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Gitega Highland Food: Beans, Ugali & Banana Beer

The food of Gitega's highlands is simple, nutritious, and shaped by altitude farming — beans are the protein staple, ugali and sweet potato the carbohydrate base, and urwarwa banana beer the social lubricant

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1
Beans like Highland Staple
Burundian beans—kidney, pinto, and butter varieties grown at highland elevations—are the primary protein source for most of the population; the variety of bean stews in Gitega's restaurants is impressive
2
Sweet Potato and Cassava
The highland sweet potato - which is grown at Gitega's height - is richer in starch and more intensely flavored than lowland varieties; grilled over charcoal, it is a common lunch for farm families
3
Ugali preparations in Gitega
Corn ugali is the starch base in Gitega's restaurants — the stiff porridge made by mixing cornmeal in boiling water is eaten with the hands and used to scoop up bean stew in the traditional way
4
Urwarwa banana beer
The banana beer fermented from the highland bananas of Gitega Province is the social drink of the highlands — shared at celebrations, market days and community gatherings from a shared gourd
5
Grilled Skewers Highland Style
Gitega's version of Burundian brochettes uses highland-grazed beef with a different fat profile than lowland meat — the grilled skewers served with tomato salad and chili sauce are the city's standard street food
6
Avocado season in the highlands
Gitega's altitude produces exceptionally creamy avocados — in season, they are served at every restaurant at every meal; the richness of the avocado balances the starchy highland diet