Favorite food in Uganda
Discover the most loved Ugandan dishes, according to the SagaPoll community
Uganda’s food culture is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and regional diversity. Whether it’s the rich banana leaf aroma of Luwombo, the softness of Matoke, or the festive spice of Pilau, the favorite food in Uganda reflects the country’s culinary soul.
Favorite Ugandan dishes: what food is Uganda known for?
- Luwombo / Oluwombo
- Matoke
- Pilau
- Kalo
- Katogo
- Posho
- Malakwang
- Gnuts
These famous Ugandan foods are more than just meals — they are daily staples, celebration dishes, and cultural symbols.
Most popular food in Uganda: a taste of tradition
1. Luwombo / Oluwombo
When combined, Luwombo and Oluwombo — both names for a traditional dish where meat or vegetables are steamed in banana leaves — come out on top with 24% of total votes (12% each).This delicacy, known for its deep flavor and cultural significance, is especially popular during celebrations and special occasions, making it the most favored food in Uganda.
2. Matoke
Matoke — a mashed green banana dish — takes second place with 23% of the votes. Despite the close margin, Matoke remains the most eaten dish in Uganda, with 35% of respondents saying they eat it regularly, making it a true everyday staple.
3. Pilau
Pilau, a spiced rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables, comes in second with 21% of preferences and 20% of regular consumption.
Loved for its aroma and festive nature, Pilau is especially popular during celebrations and social gatherings. It’s one of the top five Ugandan foods that blends Swahili influence with local flavors.
4. Kalo
Also known as millet bread, Kalo is an earthy, dense staple especially loved in Western and Northern Uganda.It was chosen by 8% of respondents as their favorite, and 8% also report eating it regularly — showing a perfect match between love and habit.
Do you want to share your tastes while earning money? Join the SagaPoll community!
Join the SagaPoll community and be part of conversations that matter!
Just like thousands of Ugandans, share your opinion on the most famous food in Uganda and get rewarded for your voice.
SagaPoll is an African app that lets you answer paid surveys. Redeem your points for cash and help shape the future of consumer insights.
5. Katogo
Katogo is a beloved breakfast dish made from matoke or cassava cooked with offals, beans, or groundnuts.
It’s the favorite of 7% of Ugandans, and 6% say they eat it frequently — a comfort food for early mornings or quick lunches.
6. Posho
Also called ugali in other parts of Africa, Posho is made from maize flour and water, forming a firm base for sauces and stews.
While only 7% selected it as their favorite, it is the third most consumed dish in Uganda with 19% saying they eat it regularly — proving it’s a key staple in everyday meals.
7. Malakwang
A northern Ugandan dish made from hibiscus leaves and groundnut paste, Malakwang is loved for its sour and nutty flavor.
6% of Ugandans chose it as a favorite, although only 1% eat it often, indicating it’s more regionally specific and less widespread on a daily basis.
8. Gnuts
Short for groundnuts, Gnut sauce is a creamy and rich peanut-based sauce often paired with posho or matoke.
4% of respondents picked it as their favorite, and 6% eat it regularly, showing its importance in Ugandan homes.
Is food in Uganda cheap?
| 💰 Meal Price (UGX) | 🍽 Breakfast | 🍛 Lunch | 🍲 Dinner |
| Less than 770 UGX 🥖 | 16% | 15% | 15% |
| 770 – 1,540 UGX 🍌 | 16% | 41% | 28% |
| 1,540 – 2,310 UGX 🍛 | 33% | 17% | 11% |
| 2,310 – 3,850 UGX 🍜 | 18% | 9% | 10% |
| 3,850 – 7,700 UGX 🍕 | 10% | 11% | 18% |
| 7,700 – 15,400 UGX 🥩 | 3% | 5% | 10% |
| More than 15,400 UGX 🍷 | 3% | 3% | 8% |
The price of food in Uganda varies depending on the type of meal and how much people are willing to spend. Looking at breakfast, it’s relatively affordable for many, with 16% spending less than 770 UGX and another 16% spending between 770 and 1,540 UGX. A large portion (33%) spends between 1,540 and 2,310 UGX, suggesting that breakfast is generally low-cost but can go higher for some.
When it comes to lunch, spending increases. While 15% still manage with less than 770 UGX, a significant 41% spend between 770 and 1,540 UGX, and 17% go up to 2,310 UGX. This shows a broader spread in lunch prices, with some Ugandans spending more comfortably.
Dinner tends to be more expensive. Although 15% still spend under 770 UGX, 28% spend up to 1,540 UGX, and another 18% spend between 3,850 and 7,700 UGX. Interestingly, 8% of respondents spend more than 15,400 UGX on dinner, indicating that some meals can be quite costly.
So, is food in Uganda expensive? It depends. Many Ugandans eat out affordably—especially at breakfast—but the cost of eating out in Uganda rises for lunch and dinner. Overall, there are budget-friendly options, but also a notable share of people who pay premium prices for their meals.
What is the Most Eaten Food in Uganda?
Matoke is not only the favorite dish among Ugandans — it’s also the most frequently consumed.
According to our SagaPoll data, it clearly stands out as a national staple, enjoyed in households across all regions.
Here’s a breakdown of the most consumed food in Uganda:
- Matoke (35%) – A national treasure and everyday essential
- Pilau (20%) – The go-to dish for celebrations
- Posho (19%) – Affordable and filling
- Kalo (8%) – A regional favorite
- Gnuts (6%) – A reliable side dish
- Katogo (6%) – Popular for breakfast
- Oluwombo / Luwombo (5%),
- Malakwang (1%)
- Ugali (0%) – Less popular in Uganda compared to neighboring countries
Discover Uganda’s culinary heritage with SagaPoll
What type of food does Uganda eat? The answer lies in a blend of local ingredients, slow cooking, and strong cultural roots. From the hearty comfort of Matoke to the festive aroma of Pilau, the most famous dishes in Uganda tell a story of identity, region, and tradition.
Ready to share your favorite food in Uganda and earn rewards? Join the SagaPoll community! By participating in paid surveys, you can express your opinions and get paid for your views.
FAQ
What is the most eaten food in Uganda?
Matoke is the most eaten food in Uganda, according to data from the SagaPoll community. This dish made from steamed and mashed green bananas is not only a cultural icon but also a daily staple in Ugandan households.
In our survey, 35% of respondents said they eat Matoke more often than any other dish — far ahead of Pilau (20%) and Posho (19%). Its widespread availability, simplicity, and versatility make it the clear number one when it comes to Uganda’s most consumed food.
What is the favorite food of Ugandans?
Our survey shows that Luwombo is the favorite food among Ugandans, ranking first in overall preference. Matoke, a mashed green banana dish, comes in second place, showing just how close the competition is between Uganda’s most beloved traditional meals.
What is the national dish of Uganda?
Matoke is widely considered the national dish of Uganda.
Made from green plantains (often called cooking bananas), Matoke is traditionally steamed in banana leaves until soft, then mashed into a smooth, hearty base. It can also be fried with onions, tomatoes, and spices for added flavor.
Deeply rooted in Ugandan culture, Matoke is more than just a meal — it’s a symbol of home, tradition, and everyday life across the country.
What is a common breakfast in Uganda?
Katogo is one of the most traditional and commonly eaten breakfast dishes in Uganda.
Made from matoke (green bananas) cooked together with ingredients like offals, beans, or groundnuts, Katogo is a hearty and flavorful meal that fuels the day.
Particularly popular in urban areas, this dish comes in many variations and is deeply rooted in Ugandan food culture — making it a staple morning choice for many.
