I’m taking the summer to show a friend around Rwanda and eating vegan can be difficult while traveling.

There are a lot more options in the city, as vegan-ism is better understood, and you know your go-to spots. Luckily, I found a lot of great places with vegan options in Gisenyi, one of my favorite places to visit outside of Kigali!

The most surprising was my dinner at Sun n Sand, a small beach bar. I thought I’d end up with a dinner of chips and beer, as is typical at bars around Rwanda, but they had a delicious lentil curry with chapati. The lentils were spiced amazingly and the chapati was true Indian chapati. It was so delicious I almost went back for it again the next day.

Calafia Café has many good options, from the salad to sandwich to avocado toast and smoothies. I like to get the half sandwich and salad for lunch, or a smoothie and avocado toast for breakfast.

Nirvana hotel has the best view in Gisenyi and some good vegetable samosas. We honestly just stopped here to have a drink and take in the view, but ordered some appetizers before heading down to Inzu for dinner. The samosas weren’t the best I’ve had, but I liked them and you get four with your order, so it’s a nice big appetizer for one or a good size to share. 

Inzu hotel has a vegan curry and the tacos can be made vegan by removing the cheese. I also love their cocktail in a pineapple! It has a nice view to watch the sun go down while sipping out of a pineapple waiting for your dinner (it takes a while, so order early!).