Being composed of different nationalities (over 30) and having a big Western influence, Uganda has no national dish as such. Each of the nationalities have their own dishes, though some are shared. The most common traditional foods are green bananas (Matooke), millet bread, sweet potatoes, cassava and yams, normally served with beef or chicken stew, groundnut (peanut) sauce, beans or peas.
Uganda as a nation loves food, and no celebration is ever complete without a feast. As a result there is no shortage of eating places in the country. Food is generally cheap and there is something to suit every pocket and taste. Prices range from a mere Ush2000 to 60,000 a head depending on what you have and where you choose to dine. For those who want to try the delicious Baganda traditional dish called “oluwombo”, don’t miss Ekitobeero Restaurant on Kintate Road near Fairway Hotel.
There are fast food, Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian, Italian and Ugandan food restaurants. European dishes are available in all the major restaurants.
Dishes:
Local/African
Available in most places. Try the “Nyoma Choma” available at most drinking places also referred to as “drinking joints”. But the favourite places for “nyama choma” are:- Kabalagala or commonly referred to as “Half London”, Kisementi, Wandegeya and Bamboo nest in Bugolobi.
“Nyoma Choma” is roasted beef, goat meat, pork or chicken served with green vegetables (salads) and Pepper (optional).
The favourites are “Past Leaders” and affectionate name for pork and chicken also is available at all “joints”. Most of the hotels in Kampala serve extensive menu of local Ugandan cuisines, the most famous being the “Luwombo” – a delicious stew steamed in banana leaves – a must try!. Uganda’s fresh water fish is also highly recommended especially the Nile Perch and the Tilapia.
Italian:
For really good, classic Italian dishes, try Mamba Point, run by Guido and Fiona. Fancy a superb pizza with tilapia fish followed by an exotic ice cream! Try the Mammamia on the terrace of the Speke Hotel.
Indian:
Indian restaurants are also well represented in Kampala.
Sam’s near Farmer Choice, the Haandi in the Hotel Equatoria serves delicious North Indian cuisine from the Punjab (you may watch the Roomali Roti being made in its kitchen through a large window). The Maharaja serves curries and Tandoori cuisine in delightful surroundings at the Speke hotel, and, at the Masala Chaat House you may enjoy the delicious Dosas and Uttapams of South India. An excellent vegetarian restaurant serving truly delicious Indian delicacies can be found in Dewinton Road opposite the Crafts Market. Highly recommended.
Greek:
Andy the Greek located on Acacia Avenue, (run by Andy and Marie) provides spectacularly accomplished traditional Hellenic dishes, meze and superb seafood in a comfortable and very welcoming environment.
Chinese:
Ms. Fang Min is the perfectionist of Chinese food at the Fang Fang restaurant located on 4th Floor, Greenland Bank Towers on Kampala Road, offers a varied menu cooked by three chefs, each specializing in a different provincial Chinese cuisine. A truly superb Thai Restaurant can be found on road called Kulua,
European:
If you are a fan of fondues, try Le Plein Vent for a mouthwatering and substantial meal. You could be forgiven for thinking that you’re in Paris when eating at The Crocodile Cafe and Bar and it would be difficult to better the English food at 7 Cooper Road for quality and value in London.
Al fresco dining in the beautiful gardens of the Gallery Cafe combines really good food with attractive pictures and don’t miss enjoying an authentic taste of Ugandan cuisine at the the Kampala Casino on Thursdays.
However, if you are in Kampala, don’t just limit yourself to hotels, there are fabulous restaurants and places to kick the boredom away like the tantalizing, “Just Kicking” Bar and Restaurant at Kisementi.