A local dish called Nsenene

One of the attractive things about the city of Kampala is the variety of food you can get in the city. Just go to markets like Nakasero market and you will be amazed at the variety of food available. From fruits to vegetables, to grains to meats, its all there. If you are not interested in cooking though and want ready made food its still available. From take aways which serve the usual fries and chicken to big resaurants which serve indian foods, oriental dishes and traditional dishes its all there depending on the money in your pocket.
One of the foods which is not always available because it is seasonal but is considered a delicacy by the locals is nsenene. Nsenene is the local word for grasshoppers and yes they are considered a delicacy. They appear in the months of April, May and November. During those months they can be found almost anywhere in the city especially in the evenings as they are attracted to artificial lights. During the day you will find children busy collecting them around the city. And for some they take it a step further and make it a source of income making sometimes millions of shillings out of them. Didn't I say they are a delicacy? And they are eaten by all people irrespective of class.
For those who have made it a source of income they have set up floodlights on top of the roofs of their houses. In the evening and at night the grasshoppers flock to the floodlights where they fall on the roof of the house and then slide to drums that have been strategically placed below the roof. From their they are collected, prepared and sold to the public.
You can buy nsenene in their natural form and prepare them yourself or you can buy them already prepared and eat them as a snack! To prepare them you remove the wings, antennaes and legs. Then you wash them in water that has been salted and put them in a saucepan to cook without adding fat. When they turn yellow they are ready to eat! They are crunchy and taste very nice! At least for those who are brave enough to eat them! Which includes the locals. So the next time you are in Kampala in the month of April/May or even November be on the look out for this local delicacy so full of protein. You may have a story to tell after eating them. Of course just don't eat too much as the common saying too much of everything is bad applies also to this delicacy. Enjoy!