Traditional Cooking Class

In a traditional Rwandan cooking class, you can expect a hands-on experience that immerses you in local culture and the country’s farm-to-table approach to food. Classes often take place in a local family’s home or a cooking event space, with hosts guiding you through the process. 

The market visit

Your cooking lesson will begin at a local market, where you will learn about the key ingredients in Rwandan cuisine, including: 

  • Staple crops: Plantains, beans, sweet potatoes, and cassava.
  • Vegetables: Onions, tomatoes, spinach, and a variety of local greens.
  • Seasonings: Fresh herbs and spices. 

travel: car from Musanze city centre
food: three dishes of traditional Rwandan food you prepare 🙂
including: ingredients, banana beer

PRICE: 75 USD

travel: moto from Musanze city centre
food: two dishes of traditional Rwandan food you prepare 🙂
including: ingredients, banana beer

PRICE: 50 USD

travel: walking from Musanze city centre
food: one dish of traditional Rwandan food you prepare 🙂
including: ingredients

PRICE: 25 USD

I’m interested!

For any special request/individual itenary/group discount etc., please

Contact us!

Dishes you may prepare

The recipes focus on simple, hearty, and flavorful meals that are commonly eaten by Rwandan families. Dishes you might cook include:

  • Isombe: The national dish of Rwanda, this stew is made from mashed cassava leaves, often cooked with meat, fish, or ground peanuts.
  • Ugali (or Ubugali): A thick, starchy porridge made from maize or cassava flour, which is a staple side dish for stews.
  • Matoke: Green plantains that are steamed and mashed.
  • Akabenz: A pan-fried pork dish.
  • Brochettes: Grilled meat skewers, typically made with goat, beef, or fish.
  • Kachumbari: A fresh salad made of thinly-sliced onions, tomatoes, and other raw vegetables. 

Traditional cooking methods

The process is often a communal and interactive experience.

  • Ingredient preparation: You may use traditional tools to peel, wash, and grind or mash ingredients.
  • Heavy boiling: The traditional method relies heavily on boiling ingredients together to create flavorful dishes.
  • Communal atmosphere: You will likely cook in a relaxed, social environment, with the host guiding you through each step.
  • Outdoor kitchen: In some settings, cooking may take place outdoors over a traditional wood or charcoal fire. 

Culminating in a shared meal

The class ends with a celebratory and social meal where you eat the dishes you helped prepare. This is an opportunity to: 

  • Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your hosts and fellow participants.
  • Discuss Rwandan food traditions and culture.
  • Try local fruits and drinks, such as banana beer or fermented milk. 
I’m interested!