Have a taste of Uganda

You quickly glance at your watch. It's lunch time. Your tummy is rumbling. Yes, you need to dump some food into your system. Where to go? What to eat? That shouldn't be a problem for you if you are around town. There are plenty of options for you: from sweet potatoes to matooke; from fresh fish to even snacky gonja. If you are overwhelmed by the so much variety available, these could work for you . . .

Have a sweet tooth? You don't need to munch away on junk in form of a chocolate bar or candy. A healthy lunch of sweet potatoes and beans should get your taste buds awakened.

If potatoes are not your thing, then a dish of matooke (green bananas) steamed nicely in banana leaves for a couple of hours is a great substitute. Oh, and it's best if you stashed your cutlery away and let your hands do the excavation. Ouch! That's steamy-hot too!

Another way of sorting your sweet tooth in a healthy way is by trying out the sweet plantains we proudly call locally 'gonja'. There are different ways of preparing these sweet things for your palate, but personally, the roasted version (pictured) works best for me.

Oh la la! Now don't you drool over there. Go on, go for it! Fresh fish, beans and groundnut sauce should all paint a yummy landscape on your plate. Rescue your palate, my friend!

Chapatti. Anyone? In Uganda, and East Africa in general, chapattis are one of the most common foods (or snacks) at home, in restaurants.....everywhere! And they are prepared in different ways. The deep-fried version (pictured) is one way, though not the commonest. Either way, it should make for an interesting addition to your plate. Give it a shot.

 Chicken luwombo. Healthy, yummy, soupy and YUMMY . . . again and again and again!

The boundaries of food preparation are limitless. The chicken luwombo can be steamed with groundnuts as well. And the aroma that wafts from that combination should make even the most satisfied person think twice. Yes.

Trust me. You will not have completed your visit in Ankole (western Uganda) if you leave that place without tasting Eshabwe. Good enough, you can also find it in your favorite restaurant in the city. If that doesn't tickle your taste buds, what will?

OK now, enough said. Go and enjoy what Uganda has to offer!