Rwandan Food and Drink: Brochettes, Isombe, Ubugari and Coffee

Rwandan cooking is straightforward and filling, built on staples such as beans, potatoes, cassava, plantains and maize. A typical meal combines a starch with stew or greens, and portions are generous. Fresh fruit and vegetables are cheap and abundant in the highlands.

Brochettes, skewers of grilled goat, beef or fish, are a favourite evening snack and are served in bars and roadside restaurants across the country. For a typical lunch, try isombe, cassava leaves cooked with aubergine and spices, alongside ubugari, a stiff porridge made from cassava or maize flour.

This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Dishes to Try

• Brochettes: grilled skewers, usually with chips or plantain.
• Isombe: pounded cassava leaves with greens and spices.
• Ubugari: a firm porridge eaten with stew.
• Akabenz: fried pork, common in bars.
• Fresh fish: tilapia from Lake Kivu.

Coffee and Tea

Rwanda grows high-altitude coffee and tea. Specialty cafés in Kigali serve single-origin coffee, and tea estates near Nyungwe offer tours. See coffee and tea tours for visits.

Eating on a Safari

Lodges serve international menus with local touches, and your driver-guide can recommend places to try authentic dishes. Tell us about any allergies or dietary needs in advance. For Uganda's own dishes, see Uganda food guide.

Planning Rwanda with Uganda? Tell us your dates and we will combine both countries in one smooth itinerary, with transfers and permits arranged.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team