nyama

Nyama is a Swahili word meaning meat; it refers to the flesh of animals used as food, such as nyama ya ng'ombe (beef) or nyama ya mbuzi (goat meat).

Nyama choma is a popular East African dish in which meat is marinated and roasted over charcoal until tender and lightly charred. It is commonly made with goat or beef and is widely associated with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The meat is typically served with accompaniments such as kachumbari, ugali, or chapati.

Culturally, nyama choma functions as a social food, prepared for family gatherings, celebrations, and roadside eateries. The preparation and seasoning can vary by region and family tradition, reflecting local tastes and methods.

Outside cooking, Nyama may appear as a proper noun in names of people or places, but as a Swahili term it simply denotes meat. The term is widely understood in East Africa due to the popularity of nyama choma and related dishes.