Finding the Beautiful Grain of Rice Nairobi at Village Market: Unique Things to do in Nairobi

While exploring the Village Market in Gigiri, we came across an artist offering something we had never seen before. Using an incredibly steady hand and a remarkable amount of patience, they would handwrite names onto a single grain of rice Nairobi. As long as the name was less than 10 words, he would fit it in there with a Kenyan flag on the other side of the rice grain.

Honestly, watching him work was mesmerising. A grain of rice is already so small, but somehow every letter was perfectly placed. We have no idea how someone develops that level of patience and precision, but it was incredible to watch. It was probably the most touristy thing we did, and we’re so glad because that is a memory we have forever! It’s also great to support local artists.

Grain of Rice Nairobi

We decided to have each other’s names written on the grains of rice, Saleha would wear my name and I would wear hers. The artist even added tiny decorative details before sealing each grain inside a small glass vial filled with a magnifying gel. He asked us what gel colour we wanted, what necklace chain we preferred – colour, length, etc. The finished grains were turned into necklaces that we could wear, and they became one of the most unique souvenirs we have collected on our travels.

If you are visiting Nairobi, keep an eye out for these miniature artists that are around many markets. You never know what little treasure you might find.

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