Food Choices at Ugandan weddings
One of Uganda’s top attractions is its food. If you are invited to a Ugandan wedding, prepare for a treat. Ugandan weddings at times come with frustration but not about food; they are known for their festive and elaborate menus that showcase the diversity and richness of the country’s cuisine. Whether you are a meat lover, a vegetarian, or a vegan, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds at a Ugandan wedding. Here are some of the best foods to enjoy at Ugandan weddings:
1. Matooke
This is the staple food for many parts of Uganda. Made from steamed green bananas that are mashed into a soft and starchy pulp, Matooke is usually served with a variety of sauces, such as luwombo (a meat or vegetable stew cooked in banana leaves), groundnut sauce (a thick and creamy sauce made from roasted peanuts), or beans. Matooke is filling and nutritious, and can be eaten with your hands, a fork or a spoon.
2. Millet Flour (Kalo):
This is another staple food in Uganda, especially in the northern and eastern regions and some parts of Western Uganda like Toro and Bunyoro. Millet is a type of cereal grain that is ground into flour and cooked into a thick paste called kalo. It is usually eaten with beans, peas, odii (a sesame paste sauce) or boo (smoked meat). Millet is high in protein and fiber and has a nutty and earthy flavor.
3. Rice
A popular food at Ugandan weddings, especially for guests who are new to matooke or millet, rice is a universal dish across the country. It is usually steamed and served as plain or with spices and herbs, and served with meat, chicken, or fish dishes. Easy on the palate and for digestion, it can be paired with any sauce or side dish.
4. Meat, chicken, and fish
The three are the main sources of protein at Ugandan weddings and are prepared in various ways. Meat can include beef, goat, lamb, or pork. It can be roasted, grilled, fried, or stewed. Chicken can be cooked whole or in pieces, and it can be marinated, spiced, or coated with butter. Fish can include tilapia, Nile perch, lungfish or catfish, and it can be fried, baked, or smoked. Meat, chicken, and fish dishes are usually served with sauces like tomato sauce, onion sauce, or lemon sauce.
5. Vegetables
These are the main sources of vitamins and minerals at Ugandan weddings, and they are also prepared in various ways. Vegetables can include cabbage, spinach, eggplant, pumpkin, carrots, okra, or green beans, and they can be boiled, steamed, sautéed, or fried. Vegetables can also be mixed with legumes such as beans, peas, or lentils to make salad and dressed accordingly.
6. Fruits
Fruits are sources of natural sugars, vitamins and antioxidants at Ugandan weddings, and can equally be served in different ways. Fruits can include watermelon, pineapple, mangoes, bananas, oranges, papayas, or passion fruits, and they can be eaten fresh, sliced, juiced, or blended.
7. Chapati
Chapati is a type of Indian flatbread that is made with whole wheat flour, water and sometimes oil or ghee. It is cooked on a hot griddle and can be eaten with various curries, dal, vegetables or meat dishes. Chapati is as common in India as it is in Uganda and is very often served as wedding food, as it is easy to make, versatile and filling. As an additional food item, It can be paired with different dishes depending on the wedding guests.
Above are some of the top foods to enjoy at Ugandan weddings, but they are not the only ones. Depending on the region, tribe, and preference of the couple, you may also encounter other dishes that are unique and delicious like Gonja, Eshabwe, Yam, Posho, Pumpkin etc. To appreciate the food served at Ugandan weddings, be open-minded, adventurous, and respectful. Try everything that is offered to you, compliment the cooks and hosts, and thank them for their generosity. You will not only have a great culinary experience, but also a great cultural one. If you are planning an event and are looking for great food vendors, we have you covered. Write to planner@nyomplanet.com for any wedding inquiries.
