Visit these local Kigali Farmers’ Markets to find all the fresh produce, spices, and baked goods that you could want! Shopping at farmers’ markets is not only more sustainable for the environment, but also for your community because they support local farmers and businesses.
A plant rich diet has also been ranked the number 4 solution to climate drawdown, the point at which greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere begin to decline on a year-to-year basis.
Photo from Marble Rye Photography.
Kigali farmers’ and artisans’ market: Umuganura Market "Buy Local Support Local"
Kigali Farmers’ and Artisans’ market runs each month on the community service day. The next market is August 4th 1200-1800hrs. Numerous local farmers, business owners, artisans, and artists come together each month to form of the largest markets in Kigali. This market is a great place to stop by and try some products from local businesses for both health, home, and the hungry! Some of the products featured include Suz Cakes, Zerufi Organics which sells natural health and beauty products, Made in Italy providing Kigali with all the fresh mozzarella and ricotta that a city could want, Delicious Tofu, refreshing Twistiblendz’s smoothies, Kigali Farms’ canned mushrooms, The Women’s Bakery. The Kigali Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market also has a wonderful kids section!
Kimoronko Market "Experience Rwanda at its liveliest"
Kimoronko is one of the most popular and largest markets in Kigali!The rows and rows of products at Kimoronko will feature produce from Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. It’s heaps of fresh produce paint up the rows like a rainbow displaying carrots to eggplants, mountains of potatoes, “avocados the size of your fist” according to blogger, Leah Feiger, and much more. If you go there, here are some tips:
The market is open 8am-7pm daily, but its busiest on Saturdays, Mondays, and in the early afternoons. The mornings are when most of the stalls are still setting up, so maybe try out some evening shopping to avoid the crowds.
Enter on the left side entrance to go straight into the food section! The right side will allow you to explore textiles and art if you have some more time to spare.
Photo from Leah Feiger
Not for sure what to get at the markets? Here’s a shopping list that will give you all the necessary ingredients to make some local favorites!
Muffins from the Women's Bakery!
Breakfast: Ubugali (Cassava Porridge) or opt for a delicious muffin from the Women’s Bakery!
800g cassava meal
Spiced butter
Find the whole recipe here!
Lunch: Vegetable Samosa, makes 12
250g plain flour
1 egg
2 large carrots
1 green chilli
4 garlic cloves
1 small onion
2 large potatoes
75g peas
10 curry leaves
Black mustard seeds
Tumeric
Oil for flyering
Find the whole recipe here!
Dinner: Igisafuliya, serves 4
4 chicken thighs
2 onions , chopped
2 leeks (white and green parts), thinly sliced
4 green bell peppers , seeded and cut
4 tomatoes , peeled, seeded, and diced
5 celery stalks , chopped (including leaves)
4 plantain bananas , peeled, cut in half lengthwise and then cut in half
10 oz. spinach
44 mL tomato paste
Oil- this cook used sunflower, but any oil works!
1 hot pepper (optional)
Find the whole recipe here!