Home Hosted Meals
The best African food is Mom’s cooking
Jiranileo meals are like accepting an invitation to a neighbor’s home for a home-cooked meal.
We know eating out can be daunting when you’re traveling in Africa. Between the unfamiliarity of the local language and uncertainty around safety, it’s easy to defer to the familiar Western food at mainstream restaurants.
Our home-hosted meals make it easy and safe to eat traditional foods when you travel in Africa.
How it Works
Book a lunch or dinner online at least one day in advance.
We’ll send you the directions to a local host’s home.
You’ll become one of her family, eating a full traditional meal together and sharing casual conversation.
Our friendly hosts will explain the family recipes she used to prepare your meal and show you how to eat like a local.
What to Expect
Every home is different, but our meals create the same feeling across every country.
You’ll be full. All our hosts are passionate about cooking and hosting guests. Get ready to be over-fed with a smile.
You’ll be surprised. Our hosts prepare a personal meal just for you based on what is in-season in the market today. If you eat with us again, you may find a completely different meal.
You’ll be eating together. Whether you are sitting at a table or on a mat, you’ll be eating with the host and her family and friends.
What NOT to Expect
Menus & white linen tablecloths. Our meals are like being invited to eat at a neighbor’s home. The home-cooked food will be amazing, and no one cares if the glassware doesn’t match.
Consistent electricity. Sometimes meals are eaten by candle-light, but it’s no problem to our hosts. We know how to prepare and serve meals regardless of utility outages.
Western food. Our hosts may know how to cook pasta, but for you, they will bring out grandma’s recipes. Get ready for a true taste of their culture.
HEAR IT FROM OUR GUESTS
“It was AMAZING! Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.”
“Thank you for arranging last night! Big Mbuya was amazing, super friendly, and everything she prepared was delicious! We really enjoyed it.”
“It was really a pleasant experience. Novice was really generous. We enjoyed her hospitality.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from a home-hosted meal?
You’ll share a traditional meal in a host’s home, cooked with love and accompanied by storytelling, local customs, and warm conversation.
What do I bring to a meal?
Bring your appetite and smile! We’ll take care of the rest.
Are the home-hosted meals safe for international travelers?
Yes. All our hosts are trained in hygiene and safe food preparation. We also personally vet every home and experience before listing it.
Can your hosts accommodate dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free)?
Most of the time. When booking, you’ll be asked to note any allergies or dietary needs. We’ll talk to the host to ensure she can adjust meals to meet your needs. Read our health and safety page for more information.
Do I eat with the host’s family or alone?
All experiences are shared with the host and sometimes with their family and friends. You never know who to expect at the table, which makes each meal unique
How do you select your hosts?
We work on a referral basis, often working with local governments and non-profit institutions to identify women who are known in their neighborhoods for their local recipes and who exemplify cultural hospitality. We then vet each host and provide training and certification. Do you have a woman or a women’s group that might be a perfect fit for Jiranileo? Send us the referral here.
Are your hosts paid fairly?
Yes, our hosts are paid fairly for every meal. We benchmark rates based on local metrics for each country, such as cost of living surveys, and review pay scales frequently with hosts to ensure that they make a fair profit. Read our responsible tourism page for more information.