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🐟
Main course Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥580kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾22gCarbs
🥑38gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🐟 Fish

Isambaza

How to order / say it
Say it Isambaza — [Ee-sam-ba-za]
Order Can I have some Isambaza, please?
Locally Ndashaka isambaza, murakoze.
Say locally

A fried dish made from small fish found in Lake Kivu.

Why try it?

Isambaza are a local specialty, showcasing the unique fishery culture of Musanze. The dish is deeply intertwined with local fishing communities and perfect for seafood lovers.

How it tastes

Crisp and lightly salted, Isambaza have a delicate, flaky texture and are often served with lime for a zesty contrast.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

First cooked by local fishermen in the mid-19th century, Isambaza quickly gained popularity as an affordable and nutritious meal. Its origin in fishing communities reflects Musanze’s reliance on Lake Kivu.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🐟 500 g Tanganyika sardines
  • 🧂 10 g Salt
  • 🫒 200 ml Vegetable oil
  • 🍋 1 whole Lime

Method

  1. 1 Clean the sardines.
  2. 2 Heat oil in a pan.
  3. 3 Fry sardines until golden brown.

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All Africa recipes — Rwanda — Musanze — Isambaza
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