1104-A Broad Street
Durham
919-416-4922
www.thepalaceinternational.com

“Authentic, delicious, healthy, vegetarian-friendly Kenyan Cuisine, with live music on weekends.”

As Durham grows and changes, residents have access to more and more delicious and varied dining choices. It wasn’t always this way.

Located at 1104-A Broad Street, the Palace International has been offering Kenyan cuisine for more than 10 years. The Palace first opened in 1989 and then moved to Parrish Street downtown. After the building burned to the ground in 2001, owner Caren Ochola and her husband Maurice took a break for a few years, then decided to reopen on Broad Street.

Kenyan cuisine is a melting pot of influences. The cultures of eastern Africa are reflected in a global range of flavors, from the spices and fresh fruits and vegetables of India and the Caribbean to the fish and chips of England. The prevalence of vegetables and legumes makes it easy to eat in a healthy way while enjoying great flavor.

The Palace menu still features old favorites like Chicken Curry and Kilimanjaro Beef Ribs. There are lots of vegetarian options, like red pinto beans cooked in coconut milk with ginger and cayenne, and a dish featuring creamy peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and spinach. East African breads like ugali and chapatti and spicy and mild condiments complete any meal at the Palace. One diner writes: “…they have the sweetest, sweetest staff here! Our server was all smiles and kindly walked us through the menu and offered explanations and comparisons for any dishes we didn’t recognize.”

The Palace is also a hot nightspot where people from all backgrounds come to hear exotic music. You’ll see students, residents from nearby neighborhoods, people of African and Caribbean descent, and many other enjoying international bands and DJs. The Palace hosted a festive celebration celebrating the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, followed by dancing with an African DJ. “People mingle and exchange culture,” Caren says. “Music, to me, is a language that attracts everybody.”

Come enjoy Caren’s delicious food and wonderful music in a colorful, welcoming restaurant filled with African art. Your stomach and your soul will be glad!