During a visit to Uganda, most cultural activities take place on the streets and roadsides, such as hawkers selling items, children running to and from school, and friends just conversing. There is usually some kind of activity and food involved. One of the highlights of these street activities is the wide variety of delicious snacks that you can try. From the popular Rolex, a chapati filled with eggs and vegetables, to the mouthwatering samosas and mandazi, there is something to satisfy every craving. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in these amazing Ugandan snacks while immersing yourself in the vibrant street culture.
Ugandan Rolex
If you haven’t heard of the famous Ugandan Rolex, you must be hiding under a rock. The Ugandan Rolex is a vegetable-loaded omelet rolled up in a chapati. The name “rolex” actually came from the phrase “rolled eggs.” While filling, the snack is quick and easy to make, not to mention its combination of convenience, low cost, and taste.
Roasted groundnuts (peanuts)
Roasted groundnuts are a popular snack in Uganda, enjoyed for their crunch and nutty flavor. Simply toss the raw peanuts in a bit of oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast them in the oven until golden brown. You can customize the seasoning with spices like paprika or chili powder for an extra kick. These protein-packed bites make for a satisfying and healthy snack option.
Roasted plantains (Gonja)
Locally referred to as “gonja,” these are sweet plantains often sold at stopover locations by the roadside. They look like bananas—green when raw and yellow when ripe. They are mostly barbecued but can also be either grilled or deep-fried in restaurants. These plantains are well accompanied with roasted chicken, beef, and cold or hot beverages. Don’t miss this on your Uganda road trip.
Nsenene (Grasshoppers)
Nothing says the taste of home like fried grasshoppers. A delicacy that comes from Uganda during the rainy seasons, this snack is enjoyed by many. With time, they are now preserved and can be enjoyed as a snack, months after the rainy season.
Muchomo
Barbecued beef or chicken on sticks is also a common snack worth grabbing when you make a stopover while traveling to your next destination in Uganda. Muchomo comes from a Swahili word meaning an act of celebrating following a victory. And since triumph in Uganda is celebrated with meat, the word Muchomo became a perfect fit.
Pancake (Kabalagala)
Similarly to how pancakes are frequently known as “Kabalagala,” “Kabalagala” is the name given to a sweet pancake sold at roadside stands. It’s worth emphasizing, though, that they taste nothing like traditional English pancakes. Kabalagala is a dish made from a combination of cassava flour and little sweet bananas, known as ndizi in the area.
Ramaiza Adventure Safaris is a local travel planning company that provides exceptional assistance on precisely designed adventure safari vacations in Uganda and Rwanda, as well as extensions to Kenya and Tanzania. You’ll be utterly fascinated by our amazing options throughout your vacation experience with us.
