Supu ya Kichwa (Goat Head Soup): Kenyan Street Drink

Kenya boasts a rich array of street food, with over 20 different varieties, yet there’s one standout street treat that isn’t exactly a meal but a beverage. And no, despite the build-up, it’s not named John Cena—it’s called “Supu ya Kichwa,” which translates to goat/cow head soup.

The name “Supu ya Kichwa” can be a bit of a mouthful, so for simplicity’s sake, let’s refer to it simply as “supu” from here on.

However, its preparation process might raise some eyebrows, as it involves boiling an entire goat’s head and legs, hooves and horns included, which some might find a bit daunting or even slightly off-putting.

Table of Contents

How Does Goat Head Soup Taste Like?

This drink is uniquely creamy and frothy, reminiscent of a cappuccino, yet it’s packed with the savory depth of meat and broth.

How is it Prepared?

Begin by barbecuing the goat’s head and legs until the hairs are burnt off. After that, thoroughly scrape them.
Rinse with water to get rid of any remaining hairs.
Cut the head into two equal halves along its length.
Place these parts in a large pot or sufuria, and add sufficient water to submerge them completely. Cover with a lid.
Allow to cook for approximately 3 hours. Then, take out the meat and chop it into pieces.
Pour the remaining broth, which should now be a clear, milky color, into a 5-liter jug, filling it only a quarter of the way. Secure the lid tightly.
Vigorously shake the container by rapidly lifting it and then dropping it, repeating this action until the broth becomes frothy. It is now ready to be served. The shake throws allow the fats to separate like in a centrifuge
Serve and throw in freshly squeezed chilies

Making a Home Version

It might prove challenging to obtain a goat’s head and legs, given that each goat provides only one set, and butchers often reserve these parts for making supu themselves.

Your best chance of acquiring them might be during family events, particularly at Christmas or other occasions where slaughtering a goat is part of the celebration.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving: 1 Cup

Calories 17

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0.5g grams 1% Daily Value
Saturated Fat 0.3g grams 1% Daily Value
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g grams
Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g grams
Cholesterol 0mg milligrams 0% Daily Value
Sodium 893mg milligrams 39% Daily Value
Total Carbohydrates 0.1g grams 0% Daily Value
Dietary Fiber 0g grams 0% Daily Value
Sugars 0g grams
Protein 2.7g grams
Vitamin D 0mcg micrograms 0% Daily Value
Calcium 14mg milligrams 1% Daily Value
Iron 0.4mg milligrams 2% Daily Value
Potassium 129.6mg milligrams 3% Daily Value