Use this Western Uganda Restaurant Guide to find out about the local dining scene and for some recommended places to enjoy a good meal. And what better way to build up an appetite than by wandering around the local markets and enjoying some shopping in Western Uganda? Also take a look at our Uganda Restaurant Guide for more information on the local food and cuisine found throughout the country.

Food & Cuisine in Western Uganda

Millet bread, cassava (tapioca), yam, corn, soybean and sweet potato are commonly consumed foods in Uganda. Meat and fish are also very much a part of the cuisine in Western Uganda. Pork is a local favourite and pork dishes are found in most restaurants in Western Uganda. Chicken, beef and lamb are also important ingredients of the local diet. At nature reserves and camps you get wild game on occasions. Fish is a staple food item and a wide selection of fresh and dried fish is readily available, especially in areas near the Nile River and the Victoria Lake Basin. Tilapia and mamba (mud fish) are very succulent varieties and dishes made with these are quite popular.

Ugandans are fond of their soups, and particularly delectable are the various kinds of fish soups made here. The traditional garlic soup is another speciality you might want to try out. A much sought after local delicacy is a doughnut called Mandazi which is served at Western Uganda hotels and street stalls. It is very good when freshly cooked, but not when a day old, so remember to get fresh ones. While typical Ugandan food is quite cheap; you can get it even cheaper at some of the stalls near the markets and the bus stations.

If you are not too thrilled about the local cuisine, there are upmarket Western Uganda restaurants in all major cities that offer international cuisines. You will most likely find that there is a bias towards Western and Indian cooking. If you are looking for vegetarian food, try Indian restaurants.

For visitors who prefer to cook their own food, the local markets and shopping centres in Western Uganda will provide all the stuff that is needed. Tinned food, bread, frozen meat, biscuits, chocolates and the like are stocked at most supermarkets in major towns. Some of the vegetables and fruits that you find in Western Uganda are not found in many other places. The number of fresh and juicy fruits offered is amazing and most of them are absolutely irresistible. Bananas, papayas, mangoes, pineapples, oranges, avocados and other seasonal fruits can be bought at the local markets and from street vendors at very affordable prices.

Along the tourist trail and at important tourist spots and safari camps in Western Uganda, there are restaurants and eateries catering to the tourists. At Fort Portal town visitors can enjoy a selection of local and international dishes. There are a couple of eateries on the Mweya Peninsular region in Queen Elizabeth National Park where the cuisine and ambience is really top class. There are also good places to eat in the Kisoro Valley, Mbarara town and at Masaka.

Drinks in Western Uganda

It is better to drink bottled water as tap water is not always safe except in Kampala. Branded soft drinks and fruit juices are available all over the place and they are cheap too. Sweet tea or Chai is a favourite drink of the local population. A very good drink, it is sometimes flavoured with spices.

A popular alcoholic drink is the Waragi, a local millet-based gin. Different types of locally made beer are also available in Western Uganda.