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Writer's pictureUganda Visa

Uganda Food Guide

Updated: Jul 10, 2023

Uganda Cuisines

Uganda does not actually have national food but still, it does not make Ugandan cuisine dry. In the opposite direction, you will experience unique dishes that you can only find in Uganda.




Matooke

In Uganda, every tribe has its distinct cuisine, which contributes to not only its flavors but also its cultural identity. The most common and popular staple food there is called ‘matooke’, which is referred to as ‘cooked bananas’. Matooke looks like regular mashed potatoes, however it is wrapped in banana leaves and boiled. This dish can be used for all 3 breakfasts, afternoons, and dinners. From the outside, Matooke looks bland, however, it is often eaten with a Ugandan recipe sauce, which makes the dish surprisingly attractive.




Uganda Rolex

The name does not actually represent the famous worldwide watch brand. Uganda Rolex is actually a famous street food in Uganda. Uganda Rolex mainly consists of cabbage, onion, tomato, eggs, and chapati, a type of flat bread. The recipe for making Rolex is not too complicated, the eggs are fried first, and when hot enough, people will add chapati. With the heat on the surface of the egg, the chapati and the egg will merge. The cook will then add the rest of the cabbage, onion, and tomato, and then toss the Rolex back and forth a few more times.


This rolled egg is very popular in Uganda. The food even has its own festival which is called Kampala Rolex Festival. The Kampala Rolex Festival attracts many domestic and foreign tourists. During the festival, chefs can customize their Rolex recipe, adding chicken or other vegetables. Besides Rolex, you may find other popular street foods, for instance, Samosa which is originally from India, Uganda pancake, and chapati which can be served as a main dish and side dish.





Lowombo

Luwombo is another classic Ugandan cuisine, originally reserved for nobility, this meal is now part of traditional Ugandan cuisine. It is made using chicken, goat, or beef meat. Lowombo is generally stewed patiently in banana leaves over a low fire. Then applying peanut sauce, fantastic the flavor of the meat used in this meal.





Ugali

Ugali is Another traditional food in Uganda. Ugali is a type of bread, and the main ingredient is Maize flour. This food is rather popular in entire East Africa than just in Uganda. Ugali is also one of the basic traditional dishes, and it can be served either hot or cold with fish or vegetables generally.





Nsenene

If you're looking for something unusual in Ugandan cuisine, Nsenene is one of the unique differences. These are deep-fried grasshoppers and seasoned with salt. This is actually a popular street food in this country, and is part of Uganda's traditional culture.


Nswaa

In addition to grasshoppers, you will also discover deep-fried ants, which is also a popular dish that you should also try. Nswaa is an insect-based food, that originated in Uganda. The food is treated like a snack for children here. Ugandan people harvest the insect during the rainy season and roasted them with seasonings.




Uganda Traditional Drinks

Beer is one of the popular drinks in Uganda. Uganda has a local beer, called Pombe, made from fermented bananas and millet. In addition to Pombe, Uganda also consumes more international beers. Waragi is also another popular cocktail in Uganda.

Tea and coffee are also popular in Uganda. Masala is a type of chai tea that originated in India and is very popular here. As for coffee, Uganda is the largest producer of coffee in Africa and varieties like Arabica and Robusta are grown and exported internationally.




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