What Is the Best Food in Rwanda? 5 Must-Try Dishes

Rwanda, known as "The Land of a Thousand Hills," captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Beyond its stunning scenery, it boasts a culinary scene just as remarkable.

Rooted in farming and cattle rearing, Rwanda food and drink feature fresh local ingredients, from garden vegetables to rich dairy products. Traditionally, meals were cooked with butter for a smooth, flavorful taste, while fresh milk was a cherished drink, especially among cattle owners.

Join us as we explore the best food in Rwanda, uncovering must-try dishes and top Kigali food tours. Get ready to savor a blend of tradition, culture, and unforgettable flavors!

Top 5 Must-Try Dishes: Discover the Best Food in Rwanda

Rwanda, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, also offers a unique culinary experience. If you're wondering "what food and drink should I try in Rwanda?", here are five must-try dishes that highlight the essence of Rwanda cuisine.

Discovering Rwanda famous food

1. Isombe

Among the many Rwanda foods, Isombe stands out for its rich taste and nutritional value. Made from pounded cassava leaves, this dish is packed with fiber and cooked in salted water. Green pepper, chopped onions, and eggplant are added for extra flavor. The final touch of ground peanuts and a teaspoon of traditional palm oil creates a creamy texture that makes this dish unforgettable. If you want a true taste of Rwanda food and drink, Isombe is a must-try.

 

Isombe stands out for its rich taste and nutritional value

2. Akabenzi 

Akabenzi is one of the most popular meat dishes in Rwanda cuisine. What makes it unique? First, it is eaten with your hands. Second, locals say the pig’s snout resembles the Mercedes-Benz logo, earning it the name “Benzi.” This delicious dish consists of dry-fried pork, seasoned with coriander leaves, and often served with boiled rice. If you're exploring Rwanda food, Akabenzi is an experience you shouldn’t miss!

3. Brochettes

Brochettes are Rwanda’s version of barbecued skewers, but with a distinct local twist. This Rwanda food specialty is grilled over a traditional charcoal stove, giving it an unmistakable smoky flavor. These delicious meat skewers are best paired with boiled potatoes, French fries, or charcoal-roasted bananas. If you're exploring Rwanda food and drink, be sure to try brochettes with a refreshing local beverage.

Brochettes are Rwanda’s version of barbecued skewers

4. Umutsima 

For those who love healthy and gluten-free options, Umutsima is a great choice. This famous Rwanda cuisine dish is made from cassava and corn flour, offering a delicious alternative to wheat-based cakes. Whether you enjoy it plain or sweetened, Umutsima provides a unique texture—similar to porridge but firm and satisfying. If you're searching for the best food in Rwanda, this traditional cake is a must-try.

 

For a healthy, gluten-free option, try Umutsima.

5. Igihembe 

No list of Rwanda foods would be complete without Igihembe. This hearty stew is made from peeled red beans, one of Rwanda’s staple crops for over two centuries. Red beans remain a daily part of many Rwandan meals, but Igihembe stands out due to its exceptional flavor. It pairs well with Umutsima, cooked potatoes, or rice. If you're wondering "what food and drink should I try in Rwanda?", Igihembe is a traditional dish that showcases the heart of Rwanda cuisine.

Whether you're visiting Rwanda for the first time or looking to explore its flavors, these dishes offer an authentic taste of Rwanda food and drink. Be sure to indulge in these delicious meals and experience the country's rich culinary heritage!

Exploring 3 Culinary Tours In Rwanda

Rwanda offers a range of culinary tours that allow you to explore its vibrant food scene. These tours often include visits to local markets, traditional kitchens, and dining establishments. Here’s a look at some of the top Rwanda food tours you should consider:

Exploring culinary tours in Rwanda

1. Kigali Food Tour

One of the most popular ways to experience Rwandan cuisine is through a Kigali food tour. The capital city of Rwanda, Kigali, is a center for both foreign and Rwandan cuisine. A food tour here might include stops at:

• Local Markets: Experience the bustling markets like Kimironko Market, where you can sample fresh produce, regional specialties, and traditional snacks.
• Street Food: Tasting popular street foods and interacting with locals will definitely be an experience you'll never forget.
• Restaurants in Kigali: Savor a lunch at one of Kigali's well-known eateries, which serve a variety of contemporary and traditional Rwandan cuisine.

One of the most popular ways to experience Rwandan cuisine is through a Kigali food tour

2. Lake Kivu Culinary Cruise

With its culinary cruises, Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes, provides a distinctive eating experience. Savor meals made with local, fresh ingredients while taking in breathtaking views of the lake and hillsides around you while dining on a boat. Some tours might include:

• Fresh Fish Dishes: Lake Kivu is known for its freshwater fish, which is prepared in various ways, including grilled or fried.
• Sunset Dinners: Experience a romantic dinner as the sun sets over the lake.

With its culinary cruises, Lake Kivu provides a distinctive eating experience

3. Rwandan Farm-to-Table Experience

Rwanda offers several tours that take you from the farm to the plateau. These experiences often include:

• Farm Visits: Farm Visits: Explore local farms and see how locals grow ingredients.
• Cooking Classes: Participate in hands-on cooking classes where you learn to prepare traditional Rwandan dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
• Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy a meal prepared with the ingredients you helped harvest and cook.

FAQs About Rwanda Food Tour

What can I expect on a Rwanda food tour?

A Rwanda food tour offers a deep dive into the country’s culinary traditions. Expect to explore local markets, sample traditional dishes, and participate in cooking classes. Tours often include visits to popular restaurants, street food carts, and sometimes even local homes, where you can experience authentic Rwandan hospitality and cuisine.

Are culinary tours suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Most Rwandan dishes are made with fresh ingredients from the farm. Vegetables and vegetarianism are a given. If you are a vegetarian, you will be very, very happy in Rwanda!

But if you like meat, don't worry, there are still plenty of other options!

Are food tours expensive?

The cost of a Rwanda food tour is generally not expensive. It can vary depending on the length of the tour, the inclusions (such as cooking classes or market visits), and the level of luxury. Generally, you can find options that suit different budgets.

Do I need to speak Kinyarwanda to enjoy a culinary tour?

No, most people in Rwanda speak English, especially in the tourist areas. The majority of tour guides speak English well enough to deliver a rich experience without requiring Kinyarwanda.

Conclusion

Rwanda, a landlocked country in the center of East Africa, may not be as well-known as some of its continental cousins—think South Africa or Morocco—but it nevertheless has a memorable culinary punch.

Before you embark on this culinary adventure, it's important to note that you will need a visa to enter Rwanda. But don't worry, you can easily apply for a Rwanda e-visa through Rwanda Immigration Services. The process is straightforward and convenient, allowing you to secure your travel documents from the comfort of your home. Don't miss out on this incredible experience of the Rwanda food tour—apply for your Rwanda e-Visa today and get ready to explore the flavors of Rwanda!

Food and Restaurants in Rwanda

• Best Food in Rwanda
• Rwanda Food Dishes
• Restaurants in Kigali