After two successful editions in 2011 and 2013, Taste Awards is back for the third edition and this time round it’s going to be bigger and better. In partnership with Absolut Vodka and Nederburg, Taste Awards 2015 is a definite game changer and the competition is expected to be tougher than ever with the introduction of the Prestige Category which will have the judges votes only.
This category includes the excellence list of Nairobi’s top bars and restaurants as voted by an interesting panel of judges ranging from connoisseurs, beverage experts and interesting personalities. The judges have already formed the nominee list for major titles such as Chef of the Year, Mixologist of The Year, among others during the Taste The Best Workshop.

Panelists During The 2015 Taste The Best Workshop Earlier This Month

Best Continental Restaurant Award Winners,Taste Awards 2013-Brew Bistro and Lounge
Evaluations and nominations have already began and 120 establishments have been nominated so far, a sure sign that the industry had been eagerly anticipating the next edition. Taste has also introduced a new category dubbed The Rising Star Award which is for the up and coming junior chefs below the age of 25. Voting for this award closes on 14th August so you better start voting early to ensure the best chef wins. This edition is expected to have a cut-throat competition seeing the high rate at which fine dining restaurants are setting up in Nairobi.
The People’s Choice Category will be carried out through online voting where patrons will get to vote for their favorite establishments. Voting will be done through the Taste Awards 2015 official website and will commence in August 2015. There will also be real time voting via WhatsApp. Wondering when you will be able to vote? Voting starts on 3rd August and Closes on 24th August and the final awards ceremony will be on 7th September.
The awards will feature various partners coming on board including: BDO, Budweiser, Capital Club, Italic Printers, Kenya Nut Company, Mlango Farm, Monin, Ramtons SHK Consulting, Homeboyz Activate and Nairobi Bottlers. Media Partners include: East FM, Kiss 100, X FM, Capital Lifestyle Magazine, EatOut and Yummy.

The late great Chef Marcus won the coveted Chef of The Year Award at the 2013 Taste Awards.
Keep it Yummy for more details about the awards.
Here’s a list of all the categories
Prestige Category (Judges Voting)
- Taste Excellence Top 12 Restaurants and Bars
- Chef of The Year
- Mixologist of The Year
- Best Front of House (Service)
- Best Wine LIst
- The Rising Star, Junior Chef of The Year
People’s Choice Category (Popular Vote)
- Most popular Italian
- Most popular Continental
- Most Popular East African/ NyamaChoma
- Most Popular Indian
- Most Popular Chinese
- Most Popular Pan-Asian
- Most Popular Food On The Go / Franchise
- Most Popular Vegetarian
- Most Popular Cafe or Coffee House
- Most Popular Cocktail Bar
- Most Popular Night Out Venue
- Easy Dining In a Hotel
- Most Popular Bar in a Hotel
- Newcomer of the Year (Independent)
- Most Popular Restaurant at the Coast
- Most Popular Bar at the Coast