In a bold move set to transform Nairobi’s culinary landscape, EatOut and Beans is How have announced the launch of the #BeansOnTheMenu initiative for the upcoming Nairobi Burger Week.
This collaboration aims to incorporate bean-based dishes into popular restaurant menus, promoting the health and sustainability benefits of beans while addressing their historical underrepresentation in Kenyan dining establishments.
Beans, despite being a nutritional powerhouse, have long been overlooked in Kenya’s top restaurants. Often perceived as a staple more suited for home cooking, bean-based meals have been absent from many high-end menus.
The #BeansOnTheMenu initiative seeks to change this narrative, introducing creative and gourmet bean dishes that promise to delight diners.
“Beans are a climate-smart powerhouse of nutrition, but they’re in need of a rebrand,” said Kristin Gutekunst, Campaign Director at Beans is How.
“By bringing them into popular dishes like burgers and partnering with top chefs and influencers across the country, we can get people excited about this humble but incredible food group.”
The timing of this initiative couldn’t be better, as there’s a growing awareness of the importance of healthier and more sustainable food choices. Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a valuable addition to any diet. They are also environmentally friendly, requiring less water and producing a lower carbon footprint compared to many other protein sources.
Mikul Shah, Director of EatOut, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are glad to partner with Beans is How in bringing the #BeansOnTheMenu initiative to life during Nairobi Burger Week. This partnership celebrates a mix of culinary creativity from our chefs while nudging our community toward healthier and more sustainable food choices.”
Nairobi Burger Week will feature an array of bean-based burger creations, showcasing the versatility of beans in gourmet dishes. Chef Pischler of Black Aprons highlighted the potential of beans: “Beans are humble yet powerful ingredients that can transform a dish with their rich flavours and nutritional benefits. This collaboration allows us to elevate classic recipes with sophistication and depth.”
Beyond just the food, the campaign includes educational components such as cooking demonstrations and informational materials aimed at chefs and consumers. These efforts are designed to increase awareness about beans and encourage their broader integration into everyday cooking.
The event will take place from August 22 to September 1, 2024, at participating restaurants across Nairobi, featuring bean-based burger specials, chef demonstrations, social media contests, and more.