Kenyan Lawyer Says She Cleaned Dishes In Restaurants Before Starting Own Eatery In Germany

• Carol Waithira Mühlenbrock, a Kenyan entrepreneur and chef, has captivated the culinary world with her journey from cleaning dishes in German restaurants
• She has now established her successful eatery, La Kula Restaurant, in Germany, which has been in operation for six years now
• Her remarkable transition, driven by a passion for cooking and a love for African cuisine, has garnered recognition in the culinary industry

Carol Waithira Mühlenbrock, a Kenyan entrepreneur, chef, and mother of two, has shared her inspiring journey from cleaning dishes in restaurants to running her successful eatery.

Carol's love for cooking prevails

Before embarking on her culinary journey in Germany, Carol had studied law in Kenya. When she arrived in Germany, she aspired to continue her legal career but faced a language barrier.

To keep herself busy, she sought employment and found a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant, she said during an interview with DW Swahili.

"In Kenya, I had studied Law, and so when I came to Germany, I wanted to continue in this line. I first had to learn the language, and since I am not the kind of person who sits at home and does nothing, I looked for a job. The only job I got that didn’t require me to speak German, which I had not learnt at the time, was cleaning dishes in a restaurant," she said.

Her fascination with the kitchen's bustling atmosphere quickly led her from dishwashing to assisting in the culinary process.

Carol's love for cooking prevailed, and she embraced it wholeheartedly.

While waiting for her legal studies to materialise, she took on the role of a waitress, using it as an opportunity to learn the German language.

How did Carol's journey as chef begin?

Eventually, she abandoned her plans to study law in Germany, pursuing her passion for culinary arts instead.

Her journey as a chef began with an apprenticeship, during which she had to pause to give birth to her son.

Despite this challenge, in January 2012, she topped her class in the final exams, reducing her apprenticeship time due to her prior legal studies in Kenya.

Running her restaurant, La Kula Restaurant, in Haus Mühlenbrock, Germany, has not been without its challenges.

Carol highlighted the difficulty in finding personnel in the culinary industry in Germany and the balancing act of being a mother with demanding kitchen hours.

"As a mother, being in the kitchen is challenging because of the working hours. I am always torn between my love for the kitchen and my love for my children, especially in the evenings when I can’t read them bedtime stories, it is not easy! This is why I try to make time by reducing our opening hours," she said.

What are some of her achievements?

To accommodate her family, she had adjusted her restaurant's opening hours.

One of her most significant achievements in the culinary world is being recognised by the German community and acclaimed German star chefs as an ambassador of African cuisine.

She has even had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned chefs and appeared on German television for her exceptional African dishes.

"Berthold Bühler, a German 2 Michelin Star Chef, came to cook with me in my restaurant, and when the press asked him how he liked my food, he said, 'she is a perfect ambassador of the African Cuisine."

Carol has won several awards, including the African Women in Europe Entrepreneur of The Year Award in 2009 and the Afro News Best African Restaurant in Germany Award in 2021.

Carol emphasised the importance of technique, quality ingredients, and creativity. She believes these three elements are crucial for delivering memorable and delightful dishes to her guests.

In addition to her restaurant, Carol runs an online platform called Karibuni Jikoni, where she invites people into her kitchen to cook.

Kenyan woman, daughter selling samosas in Finland found dead

In a separate story, a Kenyan woman and her daughter, known for selling delicious samosa in Finland, were found dead in their van in Tahko, Finland.

Police found the bodies of Catherine Anyango and her daughter Michelle at the main parking lot of the resort town on Thursday, February 9.

Nation reported the duo owned a food cart company called African Sambusas that specialised in ethnic food, including samosas.

They moved from town to town, selling unique and delicious cuisine, leaving happy customers in their wake.

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Carol Waithira Mühlenbrock

Kenyan Lawyer Says She Cleaned Dishes in Restaurants Before Starting Own Eatery in Germany

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