Food is more than just fuel—it’s one of the best ways to experience a culture. In Rwanda, traditional dishes are simple, hearty, and full of flavor, reflecting the country’s deep agricultural roots and community-centered way of life.
Whether you’re sitting in a lively Kigali eatery or sharing a home-cooked meal in a village, these dishes offer a true taste of the Land of a Thousand Hills. Ready to dig in? Here are some of the best local foods to try in Rwanda—and the best spots to enjoy them.
1. Brochettes (Grilled Meat Skewers)
What it is: Rwanda’s answer to barbecue—tender chunks of goat, beef, or fish grilled on skewers, often served with fried plantains or potatoes.
Where to eat:
- Sundowner (Kigali) – Legendary for their brochettes and local beer.
- Chez Lando (Remera, Kigali) – Classic Rwandan spot with great grilled meats.
- Local roadside grills – For an authentic experience, try a roadside “brochette joint.”
💡 Tip: Ask for akabanga (Rwandan chili oil) if you like it spicy!
2. Ugali (Cassava or Maize Porridge)
What it is: A dense, starchy staple made from cassava or maize flour. It’s usually eaten with vegetables or meat and is perfect for scooping sauces.
Where to eat:
- Afrika Bite (Kigali) – Serves traditional Rwandan meals with ugali.
- Heaven Restaurant – Offers a modern take on traditional Rwandan sides like ugali.
3. Isombe (Cassava Leaves in Peanut Sauce)
What it is: Finely pounded cassava leaves cooked in groundnut (peanut) sauce, often with onions and palm oil. Creamy, earthy, and comforting.
Where to eat:
- Republica (Kacyiru, Kigali) – Known for their isombe and beautiful ambiance.
- Home-cooked meals – Ask about joining a local cooking class or family dinner.
4. Matoke (Steamed Green Bananas)
What it is: Steamed green bananas mashed and served with sauce—usually meat or vegetables. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and very filling.
Where to eat:
- Khana Khazana (Kigali) – Offers Rwandan matoke with a spicy twist.
- Hotel des Mille Collines – A blend of tradition and class.
5. Ibihaza (Pumpkin with Beans)
What it is: Pieces of pumpkin cooked with boiled beans—a hearty, nutritious vegetarian dish loved in many rural homes.
Where to eat:
- Green Corner (Nyamirambo, Kigali) – A local favorite with authentic Rwandan dishes.
- Inzora Rooftop Café – Occasionally offers traditional Rwandan lunch specials.
6. Rwandan Buffet (Agatogo, Rice, Beans, etc.)
What it is: Buffets are common for lunch in Rwanda and usually include a variety of staples like rice, beans, sweet potatoes, boiled greens, and sometimes agatogo (plantain stew).
Where to eat:
- La Palisse Nyandungu – Popular for its daily Rwandan buffet.
- Car Wash (Kigali) – Fun, casual spot with buffet and grill.
7. Rwandan Coffee & Tea
Okay, not technically a dish—but you can’t leave Rwanda without tasting its world-famous coffee or sweet, spicy black tea.
Where to sip:
- Question Coffee Café (Kigali) – Supports local women coffee farmers.
- Inzora Café – Best view in town with locally sourced brews.
- A visit to a coffee farm – Head to the countryside for a tour and tasting.
Bonus: Try a Local Cooking Class
Want to go beyond just eating? Join a cooking class or home meal experience with a local host. You’ll learn how to make these dishes yourself and gain deeper insight into Rwandan culture.
Recommended experiences:
- Nyamirambo Women’s Center – Offers cooking classes in Kigali.
- Azizi Life Experiences – Learn to cook Rwandan food in a rural village setting.
Final Thoughts
Rwanda’s cuisine may be simple, but it’s packed with flavor, history, and heart. Whether you’re trying smoky brochettes, rich isombe, or the comfort of matoke and beans, every meal tells a story.
So when you visit, don’t just eat to stay full—eat to connect, explore, and experience Rwanda on a deeper level. And don’t forget to ask for seconds.