A taste of Singida finds a home in Dar es Salaam
What you need to know:
- By putting Singida at the heart of their concept, KWG challenges the idea that cultural experiences must be confined to rural or traditional settings.
In the heart of Tanzania’s bustling commercial capital, a new cultural dining experience is taking shape. A restaurant named Kukukuku is currently under construction, promising to bring the essence of Singida Region to Dar es Salaam through food, design, and storytelling.
More than just a place to eat, Kukukuku is becoming a creative and cultural hub—blending the traditional with the contemporary. The project is being developed by Kalito Way Group (KWG), a local creative company that is focusing on celebrating Tanzanian identity through innovation and immersive design.
Speaking to The Citizen, one of the designers behind Kukukuku explains that the concept is emerging from a desire to give Singida a fresh spotlight within the capital’s growing cultural and culinary landscape.
“We are seeing a great opportunity in Singida’s story its dry yet stunning landscapes, its customs, and the daily life of its people,” the designer says. “We are asking ourselves, why can’t that story be told here in Dar es Salaam? And Kukukuku is our answer.”
Inside the restaurant, artisans are currently working on a warm and earthy interior. Walls are being painted in natural clay tones, light fixtures made from coconut shells are being installed, vintage kerosene lanterns are being refurbished, and handcrafted furniture is being sourced from across Tanzania all designed to echo the spirit of Singida.
The restaurant’s layout is also incorporating cultural cues, with walkways being named after familiar places like “Mtaa wa Ndoa Ndoa,” reminiscent of the street names found in Singida that reflect community and history.
Kukukuku is not being envisioned as a typical eatery. Instead, it is being built as a “platform for storytelling”, where food will be used as a powerful medium to communicate identity, memory, and belonging.
“We are not just preparing to serve meals. At Kukukuku, we are creating a space where culture is honored where every bite tells a story,” says one of KWG’s project coordinators.
The venue is being designed to welcome a wide range of guests from families and groups of friends to intimate business meetings offering a balance of comfort, creativity, and cultural authenticity.
By anchoring Kukukuku in the narrative of Singida, Kalito Way Group is challenging the idea that cultural heritage belongs only in rural or traditional settings. Instead, they are proving that even the quieter regions of Tanzania can shine in modern urban centers when brought to life through thoughtful storytelling and design.
