Top 7 Traditional Rwandan Foods

Rwanda is widely known for its wildlife and breathtaking scenery, earning it the nickname “The land of a thousand hills”. And its cuisine is something you definitely should try when you decide to visit the country.

With roots in subsistence farming and cattle rearing, Rwandan cuisine is dominated by homegrown organic vegetables and artisanal milk products. Milk was the drink of choice, especially for wealthier people who owned cattle, and butter was the cooking fat of choice, widely used for frying vegetables.

The near-obsession with organic, local produce can still be felt in every Rwandan local market, where everything from fruits to poultry labelled ‘Rwandan’ (local breed/organic) is immediately recognized as tastier and thus more valuable.

Despite the simplicity of most traditional Rwandan foods, the unique tastes and textures still wow Rwandans and tourists alike. Below is a top 7 countdown of the best traditional Rwandan foods.

7. Umutsima (Sorghum/Cassava Root Dough)

Most farmlands in Rwanda grow a wide range of cereals, including sorghum and maize. These cereals are used to prepare one of the most common main dishes in traditional Rwandan society: umutsima.

In the past, sorghum was the most cultivated cereal plant and the term ‘umutsima’ referred solely to the sorghum dough. Sorghum was harvested, dried, and then ground to make sorghum flour.

The grinding took a while because it was done by hand on a well-polished grinding stone. Once grinded, it is time for cooking! Water is boiled and the floor is added. It cooks, stirring with a wooden spatula, until the flour is evenly cooked (no salt is added).

The unique, balanced flavor of the sorghum dough makes it a great accompaniment for a variety of stews, meat and red bean, and soups.  

When cassava was introduced in Rwanda, cassava root flour became more and more popular as an alternative to sorghum for preparing umutsima. In fact, some people prefer cassava root flour as it gives the dough a softer texture. The popularity of this alternative was further propelled by the influence from Congo, where it is known as ‘ugali’ (Swahili), thus many Rwandans call it ubugali. 

Preparing the cassava roots is quite tedious. It is a process that last weeks from harvesting the cassava roots to drying and then grinding. So tedious in fact that these days people prefer to buy commercial cassava root flour rather than prepare it at home.

Either way, both sorghum and cassava roots produce a unique dough of balanced flavor that makes it perfect for serving with stews and soups.

6. Igihaza (Boiled Squash)

Squash grows in the yard of most Rwandan homes. This natural wonder is appreciated for its nutritional value and unique taste.

In fact, you will find it on the most prestigious buffets at events or in hotels wherever you go in Rwanda. Although, very tasty on its own, Rwandan cooks often add red beans, which add to the flavor of the squash by lacing it with the taste of beans. Squash and read beans make a truly delicious combination.

This signature Rwandan dish is amazingly simple to prepare. Freshly harvested squash is washed and cut into small, triangular-shaped pieces and then the seeds are removed by hand.

The peel must not be removed. The red beans are then boiled on a high heat with a bit of rock salt. Once the beans are half cooked (when the water in the pot begins to turn red), the pieces of squash are placed on top of the beans with the peel side facing upward, away from the beans.

Then pot is covered and the squash nd beans cook together. After a few minutes, it is ready to serve. Usually, the squash is served separately but some prefer to serve it together with the beans.

5. Amateke (Taro)

Just like squash, taro also grows in almost every backyard of traditional Rwandan homes. Taro is not only highly rich in dietary fiber, it is also very appetizing. It is easy to prepare: simply peel it, wash it, and boil it. That’s it!

Taro is highly sought after for its powdery texture and its amazing taste. 

4. Isogi (Sour Vegetables)

The food experience is never fully complete unless it tickles all the taste buds! Isogi is a vegetable that activates the sour. Very popular with older people, as much for its numerous health benefits as for its unique taste, isogi is a very tasty vegetable that was very widespread in traditional Rwandan society.

Unfortunately, it has become rarer as more foreign foods and crops have been introduced in Rwanda.

There are different ways of preparing isogi but one the most popular is to fry it with butter. The leaves are plucked from the stem and washed. A small amount of butter is added to the pan on a low heat. Once the butter has melted, the leaves are added and mixed with a wooden spatula.

Salt, tomatoes, and onions are added and then you let the meal cook on a low heat. Once cooked, pre-cooked red beans are added.

This uniquely delicious meal is then served with umutsima, rice or potatoes.

3. Isombe (Cassava Leaf Stew)

Isombe is a true delicacy and remains one of the most popular Rwandan dishes. Its distinct smooth texture and its unique greenish color makes it mouth-watering at first glance, making its delicious salty taste even better. It is delicately prepared and features a wide variety of seasonings. 

The preparation of isombe starts with the harvest of young cassava leaves. They are carefully plucked from the stems and then ground to make a bright green paste. Leeks, onions, garlic, and bell peppers are added and ground together with the cassava leaves to harmonize the flavors.

Once the green paste is ready, it is boiled in water on a high heat for around two hours, then salt is added together with palm oil, tomatoes, and peanut flour. Some people like to add meat chops when the cassava paste begins to boil. 

Isombe is best served with umutsima, but it also very tasty when served with rice, ugali, and boiled potatoes.

2. Igihembe (Red Bean Stew)

This list would not be complete without including igihembe, a traditional stew prepared from peeled red beans. Red beans are among the most cultivated crops in Rwanda, and have been for the past two centuries.

Even to this day, red beans are found on the daily plate of most Rwandan families. One recipe for red beans, however, stands out as a real treat because of its incredible taste: igihembe.

The preparation of this exceptional dish start with the peeling. The red beans are soaked in cold water overnight to separate the peel from the flesh. In the morning, the beans are removed from the water, the peels are removed by hand.

The peeled red beans are then boiled in water on a high heat for 1 to 2 hours and then small slices of tomatoes and bell peppers and salt are added. Once the tomatoes and bell peppers are well cooked, it’s time to fry. You put butter in a pan on a low heat, add the cooked beans, and mix with a spatula until the stew is well blended.

Igihembe goes perfectly with umutsima, but it also blends well with rice or boiled potatoes.

1. Isambaza (Haplochromis fish)

At the top of this list is isambaza, one of the most widely farmed fish species in Lake Kivu. Isambaza has been the signature dish of Western Rwanda for generations. These are very small fish, no more than ten centimeters in length. They are served as a starter or as a snack when fried and seasoned with salt. Alternatively, the fried fish can be used in a soup by adding carrots, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices.

Isambaza soup is very delicious and it goes perfectly with umutsima. Isambaza is one of those dishes you simply must not miss if you travel to Rwanda, especially when visiting the shores of Lake Kivu.

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Clement Alexandre Iryayo

Clement Alexandre Iryayo is a Rwandan freelance translator and writer. He has over ten years of writing experience under his belt and is a food and travel enthusiast.