Kachumbari and Compatibility: A Gen Z Dating Debate

As dating norms change in Kenya's urban centers, so does the role of cooking. In an age where food delivery is a given, Gen Z is using a simple dish—Kachumbari—as a compatibility test, sparking a lively debate about effort and tradition in relationships.

The conversation began on Twitter with a viral tweet that joked, "If she can’t make proper Kachumbari, she’s not wife material.” This post quickly drew thousands of responses, with many people sharing their strong opinions.

Cooking as a Symbol of Effort

For many young Kenyans, the ability to make a basic dish like Kachumbari is a sign of being proactive and willing to try.

“For real, Kachumbari is the easiest. No fire, no oil, just chopping. If you can’t make that, what else are we skipping?” said Brian, 25, a campus student in Thika.

Others agreed, seeing the simple act of preparing a meal as a key indicator of a person's character.

“To me it’s not about being a chef,” said Sharon N., 23. “But if you’re not even willing to slice onions and tomatoes, that’s a red flag. It means you won’t try with other things either.”

The simplicity of the dish is what makes it so symbolic. It's not about culinary skill but about showing a basic interest in being hands-on and caring.

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“If she can make Kachumbari, we can date,” joked Kevin, 24. “That’s my test. If you mess that up, I don’t trust you with tea or ugali.”

Interestingly, content creator Murui Munyi recently admitted in a Q&A that she doesn’t know how to cook ugali — a revelation that triggered mixed reactions online. Some praised her honesty, while others used it to fuel the ongoing debate about gender roles in the kitchen.

The Case Against Food Tests

However, not everyone agrees that a person’s cooking skills should be a factor in relationships. A growing number of Gen Zs believe that these "food tests" are outdated and don't reflect modern life.

“We need to let go of these food tests,” argued Lisa, 21, a freelance writer. “It’s 2025 — we can bond over playlists, not platefuls. Let people take out in peace.”