Farm-to-Table or Fashion Faux Pas? Reactions to Cultiva Farm's Soil Trench Seating

A sustainable dining concept showcased at Cultiva Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant located in Karen, Nairobi, has stirred widespread conversation online.

The setup, shared by X user Nelson Amenya (@amenya_nelson), features diners seated in shallow soil trenches as part of what the restaurant describes as an immersive experience connecting guests with nature.

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Cultiva Farm is known for incorporating locally grown organic produce into its menu. The establishment promotes sustainability through on-site farming, reduced food miles, and environmentally conscious culinary practices.

The dining trenches seen in the viral post appear designed to enhance the outdoor atmosphere, positioning guests close to the ground and surrounding vegetation. 

Reactions Across X

The unusual setup generated widespread engagement, with Kenyans sharing a mix of humour, criticism and curiosity. Below are the comments and what each suggests.

1. “Good to be creative but this is NOT functional with your knees digging into the soil.”

This comment questions the physical comfort of the dining design. The user suggests that while creativity is evident, the setup may not be practical for diners who must kneel or rest their legs in soil.

2. “This is how they have kids making wheelbarrow helicopters and metal scrap cars when creativity meets mediocrity-powered by 47 IQ count.”

Here, the commenter draws a comparison to improvised childhood inventions made from scrap materials. The statement implies the design appears makeshift or unrefined.

3. “The fact that they dug up the space makes it less sustainable and killed biodiversity… dumping the sustainability tag line to chew extra cash.”

This user raises environmental concerns. The comment suggests that digging trenches may contradict sustainability goals by disturbing soil ecosystems, and questions whether the sustainability label is being used for marketing.

4. “And then it rains… Surely they couldn’t even pour some gravel? Mimi ningekuekea pazia… Now it’s you vs the ants on who’s going to eat your food first!”

The user highlights weather-related challenges and potential hygiene issues. Mentioning ants, mud and lack of gravel suggests the setup may not be suitable during rainy conditions. The humorous tone reflects common Kenyan online banter.

5. “Huku Ni wapi am in for the experience.”

This comment expresses curiosity rather than criticism. The user wants to know the location and shows interest in trying the unique setup.