While I have been in Uganda, I have learned to love the many different types of food available here. This country has such a wide range of delicious meals that I have had the chance to try. Although I really enjoy tasting many different kinds of dishes, there are a few that I keep coming back to for lunch. These favorite meals have become a regular part of what I eat during the day. They not only fill me up but also give me a taste of the wonderful culture and flavors that Uganda is known for. Each bite truly shows how rich and diverse this country’s food can be.
Deep-Fried Fish from Mulungu
One of my favorite dishes is deep-fried fish from a place called Mulungu. It is a meal that I find myself going back to again and again. I have lost track of how many times I have visited this spot just to enjoy their delicious, crispy fish. The fish they serve is not only very tasty, but it is also quite large. In fact, it is so big that if I try to eat the whole thing by myself, I often end up with a stomach ache! Despite this, I always look forward to having this amazing dish whenever I can. Here’s a blog post i wrote about Mulungu.
Chicken Necks with fries and plantain bananas
This lunch is one of my favorites. I often take a boda to a town called Kajjansi which is located inbetween Kampala and Entebbe, where I like to buy chicken necks. The chicken necks there are usually very tasty and have a good amount of meat/skin on them. They are also very affordable, costing just 1000 UGX each. The dish on the photo that I took with chicken necks, plantain bananas, avocado and fries only cost approx. 8000 UGX total. This is roughly about 2 US dollars. It’s a great meal that I really love!
Katogo – Matoke with a Vegetable Sauce
This is a dish that my wife often makes, and it is something we really enjoy. In Uganda, matoke is a common food, and it doesn’t cost much at all. Preparing it is not too difficult, but there is one part that can be quite challenging. Peeling the matoke can be tough, especially if you don’t have much experience doing it. It can be a real pain in the NYASH.
Once we get past that part, we can make a meal called katogo. This dish is called katogo because it is a mixture of different foods all cooked together. It makes for a tasty lunch that we really love. The flavors come together well, and it’s quite satisfying to eat. Overall, even with the peeling challenge, making katogo is worth the effort because it turns out so delicious!
Beef Sticks with plantain bananas and a salad
I really love the street food in Uganda, and this case is no different. As mentioned, I often visit Kajjansi. One of my frequent foods to get there is beef sticks. These beef sticks are cooked on a grill until they are just right, making them so flavorful and enjoyable. I have lost count of how many times I have eaten these delicious treats. They never fail to make my taste buds happy! Mix it with plantains and a salad, and you got yourself a meal.
Kikomando
It’s actually a while ago since I have eaten Kikomando, however, the dish used to be one of my favorite food to eat, as it was 1000 UGX at food stands. You can read more about kikomando in my other blog post.
Rolex
Let’s not forget the Rolex. Rolex is the signature dish of Uganda (okay okay, I haven’t forgotten Oluwombo), and is eaten by everyone that wants a quick snack instead of a whole meal for lunch. I love it. My friends love it. My daughter love it. You can’t go wrong with a rolex. Read more about Rolex here.
Oluwombo
Oluwombo is magic. This traditional food is not just a meal; it’s a wonderful combination of flavors and cooking methods. Oluwombo is made by pairing fresh, colorful vegetables with a type of meat. You can choose from options like beef, chicken, goat, or pork, depending on what you like best.
The meat and vegetables are prepared and then wrapped in banana leaves. This wrapping is very important because it helps to keep all the flavors inside while the dish cooks. The meal is then steamed or cooked slowly, allowing all the ingredients to blend together beautifully. When you open the banana leaf, you are greeted with a delicious aroma that makes your mouth water.
I love eating this at reastaurants, and if you visit Uganda too, you have to try.