Ugandan street food isn’t just side dishes; it’s part of the country’s culture.
The streets are alive with movement. Vendors hawk their goods at traffic lights, kids rush home from school, and friends gather to chat. And in the middle of it all? Food. Everywhere.
Whether you’re stuck in traffic, waiting at a bus stop, or exploring a market, you’ll find vendors offering fresh, hot, and ridiculously tasty bites.
Skip the guidebooks—if you want the real taste of Uganda, start with these 13 must-try street foods.
Rolex – Uganda’s Most Famous Street Food
🇺🇬 If you only eat one thing in Uganda, make sure it's a rolex! 👍🏼 #streetfood #uganda pic.twitter.com/2a1VY1Q6M6
— Dave Mani (@The_Dave_Mani) May 21, 2024
No, it’s not a luxury watch. Rolex is short for “rolled eggs,” a name born from a thick Ugandan accent blending the words together.
This wildly popular street food is an omelet packed with veggies and rolled inside a flaky, chewy chapati. It’s quick, cheap, and delicious—whether you grab one from a street corner or a local restaurant.
Read: The Ugandan Rolex: East Africa’s Street Food Masterpiece You Have to Try
Kikomando – The Power Snack
What if they ban chapatti (kikomando) in Kampala pic.twitter.com/HikKQjUciq
— Princess Diana 👸 🦋 🇺🇬 (@KyarisiimaDiana) September 21, 2024
A Ugandan twist on comfort food. Kikomando is a mix of chopped chapati and beans, sometimes topped with avocado, stew, or even beef.
It’s hearty, affordable, and a staple among university students and anyone looking for a filling meal on the go.
The name? Coined by Ugandan singer Bobi Wine, inspired by the idea that eating it makes you as strong as a commando.
Read: Kikomando: Uganda’s Ultimate Comfort Food and the Story Behind Its Name
Sumbusa (Samosas) – The Crispy Delight
No one can finish these sumbusa's 😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/1GK565zIJP
— Mosh Jr ® (@_last_born___) June 10, 2024
East Africa has fully embraced the Indian samosa, and Uganda is no exception. These golden, deep-fried triangles come stuffed with spiced beef, chicken, or lentils.
Perfect for a midday snack or a quick bite with tea.
Chapatis – Flaky, Buttery Goodness
A Ugandan chapati is thicker and softer than the Indian version, made with all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat.
It’s a staple snack, best enjoyed fresh and hot, paired with tea or rolled up with beans, meat, or eggs.
Chips (Fries) – A Street Food Classic
Ugandans call them chips, Americans call them fries. Whatever the name, these golden potato sticks are a must-try.
You’ll find them deep-fried and often served with a side of tomato sauce, fried liver, or a spicy seasoning blend.
Muchomo – Uganda’s Answer to BBQ
Muchomo (meaning “roasted” in Swahili) is the ultimate roadside street food. Skewers of beef, goat, or chicken are grilled over an open flame, seasoned to perfection, and sold fresh off the fire.
The aroma alone is enough to make you roll down your car window at a bus stop.
Nsenene – The Crunchy Ugandan Specialty
A seasonal delicacy, nsenene are fried grasshoppers that locals absolutely love. They’re crispy, packed with protein, and have a nutty, slightly smoky taste.
If you visit Uganda in November or April, don’t skip this one.
Mandazi – The East African Donut
Soft, slightly sweet, and lightly fried, mandazi are Uganda’s version of doughnuts. Some are plain, while others are flavored with coconut or cardamom. Either way, they’re best enjoyed with a cup of spiced tea.
Kabalagala – Pancakes with a History
These banana pancakes are made from mashed sweet bananas and cassava flour, giving them a unique chewy texture.
They’re named after Kabalagala, a lively neighborhood in Kampala known for its nightlife. Why the connection? Some say it’s because these pancakes, like the area, are addictive and leave you wanting more.
Gonja (Roasted Plantain) – Sweet, Smoky, and Satisfying
Although they look like bananas, plantains have a firmer texture and a subtle sweetness. When roasted over hot coals, they take on a caramelized, smoky flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Gonja Crisps – The Ultimate Crunch
If you love potato chips, wait until you try gonja crisps. These thinly sliced, deep-fried plantains are crispy, salty, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect snack for road trips or lazy afternoons.
Roasted Maize – The Ugandan Classic
A simple yet beloved Ugandan street food. Corn on the cob, roasted over an open flame, gives you a smoky, chewy, and slightly charred treat. It’s often sold with a sprinkle of salt and enjoyed straight off the cob.
Fried Empuuta (Nile Perch) – A Lake Victoria Special
Nile Perch (Mbuta) tastes better grilled than deep fried ✅ pic.twitter.com/65IzdIP6Jh
— dennis ombachi OLY (@ombachi13) April 16, 2024
If you’re near Lake Victoria, you can’t leave without trying fried empuuta. This Nile perch is deep-fried until golden brown and served with a side of chips or fresh vegetables.
The crispy skin and tender fish inside make it an unforgettable snack.
Uganda’s street food culture is vibrant, diverse, and absolutely worth exploring. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or crunchy, there’s a snack waiting for you.
Which of these Ugandan treats have you tried? Let us know in the comments!
