With Kigali flooding with tourists and the Rwandan diaspora from all over the world, all gathered in the city to enjoy the summer holidays and some of the bustling activities taking place, a striking food scene focused on local sourcing and sustainability will engulf visitors in Rwanda’s unique and spirited personality and famed hospitality.
Among the key areas that attract thousands of tourists to Kigali are the diverse cuisines that cater to almost all the cultures of the world from the Middle East, West Africa, East Africa, and the rest of the world. You can enjoy any of your favorite dishes at a low price in Kigali.
Here are our picks.
Sundowner Kigali is one of the Nyamacoma-friendly countries in East Africa, with almost 10 Nyamacoma joints serving hundreds of kilos of meat every day. One of the best Nyamacoma spots in Kigali is Sundowner, a pub, and restaurant in Kimihurura, Kigali, best known for serving the best grilled goat meat with maize meal (kawunga) and Kenya’s famous greens (sukuma wiki).
The place has everything you need for a mid-week or pre-game hangout, with Affordable drinks, great music, good food, and outdoor seating. For as little as Rwf 7,000, you can order a goat’s leg and Rwf 14,000 for goat’s ribs – the pub’s most famous dishes. Sundowner has also opened a branch in Kanombe at the Phoenix Apartment, due to popular demand.
Pili Pili There is a saying in Kigali that Sundays are for Pili Pili, and this is because the bar in Kibagabaga-Kigali hosts the biggest party of the week in the city on Sundays. It’s a popular bar and restaurant known for its knockout burgers, grilled seafood, pizzas, salads, and a vast selection of drinks, especially champagnes and wines of all kinds.
On weekend nights, the place heats up to club temperature with DJs spinning house and other beats. With a large open-air terrace with a magnificent view, a nice pool, and a congenial atmosphere, Pili Pili also has the best Nyama Choma with good music played by the best DJs in town, including DJ Marnaud, Higa, and Rusam, DJ Ino and many others.
For as little as Rwf15,000, you can get any cocktail of your choice, while a meal costs between Rwf 10,00 and Rwf 30,000.
Crystal Lounge Located on the roof of KABC, Crystal Lounge and Restaurant is considered by many to be Kigali’s favorite pub, always packed on weekends. Offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the beautiful city of Kigali, the high-end establishment hosts some of the biggest rooftop parties in Kigali, with a diverse cuisine offering the best dishes from around the world.
A pizza at Crystal is as cheap as Rwf10,000, with the same amount getting you a mojito at the cocktail bar.
Kivu Noir For coffee lovers, Rwanda is one of the few countries in Africa with the best coffee and coffee spots like Kivu noir café. Kivu Noir café serves the best coffee that grows on the shores of Lake Kivu, grown and processed in Rwanda from freshly harvested Red Bourbon Arabica beans.
The new Kivu Noir Coffee Shop in Kimihurura, Kigali, is where all coffee lovers in the city meet to enjoy a cup of coffee and socialize.
Rated as one of the best coffees in the world, Kivu Noir has attracted some of the biggest local and international celebrities, including President Paul Kagame and NBA star Joakim Noah, who gather at the café to enjoy a variety of coffees and snacks. An espresso shot costs Rwf 3,500, while a classic French toast sells for Rwf10,000.
Biryogo Car-Free Zone If you are a foodie currently in Kigali, the Biryogo Car Free Zone in the center of Kigali, the multi-colored area, popularly known as ‘Mu Marange’, is known for dozens of food kiosks and restaurants known for Swahili cuisine dishes and drinks.
The Muslim place has seating everywhere, and although it doesn’t serve alcohol, the variety of coffees, teas – green, black and others and street food like chapati and their delicious pilau will keep you coming back for more. You can get a drink and a meal at Biryogo for as little as Rwf 3,000.
Soy Asian Table Inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, with a very bright and beautiful interior and great views of Kigali, Soy is one of Kigali’s best restaurants with Asian food and the strongest cocktails in town. It is one of the best places to spend a day chilling out, enjoying Asian food with a Rwandan twist and some of the best tequila shots you won’t find in other pubs in the city.
Despite all the good vibes and ambience, Soy is considered one of the most expensive places to eat in Kigali, where a couple can spend Rwf500,000 on a night out.
Kwa Issa (Issa’s) Ending your night in Kigali without a bite of Issa’s brochette, known as the national dish of Rwanda, and its famous potatoes is a total miss. Located in Kimihurura near Shooters and Envy Club, Issa is also very affordable. You can order a brochete with potatoes for as little as Rwf5,000. Brochete is a favorite dish of locals as well as visitors who come to Rwanda for various activities.
