have a feel of it..
Scrapbook Journeys
September 10, 2018 at 6:13 pmThank you Fina! I believe you would truly like it at Talisman, so yes-go for it!! ๐ Thanks for reading!! ๐
Fiona Etyang
September 8, 2018 at 8:15 pmAm hungry…looking forward to visiting to get a taste of the foods served.
Great piece
Scrapbook Journeys
September 10, 2018 at 6:12 pmHahaha I feel you Fiona, I felt hungry too while writing this post- Lol ๐ And yes, all the more reason to visit and sample the foods! Thank you for reading!
Susan
September 8, 2018 at 3:40 pmBeen there once and I loved it. Reading your blog made my tastebuds water for Talisman again
Scrapbook Journeys
September 8, 2018 at 6:39 pmOh Nice Susan!Thank you for reading! Haha, sounds like it’s mission accomplished on my part! ๐ ๐
Ray
September 8, 2018 at 12:15 pmA good review…. You made me wanna have a taste of the their chilli
Scrapbook Journeys
September 8, 2018 at 6:38 pmThank you Ray! I am glad to hear it! I hope you’ll visit soon to get that chilli taste down! ๐
Shiko
September 7, 2018 at 1:56 pmGood stuff….I love how you write my appetite has been’ wetted’
Scrapbook Journeys
September 8, 2018 at 6:37 pmOh wow Shiku, so kind! Thank you! I hope you visit Talisman and satisfy the appetite, yes? Thanks a lot for reading and for the comment! ๐
Patricia
September 7, 2018 at 12:37 pmWoow I’m hungry now I love their presentation the place looks cool
Thanx Marion
Scrapbook Journeys
September 8, 2018 at 6:36 pmHahaha Yaay, now you have every reason to visit and quench that hunger right? ๐ Thanks a lot for reading and for taking the time to comment! ๐