What is a Koroga?

In Kenya a Koroga is a social event where friends and family meet to cook and eat good food. The word Koroga means ‘to stir’ in Swahili and it encourages everyone in the party to participate in cooking the dish. This is a chance for individuals to show off their culinary skills and also for everyone to get involved by stirring during the cooking process. A large tava or metal plate is placed over coal pots, which we will set up before you begin your Koroga experience.

How many people do you need to book a Koroga?

You need a minimum of 6 people per Koroga.  Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the Koroga area due to health & safety reasons.

I want to book a Koroga do I need to book in advance?

Yes, you will need to book a Koroga in advance with the number of people in your party. We ask that you book at least 24 hours ahead so that we can prepare the ingredients for you including the meat. Choose between chicken, lamb, fish or prawns to cook. We haven’t forgotten about the vegetarians we can also prepare the vegatables. You can book a Koroga any day apart from Tuesday when our kitchen is closed.

I don’t know what to do with a Koroga. Can someone help us?

If this is you first Koroga experience, don’t worry we can help you get started. During cooking we will ask you to help stir in turns and taste the dish to see if you think anything needs to be added, may be more chillies or salt. The whole concept of the Koroga is for all of you to join in and to bring a new cooking experience to your culinary skills.

What ingredients do you supply?

We will supply you fresh ingredients that we would usually use in a Koroga along with some spices. All we need to know from you is the number of people that will be attending in your Koroga party and we will give you the amount of ingredients you need per person. Our ingredients include, onions, garlic, chillies, ginger, tomatoes, fenugreek (methi) and coriander, which have been pre-prepared separately. We will also give you a spice box so that you can add exactly what you want. If you are not sure about which spices to use, don’t worry we will supply you with our secret Koroga spice mix. We will prepare your chosen meat and vegatables in advance and give them to you when you are ready to start cooking them. If you need any other ingredients and you are a bit of an expert at cooking just let us know, we love to see what you can cook in the Koroga. Once you have cooked your dish we will supply fresh naans, and rice to you to enjoy your Koroga.

Will the meat be supplied at the beginning of the Koroga session?

No, we will only bring the meat out when you are ready to add it to your dish. In the mean time we will keep the meat refrigerated. Our staff will be to hand and will bring the meat out when you need it.

Where can I wash my hands?

We know that hygiene is very important during cooking so we have supplied a sink with handwash near by for you to wash your hands whenever you need to.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Unfortunately you can’t bring your own drinks during the Koroga, due to the licensing laws. You can however, purchase bottles of beers, spirits, wine and spirits and mixers from us, or if you prefer you can purcahse individual drinks at the bar.

Is it safe to cook out in the open?

We have a contained area for the Koroga and like with all cooking there are risks involved. You will be using coal pots with a large metal plate to cook and this will be very hot so we ask you to be careful around here. We have fire extinguishers and fire blankets in the area should a fire break out. If you have accidentally burnt your hand during cooking please immerse in cold water immediately. We are fully aware of the risks involved with raw meat and we will only bring this out to you once you are ready to cook. Please check that your meat is fully cooked before serving it to your party. If you are unsure just ask us and we will guide you to ensure that the meat is fully cooked. 

We ask the lead of each party to read and sign the disclaimers and risk assessments we have in place. Without signing this unfortunately we can't allow you to hold your Koroga party. 

What is a Jiko?

A Jiko is a metal stove which is used to cook food, which is a Kenyan concept. Wood or coal is used to create heat that is suitable for cooking.

How do I use a Jiko?

Our staff at Nico’s at The Black Horse will set the Jiko up for you, just like we do when you book a Karoga. 

How do you cook Pizzas on a Jiko?

This Jiko has been designed so that there are tiers to cook the pizzas. Each pizza base is placed on a circular stone with a handle so it can be easily slotted in and out to check. The Pizza takes only 8-12 minutes to cook and you can choose the toppings you would like to have on your pizza. 

Can I book a Pizza Jiko Party?

Pizza Jikos are only available alongside a Koroga booking. You will need to have a minimum of 4 pizzas in the booking and it can be booked as a starter then the Koroga for main. If you do have a larger party then you can book the Pizza Jiko for mains and the Koroga for other members of the party.

What options for toppings do you have for the Pizzas?

We have various toppings that you can have for the pizzas from chillies or jalapenos, mixed peppers, onion, sweetcorn, mushroom, cheese, chicken tikka and Keema. If there are any other toppings that you would like please ask a member of staff and we will let you know of other available toppings. We prepare the dough along with Nicos Polle Polle Sauce with all the toppings chopped in advance.