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Eat Like a Local in Kampala Uganda.

How to Eat Like a Local in Uganda, East Africa.

I would really like to taste the soul of Uganda Julie, I want to eat like a local in Kampala…! My friend Charles did not only want to eat like a local, he wanted to live like a local in Uganda for all of 10 days lol! I disabused him of the later pretty fast.

See its easier said than done for a foreigner I can tell you…

Did this guy know what he was asking? You see, Kampala, Uganda is in my soul, it is in my blood, yet even I would be very wary of eating like a typical local in Kampala…let alone live like one! 

Allow me to tell you a wee bit about Kampala.

First read this, what you need to know before you visit Uganda. Okay…

Kampala is a city that seems to morph every blessed year. Its skyline has consistently changed over the past 20 years, in fact every blessed year!

If you have been away from Kampala for more than five months, on your return you will almost feel like a visitor to your own city.

Yet, unlike other East African Countries, Uganda does not rely heavily on tourism or even food imports! It is a land locked country yet endowed with fertile, green freshness everywhere you look. Never mind the Political situation.

By any African standards, Kampala is NOT a cheap destination. Trust me I have seen things change over the past 10+ years. Year on year and they dont seem to be getting better! And lets not talk about security, since I know European countries I wouldn’t visit, Or parts of USA I would not send my worst enemy! That’s a story for another day! 

Today, we are focused on all things gastronomic….

[clickToTweet tweet=”Today, we are focused on all things gastronomic…. #FoodandDrink” quote=”Today, we are focused on all things gastronomic….”]

Whether you’re on an African Safari, staying with family/friends, at a hotel, or even renting an Airbnb, your food bill, Boda boda rides and special hires aka taxis, plus souvenirs will add up pretty fast.

Sure, you can skip the latter, and stick to the UGX 500/= – 1000 local boda or bike rides this is approx. $0.25-a-ride to get around. But today we are talking about eating like a local in Kampala.

And Kampala restaurants do not reflect the cost of living in this growing country!

Expect to pay more than $12 a plate for something as mundane as Chicken and Chips —and that’s at a casual city take away in Kampala.  Imagine paying that for a child’s meal at a MacDonald’s… ☹ In a developing country that depends lots on foreign aid! 

Meaning you could easily spend $360 or thereabouts on food for only 10 days in Kampala. So, I kinda get why Charles wanted to brave the local cuisine outside of his hotel, which will be the lovely Serene Suites as recommended by yours truly!  

A secure gated hotel complex situated on Mutundwe Hill with Self-catering facilities in a beautiful setting… (Honestly they haven’t paid me to say this) lol.

Eat Like a Local in Kampala Uganda - Senere Suites Mutundwe Kampala

We all know that where there’s a will, there’s a way, so you can eat cheap in Kampala and you can bet that it involves local food. Here are our Pkjulesworld tips for sniffing out the aromas outside of the pricey Kampala top end restaurants.

Track Down a Food Market or Nalongo’s Restaurant Entebbe Road

Am assuming you are on holiday or safari and thus can go where the winds blow you? Then head on to any of the local Food Markets.

Signage is next to MIA so ask around. These usually have a kind of cooked food section. More like an open air canteen with benches. Trust me you will need to have your charcoal tablets or a strong stomach as the surroundings are usually not exciting.

Read our article on your essential travel medical first aid. It is absolutely essential if you intend to eat like a local in Kampala or any African city

Anyhow, the locals are used to it. The seating is on benches, the portions are generous and the food is amazingly tasty for under $0.50 a plate. Including a variety of foods plus a bottle of soda or water.

By the way they can deliver to locations close to the market, so maybe you can find a nicer place to seat and send for your meal! Means having a savvy local with you on this!

Your platter could include matooke, cassava, sweet potato, rice, greens like dodo or spinach! With a meat curry or stew of goat, oxtail, beef, chicken, beans etc. You may be in luck and even have a Luwombo of meat or peanut. This is stew cooked in tender banana leaf. A local delicacy I highly recommend you try at least once.

You want to eat like a local Kampala resident, right?

I highly recommend YOU DON’T try any salads at all unless you want to get up close and personal with your bog house!

 

Pro Tip: Instead buy your fresh fruit and veg from a market. To cleanse them, place in a bowl of salted water for about 15 mins. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy whenever you need your Vitamin hit!

Afro-Brit Travelpreneur Confessions by Julie Sylvia Kalungi

 

[RELATED – What to Pack when Traveling to Africa!]


Definitely Have a Rolex

Eat Like a Local in Kampala Uganda
PIN ME 🙂

Nope, I am not talking about a $1k plus arm adornment aka watch! I am talking about a Ugandan Rolex, others call it a Rolie.

To be honest this food was not even existent as a public offer circa 1999…Oops dating myself.

It hit the global interest after a CNN expose. A rollex came out need, by university students on a tight budget. All it is, is an egg omelette rolled in a Chapati, with whatever topping you want e.g. beans, salad meat. All rolled together like a tortilla wrap! In other words, it could be an omelette roll lol! 😊

A Rolex is really cheap, filling, Ugandan fast food at its best! And is found in any restaurant, market or take-away!

[RECOMMENDED – EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO STAY SAFE WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD.]


Visit the Fish Market

If you love fish, absolutely head on to Gaba fish market on a weekend – it’s definitely worth a visit. There’s no denying the more laid-back, local flavour and ambiance!

This is located on the shores of Lake Victoria (Nalubaale as it is locally known). You will have the best tasting experience of fresh fish served with a side of cassava or plantain and salad. Add a bottle of chilled local beer and you are in heaven!

By the way the image below was at the Entebbe Boat Club. The fish as finger-licking Deliciouso. 😀 Thanks to our Brother-in-law Paul (you know who you are) Much love! 😉 

Eat Like a Local in Kampala Uganda - Enjoy a whole Fish Dinner
Fish and Entertainment at Entebbe Boat Club

I guarantee the sunset is magical with breath taking views of the lake and the islands. All this for about $6, a bargain if you ask me!

To get to Gaba you can take one of the Matatus from the crazy Kampala public Taxi Park, (As a foreigner you will stick out like a sore thumb and could be targeted by Pick pockets). So, watch out and learn how to protect yourself in this article about tourist scams.

Or better still, hire a special or a Taxi as we know it in the west. This could cost you anywhere between $10 – $12 about UGX 30k from the city centre. Will cost lots more if its further away from your destination!

[clickToTweet tweet=”An evening at the Entebbe Boat Club. The fish is fingerlickin Deliciouso. #EatLikealocal #traveltuesday” quote=”An evening at the Entebbe Boat Club. The fish is fingerlickin Deliciouso.”]

Liquid Lunch Anyone?

Okay the locals in Kampala are modern, young, health conscious, men and women and they love smoothies.

And to get some trusty liquid energy packed full of natural organic fruit and veg head to a Café Javas near you. Mind you, I have no doubt that their smoothies are packed full of sugar…not from fruit. BUT they are delicious…and your children will love the shakes!

You can have your breakfast here.  They do truly excellent coffees, your nose will be assaulted by freshly baked pastries. You can order sarnies, wraps or full meals. And You get Free Wi-Fi… which is fast by Kampala standards and why you find Javas a hive of young trendy Ugandans! Their service is attentive and fast as well.

Also, many “Take-aways” as the locals call the fast food establishments; now offer smoothies too. Yet, I would apply my advice above about eating salads to these smoothies too.

Unless the take-away is in a trusted location OR you want a full stomach detox and cleanse…you know what I mean! 😊

[RELATED – OUR SUPER GREEN TRAVEL SMOOTHIE!]


Love some Uptown ambiance?

eat like a local in kampala_Spectrum dessert-min

Okay you must have a local meal in a great location, with the best local produce freshly sourced daily.

This establishment is owned by a lady that we love. A family friend. Yet this is not why I recommend Spectrum Restaurant slap bang in the city center by Christ the King Church!

Spectrum at Theatre La Bonita is a buffet style restaurant. In fact, in our opinion it is the best buffet in Kampala. They offer a wide variety of local Ugandan foods and Indian styled curries.

This upmarket restaurant occupies a sprawling first floor space, swanky ambience, lit by large chandelier lighting, several large aquariums and potted plants. You would think you walked into an Arabian tropical space. The chefs create a variety of fantastic local cuisines in a buffet that teases your palate. The BBQ chicken starter is unique.

Their freshly made juices are to die for. And you can also dine from a set menu.

We at Pkjulesworld highly recommend the salads, fruits and veg here.

At $15 a plate + drinks it’s not cheap, yet it is worth every penny.

If you are on a business trip, well put it on the credit card! Or if you are truly treating yourself, and not keeping an eye on the balance sheet, I say have your meals here every day! 😉 Reservations are recommended.

Mind you the Café La Bonita is a clean, great place to while away your lunch hour after all that walking around dusty Kampala. Order a chilled drink, to wash down that Sambusa, Pie or whatever is on offer.

Wanna Eat Like a Local in Kampala? Eat by the Roadside

To be honest I hesitated to add this, but hey-ho the locals eat this food, so why not you.

These are like what the Kenyans call Mama Ntiliyes. More or less roadside shacks with very inexpensive local grub. Usually BBQ venues.

You might like to have a local friend with a car here. For instance along Entebbe Road, there are a couple of worthwhile spots, for some of the best BBQ with conch salads. They start at $5 a pop but can easily fill you for an evening meal. Washed down with lots of beer!  

Of course, there are some truly roadside shacks that are mobile with fish, esp. Nile perch aka mpuuta, chicken etc. they usually pop up in the evenings on busy junctions and do a roaring trade!

[RECOMMENDED – SOLO TRAVEL MUST KNOWS!]


Go Grocery Shopping

Supermarkets around here are a new trendy development, not unlike those in the U.K. If you’re self-catering, you are definitely better off buying produce, meats and fish from outdoor markets.

But if you truly are not happy doing the above head on to, likes of Quality Supermarket chains, which offer a prepared-foods section where you can pick up items like rotisserie chicken, ribs, and African-style mac-and-cheese pizzas for under $10. Add a six-pack of Bell beer or a $0.50 a bottle and you’re set for the night!

And for you who wants to Just eat, in Kampala The Lonely Planet magazine created a comprehensive list of restaurants in Kampala.

And one of our very own family meals in Kampala.

eat like a local in kampala_family meal

 

So do you reckon I gave Charles a great place to start when it comes to; How to eat like a local in Kampala city? How about you, having read the deets, would you taste the soul that is Kampala cuisine, or stick to the safer restaurant food? share your insights below! 

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See, Do, and Be more!

Julie Syl Kalungi

Email: support[at]Juleskalpauli.com

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Share Your Views

74 thoughts on “Eat Like a Local in Kampala Uganda.”

  1. I heard a lot of wonderful things about food culture in Uganda, but East Africa is still an unknown region for me in culinary terms. When I go though I think my favourite option will be by the Roadside though lol 😉

  2. This is some great information. I’ve always wanted to go on a safari, so I’ll definitely have to keep all this food info in mind for the trip

  3. Great tips, thank you for sharing. I would love to visit one of those food markets! It would be such a nice way to try local foods!

  4. I am a big fan of eating local food when I travel, so this is the perfect post for me 🙂 I haven’t been over to this side of the world yet, but it’s on my bucket list and I hope to get there one day soon! Looks like you had the best time x

  5. I love traveling and find seeing all these great options for eating very helpful for me to remember!

  6. Wow! This is all such an experience, and I love the way you’ve mapped this out. I’d love to go here someday! It looks amazing. Thank you for sharing 🙂

  7. This is a wonderful and comprehensive travel guide! I think many people are interested int eh more authentic experience when traveling to a new place.

  8. There’s so much price variation! But it’s wonderful to see there are lots of options for yummy eats – even for total cheapskates like me 😀

  9. I have always wanted to visit Uganda ever since I saw the country on the world map at school. I dunno why but I did. Your posts makes me want even more.

  10. I love eating like a local when I’m away!! And the place you stayed looked gorgeous. What a fun time!! 🙂

  11. This was really a fascinating read, as I know very little about Uganda. The prices of meals are certainly quite surprising. But man, do many of those places sound delicious. Thanks for sharing the “local” info!

  12. I love traveling and the best thing is to enjoy the local culture and the food. I am glad that you had an amazing time and experience.

    1. Hey Preet,

      That is absolutely amazing, Been anywhere amazing lately? or going anywhere exotic? I really hope that you enjoy yourself in other countries because they are some of the best experiences aren’t they? 🙂
      Syl

  13. I’m waiting on dinner and you have my apatite surging. Especially for the fruit bowl on the table at the Spectrum Restaurant. It sounds as though eating as the locals do where you have suggested and then dinner at the Spectrum would be what I would think normal for traveling. I’d like to visit the bbq by the lake! The only problem is that my stomach isn’t the healthiest. That motel would be for me too it looks great and you said it is secure.

    1. Hey Gladys,

      If you travel with your charcoal tablets and Peppermint tea, and make ginger your best friend, you would enjoy exotic cuisines. Uganda awaits you one day 🙂
      Syl

  14. There were so many great tips in this article that will help anyone visiting Kampala. The fresh produce looks amazing!

  15. I have no plans of traveling to South Africa just yet, but will keep in mind all these tips. The hotel that you stayed at looks lovely, and quite homey, too. 🙂

  16. Your hotel complex looks gorgeous! I love eating like a local when I visit places – I’ll have to bookmark this for when I eventually get to Uganda!

  17. The food looks so good! We’re planning to travel this year and we want to find affordable but delicious food as we travel. Uganda is beautiful! Great post! Thank you!

  18. I haven’t eaten like Kampala before but it looks like a lot of food and yummy food at that. I would try it out if I ever come across it.

  19. This all looks delicious! I would like to go to any part of Africa. And I’ll keep Kampala in mind with these tips of yours.

  20. I’ve only ever left Canada once to go to Jamaica for a friend’s wedding. I love trying new foods in local restaurants, but have not had the pleasure to try many in their originating countries! Posts like yours make me want to travel more and try authentic foods like those you’ve pictured 🙂

  21. Kristy Bullard

    I would love to visit one of those food markets! It would be such a nice way to try local foods!

  22. Fab post and I like all the tips for keeping and eating safely. Also your links for other posts, all in all really good:) Thank you
    Mainy
    #blogstravaganza

  23. i am African and sure yes we do have alot of great cuisines and delicacies, have not been to Kampala but hopefully some day i will.

  24. Trying local cuisine and local favorites is the best part of traveling. I don’t know if I will ever make it to Uganda but if I do, I’ll know exactly where to go and what to eat.

  25. One of the best things about travel is the local cuisine. Food is in the culture after all. Beautiful grounds and sounds like a lovely experience (esp with the fish – YUM!)

  26. What a lovely place to enjoy some diverse culture from what we’re used to. I Love the idea of being able to eat like a local in Kampala, it looks like a lovely place to visit and plenty of new foods to try!

  27. This is such a great place to visit. I never thought that Uganda could be beautiful like this. Truly a bucket list material.

  28. Thank you for sharing all your tips! Sounds like you can save a lot of money by eating like a local in Kampala.

  29. It sounds like you know your way around the place. Now I totally understand why your husband wants to eat like a Kampala especially if it’s that much cheaper. Its quite clear the country makes a lot of money through tourism.

  30. Haaa you nailed it to the dot. Boda Boda prices have gone up since but still affordable though.

    There is also Uber which is very convenient affordable and safe. And other taxi companies.

    Food delivery is fast picking up now for that lazy day.

    1. Wowser,
      thanks for your insights and updates Harriet. I love that you have the up to the minute deets I will add them to Charle’s itinerary!

      So good to see you here! 🙂

      Syl

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