By now, you must have heard three different people swear that “ukikosa Midland Chicken, hujafika Nakuru,” your curiosity stops being curiosity— it becomes a mission.
As a proud Luhya whose community treats chicken like a love language, I knew this feature assignment wasn’t just work. It was a pilgrimage.
So on a fine Saturday afternoon, my crew - my photographer, videographer, and a hunger level that could move mountains—set off from Nairobi by road.
The journey to Nakuru is familiar, but on this day, it carried the thrill of uncovering a culinary legend.
We made the customary stop at Viewpoint, where the Rift Valley stretches below you like a giant painting, then continued toward a city whose food stories have travelled further than some of its tourists.
Checking Into History
Nakuru’s CBD holds many icons, but the Midland Hotel stands in a class of its own—120 years and still thriving.
It is, in fact, the only hotel in the CBD with a garden, a calming pocket of green tucked between heritage walls and history-soaked corridors.
When we arrived, the reception was warm, grounding us instantly in the hotel’s signature mix of charm and nostalgia.
Before checking into our rooms, we were ushered into their restaurant for a late lunch that translated into dinner. The fountains gushed softly in the background, lights danced across the garden, and for a moment, the city’s bustle felt miles away.
But the real magic was on the plate.
Dinner was a delicious preview—a whisper of what I would experience the next morning. But the staff kept reminding me, with teasing smiles, “Wait until you try the chicken.”
Inside the Temple of Taste: The Midland Kitchen
At dawn, with my camera crew in tow, I was invited into the holy grail—the kitchen where Midland’s legendary chicken is crafted.
Watching the process firsthand felt like witnessing a ritual that has survived generations.
The story traces back to 1906 when the Midland Hotel opened its doors to travelers crossing the breadbasket of Kenya.
Surrounded by farms, ranches, and fresh produce, the hotel borrowed the countryside’s traditional cooking methods—slow smoking, steady grilling, and a dedication to simplicity.
Over a century later, nothing has changed.
In the kitchen, the chef walked me through each step:
The marination—simple, fresh, letting the chicken speak for itself.
The grilling—charcoal flames licking the meat slowly, creating that unmistakable smoky aroma.
The signature crisp skin that crackles, giving way to tender, flavor-packed meat. You do not just smell Midland Chicken—you feel it settle into your spirit.
Why This Chicken Still Rules
1. A Recipe Older Than Kenya Itself
This dish has been on the menu for 120 years. It is not just food—it's heritage served hot.
2. Farm-Style Authenticity
Borrowed from the surrounding farms in the Rift Valley, the technique remains faithful to its origins: slow, smoky, steady.
3. Crispy Meets Tender
A perfect contrast that even modern kitchens struggle to replicate.
4. Loyal Fans across Generations
Social media is filled with tributes from travelers who stop in Nakuru specifically for the chicken. Others have memories stretching back decades.
5. Variations to Suit Every Appetite
Grilled, smoked, or specially prepared—the core taste remains legendary.
The Midland Experience beyond the Plate
Sitting within Nakuru’s historic square mile, the hotel is framed by natural wonders—Menengai Crater to the north, flamingo-filled Lake Nakuru to the south.
The views, the gardens, the fountains, the heritage architecture—all come together to create a rare blend of charm and calm.
It is not just about the food; it is the atmosphere that enhances it.
Services That Stand Out at the Midland Hotel in Nakuru.
Premium accommodations
Intimate gardens ideal for dining and events
Meetings and business facilities
A restaurant serving African & continental cuisine
Warm, attentive staff who treat guests like old friends
December Deals: A 120-Year Celebration
This festive season, Midland is marking its historic milestone with an irresistible offer:
Stay in any room for only Sh 12,120.
A nod to 120 years of excellence—wrapped in comfort, sparkle, and signature hospitality.
Because when a place has stood tall for more than a century, it does not just offer accommodation. It offers stories.
And this December, one of those stories could be yours.
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