Kampala: Ugandan Cooking Class & Market Tour with Sylvia

Summary

Ugandan food stories market colors laughter over smoky fires

You’ll join Sylvia at a busy Kampala market to pick fresh ingredients before heading to her family home for spiced tea, hands-on cooking over open fire, dancing in the kitchen, and sharing a real Ugandan feast together. Expect laughter, new friends, and flavors you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Hands reach for tomatoes first — bright red, still a bit dusty from the morning’s bustle at the Kampala market. Sylvia’s already chatting with one of the women behind the stall, switching between English and Luganda so quick I just sort of smile and nod along. She presses a mango into my hand (“smell it!”), and I do — it’s sweet, almost grassy. There’s this rhythm to shopping here: bargaining, laughing, someone calling out about matooke in the next row. I tried to say “thank you” properly but honestly, I think I made them laugh more than anything else.

The walk back is short but somehow every step feels new — kids wave from doorways, there’s music leaking out of a shop selling phone credit. When we reach Sylvia’s home, her mum is already stirring something over an open fire that smells smoky and sharp, like wood mixed with onions. We get mugs of spiced tea right away (it’s got ginger that bites a little), and then it’s aprons on. Rolling chapati dough isn’t as easy as it looks on YouTube — mine came out lopsided but Sylvia just grinned and showed me again. The kitchen fills up with voices and steam; someone starts humming quietly while chopping greens.

I didn’t expect to dance before lunch but apparently that’s part of things here — or maybe they just wanted to see if tourists can keep up (spoiler: we can’t). My hands still smelled like garlic when we finally sat down together around big bowls of pilau rice and chicken luwombo. The g-nut sauce was thick and earthy; I kept going back for more even though I was full. There’s something about eating what you helped make, surrounded by people who treat you like family even if you only met an hour ago. Honestly, I still think about that view from their backyard — banana trees swaying while everyone argued gently over who made the best rolex.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and cooking with family

• Visit local market for fresh produce
• Return to traditional Ugandan home
• Dance and laugh with local family
• Cook traditional Ugandan dishes together
• Enjoy a shared authentic meal

Top questions

Is this Ugandan cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available for all recipes on request.

Does the experience include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Are children welcome at this Kampala cooking class?

Yes, families with children are welcome and infant seats are available.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the home and transport options are wheelchair accessible.

What dishes will we cook during the class?

You’ll make pilau rice, luwombo stew (chicken/beef/veg), matooke with g-nut paste, rolex chapati breakfast, katogo stew, and seasonal fruit.

Who leads the cooking class in Kampala?

Sylvia hosts the class at her family home with help from her relatives.

What’s included

Your day includes a warm welcome with traditional Ugandan spiced tea on arrival at Sylvia’s family home in Kampala. You’ll visit a local market for fresh produce shopping together before returning to cook three classic Ugandan recipes (with gluten-free or vegetarian options if needed). English-speaking guidance is included throughout your hands-on experience — plus coffee or tea served during your meal.