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City Muslims swap home feasts for Sh8,000 Idd private dining
Beef and king scallops ‘surf and turf’ featuring bacon-wrapped filet mignon, seared scallops with salmon caviar, squid ink risotto, and butternut squash fondant.
Idd celebrations have always been home affairs. Families begin the day with early morning prayers in mosques or open grounds, in devotion.
Then starts the feast preparation, often foods from freshly slaughtered livestock, shared with relatives, neighbours and the needy. It is a tradition to promote the spirit of community as Muslims mark the end of the month-long, dawn-to-dusk fasting during Ramadan.
Although the home-based celebrations are still deeply valued, some Muslims are booking private dining spaces in high-end hotels.
“This is largely driven by the desire for convenience, elevated dining experience,” says Eben Nel, JW Marriott Hotel & Residences Nairobi General Manager.
The shift is largely driven by young professionals and wealthy families, often multi-generational, who are balancing tradition with modern lifestyles, global exposure and a growing appetite for ease.
For these groups, private dining rooms, hotel restaurants and full-service experiences relieve them from the stress of meal preparation. But they still invite their friends, including non-Muslims and family, pay for private dining spaces, to celebrate Idd.
“This year, we have seen a notable increase in both inquiries and confirmed bookings. The demand has been strong for group dining and family-oriented experiences, with an upward trend in guests choosing to celebrate within a luxury hotel environment,” says Mr Nel.
Safari Park Hotel Nairobi has also noticed the trend.
“At La Piazzetta, our Italian specialty restaurant, guests are drawn to the availability of halal-friendly and vegetarian options, including pizzas and spaghetti bolognese,” says Mercy Wanjala, sales and marketing manager, Safari Park.
It isn't just about food.
“Safari Park, for instance, has intimate trattoria-style terrace seating for families and groups where they experience live pizza-making from a traditional wood-burning oven. It is popular with families because children love pizza and they will enjoy watching it being freshly prepared,” Ms Wanjala adds.
Hotels are seeing early bookings because of limited private dining spaces in high-end restaurants. Some are charging from Sh8,000 to Sh5,500 per person.
“Guests are now booking earlier, typically one to two weeks in advance to secure space. In the past, bookings were more last-minute but we are now seeing a clear shift toward better planning, especially for family and group dining,” she says.
BBQ roasted goat leg.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Serena Hotels Group Chef Roy Kinyua, who has also noticed the shit, says the shift to the curated Idd experience is centred on togetherness within a modern setting.
“It is about families getting together to experience fine dining during Idd. The clientele is also a good mix of those exploring different tastes. We have a contemporary and innovative offer that includes plating and food presentation,” he says.
Hotels in Mombasa are also reporting an increased number of bookings for private diners during this Idd. However, they admit the city still holds onto its own distinct flair. Mombasa has been a hub of authentic Idd festive home celebrations that is known for its rich Swahili culture and the extended family gatherings with a sense of community.
For Nairobi, Mr Nel says this shift presents an opportunity for hotels to grow their sales during this season.
“This shift toward premium, curated Idd experiences presents a long-term opportunity for the hospitality sector,” Mr Nel says.
