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 dining at a lively Kigali eatery, enjoying grilled fish by Lake Kivu, 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 the best local foods to try in Rwanda, and where to eat them.
1. Brochettes (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Photo: Natalia
What it is: Rwanda’s answer to barbecue, tender chunks of goat, beef, chicken, 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) – A Kigali classic for grilled meats.
- Roadside grills – For the most authentic local vibe.
💡 Tip: Ask for akabanga (Rwandan chili oil) if you like it spicy!
2. Fresh Lake Fish (Tilapia & Sambaza)
What it is: Rwanda’s lakes are rich with fresh fish, especially tilapia and sambaza (tiny sardine-like fish). Tilapia is usually grilled or fried whole, while sambaza are lightly fried and eaten by the handful.
Where to eat:
- Lake Kivu towns (Gisenyi, Kibuye) – Enjoy fresh tilapia right on the lakeshore.
- Nyamirambo street food stalls (Kigali) – Try crispy sambaza with a cold Primus beer.
Photo : migro shop , Fish and ugali
3. Ugali (Cassava or Maize Porridge)
What it is: A dense, starchy staple made from cassava or maize flour. It’s usually eaten with vegetables, beans, or meat stews—perfect for scooping up sauces.
Where to eat:
- Afrika Bite (Kigali) – Serves traditional Rwandan meals with ugali.
- Heaven Restaurant (Kiyovu, Kigali) – A modern twist on classic dishes.
4. Isombe (Cassava Leaves in Peanut Sauce)
What it is: Finely pounded cassava leaves cooked with groundnut (peanut) sauce, onions, and palm oil. Creamy, earthy, and comforting.
Where to eat:
- Republica (Kacyiru, Kigali) – Famous for its isombe.
- Cooking classes – Learn to make it at Nyamirambo Women’s Center.
5. Matoke (Steamed Green Bananas)
What it is: Steamed green bananas, mashed and served with meat or vegetable sauce. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and very filling.
Where to eat:
- Hotel des Mille Collines (Kigali) – Tradition meets elegance.
- Khana Khazana – Matoke with a spicy Indian-Rwandan twist.
6. Ibihaza (Pumpkin with Beans)
What it is: Pumpkin cooked with beans—a hearty, vegetarian dish common in rural households.
Where to eat:
- Green Corner (Nyamirambo) – Beloved for authentic Rwandan dishes.
- Inzora Rooftop Café (Kigali) – Sometimes offers Rwandan lunch specials.
7. Rwandan Buffet (Agatogo, Rice, Beans, Greens)
What it is: Buffets are a Rwandan lunchtime tradition, offering a mix of rice, beans, plantain stew (agatogo), sweet potatoes, boiled greens, and grilled meat or fish.
Where to eat:
- La Palisse Nyandungu – Known for its traditional buffet.
- Car Wash (Kigali) – Famous for buffet lunch and brochettes.
8. Rwandan Coffee & Tea
What it is: Rwanda produces some of the world’s best specialty coffee and smooth, sweet black tea.
Where to sip:
- Question Coffee (Kigali) – Supports women coffee farmers.
- Inzora Rooftop Café – Best view in Kigali with great coffee.
- Coffee farm tours – Visit plantations around Gisenyi or Huye.
Bonus: Join a Local Cooking Class
Want to go beyond tasting? Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Rwandan dishes.
- Nyamirambo Women’s Center (Kigali) – Hands-on local cooking workshops.
- Azizi Life (Rural villages) – Cook with families in their homes.
FAQs About Rwandan Food
What is the most popular food in Rwanda?
Brochettes (meat skewers) and isombe (cassava leaves in peanut sauce) are among the most loved local dishes.
Is Rwandan food spicy?
Generally, no. But you can add akabanga chili oil for extra heat.
Is Rwandan cuisine vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Many traditional dishes like ibihaza, isombe, and bean stews are vegetarian.
What fish is famous in Rwanda?
Tilapia from Lake Kivu is the star, while sambaza (small fried fish) is a must-try snack.
How much does a local meal cost in Rwanda?
Street food can cost as little as 1,000 RWF ($1 USD), while restaurant meals range from 3,000–10,000 RWF ($3–10 USD).
Final Thoughts
Rwanda’s cuisine is simple yet rich in flavor, history, and community. From smoky brochettes to fresh Lake Kivu tilapia, comforting isombe, and hearty matoke, every dish tells a story of resilience and togetherness.
So when you visit, don’t just eat to stay full, eat to connect, explore, and experience Rwanda on a deeper level.
And yes—don’t be shy to ask for seconds.