By Ronny Thiong’o
World Samosa Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this delicious snack and explore the rich cultural history behind it. Whether you’re a seasoned samosa enthusiast or a first-time taster, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and make the most of this special day.
Every year on September 5th, food lovers around the world come together to celebrate World Samosa Day, honoring one of the most cherished and versatile snacks in global cuisine.
From the bustling streets of India and Kenya to cafes in London and New York, the humble samosa has made its mark as a symbol of shared culture, delicious flavor, and culinary creativity.
Francis Thuo, a Kenyan street vendor, shares rich insights into his life, the challenges, and the joys of being a samosa vendor. He provides a detailed account of how this tasty snack comes to fruition from just flour and water.
“A samosa depends on what you put inside, the higher the demand, the more you make. It depends on what ingredients you use more of,” Francis said.
With its crispy, golden-brown pastry and flavorful fillings, the samosa transcends borders. Originating in the Middle East and spreading through trade routes to South Asia, the East African coast, and beyond, the samosa has become a staple in countries like India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Tanzania—each putting its unique twist on the dish.
Traditionally filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and meat, samosas now come in various forms, from vegetarian delights to fusion flavors filled with cheese, chocolate, or international spices.
To maintain his customer base, Francis explains that he uses different spices to prepare a quality samosa.
“There must be a good quality. You have to add something that is tasty, with a good aroma. For example, in meat samosas, you have to add onions, masala, ginger, garlic, and many other things,” he explains.
Francis is optimistic about his business as he yields significant profits due to the high demand for samosas in the market.
“In fact, I’m planning to expand my business because these samosas are moving very fast. The more they sell, the more profit you make, and the more profit you make, the more you want to expand,” said Francis.
However, Francis emphasizes the need for perfection before venturing into the samosa business.
“I would advise newcomers to be educated on it and to learn from someone who knows how to make them. You have to be sure of what you’re doing because this is not just trying—it is making,” Francis reiterated.
Samosas are a delightful fried dish filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from onions, peas, potatoes, and cheese to beef, lamb, or an array of other creative fillings.
On World Samosa Day, people across continents indulge in creative samosa variations, host samosa-making competitions, and share their favorite recipes online.
Like Francis, street vendors serve piping hot samosas to eager customers in Kenya, while in India, families gather to make and share samosas over tea.
World Samosa Day encourages everyone, no matter where they’re from, to try out this beloved dish. Samosas are more than just a food item they’re a global symbol of cultural exchange, history, and culinary innovation.