Java House - Embassy House, Nairobi

What to buy here: Coffee.

Kenyan is Eastern Africa’s largest producer of coffee, so it makes sense that you would take some home when visiting Nairobi. Kenyan coffee is Arabica-type, with strong acidity and fruity and wine-like undertones. Depending on where it’s grown and the type, you can expect anything from a spice-rich to a berry flavor to a sweet grape crispness. Get whole bean coffee rather than ground coffee, as the bean will maintain its full flavor for longer. This is especially important in the hot, humid weather of Nairobi. For the best coffee in town, join a tour that takes you out to a coffee farm, where you can buy coffee directly from the farmers. The Kenya Nyeri Ngunguru and the Kenya Nyeri Hill Estate Peaberry produce two of the most popular coffee brands in the country and both run farms that can be visited. Ngunguru is set on a beautiful location, with inspiring views of Mt. Kenya on the background and tons of wildlife –including deer and hawks—roaming the area. The coffee from Peaberry is particularly good because it has a touch of cinnamon spice, which makes it unique. A pound of either coffee will set you back about U$9.