The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Ugandan Foods. If you manage to be in an Ugandan restaurant or you are visiting Uganda, I recommend the following
1. Sim Sim Cookies
This African dessert is made with simple sesame seeds and sugar. The ingredients are brought together and boiled until the sugar is liquid, then poured onto a flat surface until cool. They are so chopped and ready to eat. With its light and crunchy texture, this sweet snack goes well with hot beverages.
2. Mandazi
This is a traditional Ugandan recipe made with corn and wheat flour, eggs and milk, fried in oil before serving. In some regions they use spices such as cardamom, allspice, cinnamon or ginger to flavor the dough, while in others they make unflavored sweet bread and accompany it with Chai Masala for breakfast or snack.
3. Groundnuts (peanuts)
Ugandans often eat roasted peanuts as a snack or between meals, it is a healthy and delicious habit. You can find them in paper tubes as well as in market stalls and street stalls. The custom of eating peanuts is deeply rooted in Ugandan cuisine.
4. Chapati
Chapati is a widespread dish in many countries with Hindu influence and in East Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Tanzania. It is a wheat flour cake that is usually eaten alone with tea or milk, usually at breakfast, or with meat and vegetables, both for lunch and dinner.
5. Kikomando
It is a snack like a chapati (mentioned above) that is cut into pieces and served with fried beans. This name is inspired by the commando soldier or unit that eats quickly in the field, or in the casual “go commando” style. It can also refer to someone who is not afraid to get dirty when eating street food with their hands.
6. Luwombo
Also known as Oluwombo, it basically consists of beef, chicken, fish or mushroom stew. The peanut butter gives it a special touch that further enhances the flavor of the meat which makes this dish delicious. Because luwombo comes in different colors, it is usually served when large quantities are prepared during celebrations.
7. Muchomo
Muchomo is a roast beef recipe. It can be made with any type of meat. The meat is grilled and enjoyed with salad, unpeeled ripe plantains or french fries. Although usually grilled it can be enjoyed as barbecue, the more popular form has become a popular street food in most city suburbs. It tastes delicious.
8. Posho
Also known as Ugali, it is popular not only in Uganda but throughout Africa. Usually made from maize, ugali can also be made from other starches. Migrants prepare it with flour and semolina. Another variant of ugali is kwon. Kwon is made from millet and in some areas, such as eastern Uganda, cassava is used.
9. Matooke
Sweet and spicy, Matoke is considered a staple food in Uganda. It consists of chicken stew and green plantains seasoned with various spices. To make this dish, a plantain is mashed and mixed with chicken and various vegetables. The result is a delicious dish that you can enjoy in many African countries. Ugandan families usually celebrate weddings on weekends.
10. Malewa
This is a traditional Ugandan dish made with bamboo shoots, these are air-dried and smoked to give the dish a unique flavor. It is then mixed with salt and peanut butter to make a delicious sauce that can be enjoyed with plantains, sweet potatoes or cassava.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional African Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.