Discover the 7 Must-Try Rwanda National Dishes

This landlocked nation is a haven for diverse animals, art, and culture. It is one of the tiniest nations in Africa, and its cuisine is extremely distinctive. Fresh farm ingredients are used in the majority of the recipes. There are clearly vegetables, and there is a huge vegetarian diet. In Rwanda, being a vegetarian will make you incredibly happy.

Nonetheless, for meat enthusiasts, fret not, as there are also delectable options to savor! In this 7 Must-Try Rwanda Traditional Foods guide, you’ll learn about meals, beverages, and desserts from around the country. If you're open to discovering different cultures, Rwanda is full of opportunities, particularly when it comes to its cuisine. With these 12 regional dishes, let's travel to Rwanda through cuisine.

7 Must-Try Popular Rwanda National Dishes

Try Rwandan cuisine if you want to have an incredible culinary experience. Everyone can find something they like in Rwanda, from savory stews to sweet pastries. Rwandan food is renowned for being straightforward and wholesome, made of locally grown ingredients. Here are 7 must-try popular dishes in Rwanda.

1. Ugali

When coming to the Land of a Thousand Hills, people will surely ask a series of questions such as "What is the most popular food in Rwanda" or "What food is Rwanda known for". The answer may be Ugali.

It's a great idea to start your day in Rwanda with Ugali. To generate the soft and smooth texture of this appealing porridge, corn (maize) and cassava powder are boiled with water or milk.

For better flavor, Rwandans frequently eat it with curry or sauce. Sometimes the chef would swap out maize flour for millet or sorghum flour. In 2017, UNESCO included this recipe on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Ugali is now a favorite meal not just in Rwanda but also in many other countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and others. It doesn't have a lot of flavor on its own, but when combined with meats, vegetables, stews, and sauces, it can be prepared in mind-blowing ways.

It's a great idea to start your day in Rwanda with Ugali

2. Matoke

You shouldn't overlook matoke, a renowned African dish whose distinct flavor will enchant you. The main ingredient in this amazing dish is plantain, fried with onions and seasoned with salt. You will find it hard to resist because of the matoke's natural sweetness and aroma.

Given the prevalence of plantain in numerous East African countries, it comes as no surprise that Matoke enjoys widespread popularity in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and beyond.

Plantains were introduced to Africa by Southeast Asians during the 1st to 6th century AD through flourishing trade activities. Consequently, plantains can now be easily found in Eastern Africa and the African Great Lakes region. A noteworthy benefit of this dish is its high potassium content, which proves advantageous for blood pressure regulation.

3. Akabenz

Referring to popular dishes in Rwanda, you cannot miss the name Akabenz. It is lime-coated pork that has been grilled,  and its precise origins remain a subject of interest. Notably, pork is not a typical ingredient in Rwandan cuisine, making this dish all the more unique and intriguing.

What specifically sets Akabenzi apart? First off, you can only consume the tiny pieces of pork meat with your bare hands. Second, the inhabitants think that a pig's snout looks like the Mercedes Benz logo. For this reason, it is even called after "Benzi" - a Mercedes Benz.

The meat is dry-fried and then beautifully adorned with fresh coriander leaves. Akabenzi serves as an excellent complement to boiled rice, creating a perfect culinary pairing.

Referring to popular dishes in Rwanda, you cannot miss the name Akabenz

4. Igisafuria

Depending on the area, this cuisine is referred to as either Igisafulya or Igisafuria. Both, in any case, translate to "pot" in the regional tongue (Kinyarwanda). The term was given because all the ingredients—chicken, vegetables, and spices—were combined in one cooking pot.

Fried chicken thighs with spinach and green plantains are used to make igisafuria. The flavor is fantastic since they all mix together. To make the dish spicy and fiery, some celery, green pepper, or hot pepper is also added.

5. Kachumbari 

Kachumbari is a raw salad made with chopped onions and tomatoes. Not only is it traditional in Rwanda, but also in the Great Lakes neighbors. The term "kachumbari" is thought to be derived from "cucumber," a popular ingredient often included in this dish.

To enhance the flavors of this straightforward salad, numerous additional elements are frequently incorporated, such as a touch of chili for spiciness, along with aromatic herbs like coriander and parsley. To add a refreshing tang, lemon or lime juice is also commonly used. These extra ingredients contribute to making Kachumbari a delightful and appetizing culinary experience.

Kachumbari is a raw salad made with chopped onions and tomatoes

6. Isombe

When visiting Rwanda, I highly recommend indulging in the traditional Isombe, a prominent dish in this country's cuisine, also popular in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Isombe is a delectable preparation made from cassava leaves, boasting unique and distinctive flavors. It is commonly enjoyed alongside rice or porridge during meals.

This delightful dish offers a wonderful combination of the characteristic taste and tender texture of cassava leaves, complemented by the rich flavors of beef stock and an array of vegetables, including spinach, tomato, eggplant, and bell pepper. A touch of peanut butter will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. A taste of Isombe will leave you with a memorable impression of Rwanda.

7. Brochettes

Brochettes are the national Rwandan food, comprised of meat or fish on a skewer which is then barbecued or grilled. Brochettes are typically made using goat, beef, chicken, or hog as the meat. You might also find it in the cuisine of Gabon and other African nations.

In Rwanda, it's a common sight to find skewers featuring marinated meat, fish, onions, and vegetables grilled over charcoal, both in street vendors and restaurants. When you opt for Brochette, your dish will be accompanied by Pili Pili sauce and a side of delicious fried potatoes. And tomatoes, onions, peppers, and vegetable oils can all be used as marinades.

Brochettes are the national Rwandan food

6 Places to Try Popular Dishes in Rwanda

When visiting Rwanda, you'll have various options to indulge in the country's popular dishes. The best places to try Rwanda traditional food include:

1. Local Restaurants and Eateries

Rwandan cities and towns have numerous local restaurants and eateries that serve authentic Rwandan cuisine. These establishments often specialize in traditional dishes like Ugali, brochettes, Ibihaza, and more.

2. Street Food Vendors

Rwandan street food is a vibrant and flavorful experience. You can find street vendors selling popular snacks in busy areas, markets, and near tourist attractions.

3. Local Markets

Rwandan markets are not only great places to buy fresh produce but also to taste traditional foods. Many markets have food stalls where you can try local dishes prepared by skilled cooks.

4. Home-Stays

If you have the opportunity to stay with a Rwandan family, you'll likely have the chance to savor homemade traditional meals, including those passed down through generations.

5. Hotels and Resorts

Larger hotels and resorts catering to tourists often include traditional Rwandan dishes on their menus, along with a mix of international cuisines.

6. Cultural Events and Festivals

If you happen to visit Rwanda during a cultural event or festival, you'll likely find food stalls and vendors offering a diverse selection of traditional dishes.

Popular Rwandan National Dishes - FAQs

What food and drink should I try in Rwanda?

Must-Try Foods:

• Isombe: Cassava leaves cooked with peanuts, tomatoes, and onions.
• Ugali: A thick maize or cassava dough, typically served with stews.
• Matoke: Steamed green bananas, often paired with meat or beans.
• Brochettes: Grilled skewers of meat (goat, beef, or chicken), often served with fried plantains.

Essential Drinks:

• Urwagwa: Traditional banana beer with a sweet, fermented flavor.
• Ikivuguto: Fermented milk drink, similar to buttermilk.
• Rwandan Coffee & Tea: Renowned for its rich flavors, often served sweetened.

What is the national dish of Rwanda?

Rwanda's main dish is Isombe, a tasty stew made with cassava leaves. The leaves are boiled, mashed, and cooked with things like tomatoes, onions, and peanuts. This makes a rich, salty meal. Isombe is often eaten with rice, plantains, or beans. It is loved and shows how key cassava is in Rwanda's food.

Is Rwandan food spicy?

Rwandan cuisine is generally not spicy. Dishes are prepared with simple ingredients and mild seasonings, focusing on the natural flavors of the food.

What beverages are popular in Rwanda?

Rwanda offers a variety of traditional beverages:

• Milk: Consumed widely, often in fermented form called Ikivuguto.
• Fruit Juices: Made from local fruits like passion fruit and mango.
• Coffee: Renowned globally, though traditionally reserved for export.
• Tea: Commonly consumed, especially in rural areas.
• Traditional Beers: Such as Urwagwa, made from fermented bananas or sorghum

Are there any unique condiments in Rwandan cuisine?

Yes, Akabanga is a distinctive Rwandan condiment. This chili oil, made from African bird's eye and habanero peppers, is known for its intense heat and unique flavor profile. It's commonly used to add spice to various dishes, from samosas to soups and stews.

Take a trip to Rwanda!

Have you been to Rwanda?

Which cuisine on this list do you prefer the most? I hope the information in this article will be useful to you if you enjoy learning about different cuisines from around the world.

As travelers embark on their journey to Rwanda to explore its culinary wonders, it's essential to note that most foreign nationals require a Rwanda eVisa to enter the country.

What food and drink should I try in Rwanda?

Rwanda has a wide variety of delicious foods and drinks that reflect its culture and local ingredients. Isombe, made from cassava leaves cooked with peanuts and usually served with rice or plantains, is a must-try. Another popular dish is Ugali (polenta porridge), usually served with meat or vegetables. For meat lovers, brochettes made with beef, goat or chicken are popular. 

Speaking of drinks, Rwanda’s Kinyar Rwanda coffee is world-famous and is grown in the country’s fertile volcanic soil. Rwanda tea is another popular beverage, usually sweetened with milk. For a non-alcoholic beverage, try Bushera, a drink made from rice or wheat flour. Along with the food, these drinks also provide an authentic taste of Rwandan cuisine.

To obtain a Rwanda eVisa, travelers can apply through the official website of the Rwanda Immigration Services. The online application process is straightforward and allows travelers to submit the required documents and pay the visa fee electronically.

By acquiring the necessary eVisa, travelers can immerse themselves in the rich flavors of Rwanda's traditional food while enjoying the country's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Bon appétit and happy travels!