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Home » Cooking Tips » Akabanga: Rwandan "Little Secret" Chili Oil

Akabanga: Rwandan "Little Secret" Chili Oil

by Mike Hultquist · Feb 5, 2019 · 13 Comments

Akabanga is a chili oil hot sauce made in Rwanda. It is made from a mix of African grown Scotch Bonnets, habanero peppers and vegetable oil. Learn more about it.

Akabanga Chili Oil

If you are a fan of chili oils, like I am, you enjoy making your own at home from various chili peppers, but also experimenting with different oils from artisan makers and makers from around the world. I recently had the pleasure of receiving a chili oil from Rwanda, which is located in East-Central Africa.

Let me tell you about it.

What is Akabanga?

Akabanga is a popular chili oil in Rwanda that is been around since the 1980s. It grew in popularity quickly in Africa, gaining somewhat of a cult following, and has spread into Europe and the United States. It is a chili oil made from a mixture of African grown Scotch Bonnet peppers and African grown habanero peppers mixed with vegetable oil.

The name, "aka-banga" is Kinyarwandan and translates to "little secret". It is often referred to as Rwanda's little secret oil, as you'll find it everywhere there. It is often referred to as a hot sauce or chili sauce, but it is, in reality, a chili oil.

Where Did Akabanga Come From?

A man named Sina Gérard created Akabanga in 1983 to differentiate the mandazi, a sweet fried dough, he sold through his food stall from others selling the same wares. He pressed locally grown Scotch Bonnets and habanero peppers from nearby farmers and mixed it with vegetable oil.

He named it "akabanga", meaning "little secret". 

Soon, customers began visiting him to specifically request his chili oil, and akabanga was born.

What Does Akabanga Chili Oil Taste Like?

Akabanga has an expected fiery flavor from the mixture of habanero and Scotch bonnet peppers, but the heat is not overwhelming if you use is sparingly. There is a fruity, earthy quality to the oil, and it is slightly smokey. It offers a unique flavor and kick, so is definitely something to try as a discerning chilihead or foodie.

How Do I Use Akabanga Chili Oil?

Use akabanga chili oil sparingly, as a little bit goes a long way. It can be drizzled over just about any food where heat and a flavor kick are in order. I can add complexity to soups and stews, as well as grilled or smoked meats. Consider it as part of a marinade, as part of a salad dressing, or as a finishing oil.

It comes in a tiny bottle with an eyedropper, so you can easily add a few drops to whatever is you're enjoying, allowing you to control the overall heat. It is best to start with a few drops to test the heat and flavor, then add more from there.

Where Can I Buy Akabanga Chili Oil?

Akabanga is packaged and sold in eyedroppers, so you can easily control the amount of heat you're adding to your foods.

  • Buy Akabanga Chili Oil Here from Amazon (affiliate link, my friends)

Relevant Links

  • How to Make Chili Oil
  • Chili Pastes from Around the World
  • Chili Crisp

Got any questions? Feel free to contact me anytime. I'm happy to help.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Kimaru Wa Karuru says

    June 12, 2023 at 5:03 am

    Thanks. It is really good. Is it available in Kenyan market?

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      June 12, 2023 at 6:55 am

      I'm not sure exactly where you can find it there, sorry.

      Reply
    • Patrick says

      November 08, 2023 at 8:44 am

      do u have a contact or agent in Kampala - Uganda

      Reply
    • Stephen Donaghy says

      October 04, 2024 at 7:34 am

      Yes
      Nairobi is where I discovered Akabanga. It was in Tuskys and other supermarkets

      Reply
  2. Richard L Hooper says

    March 27, 2023 at 10:40 pm

    Just bought some today for my chili, I cannot use vinegar based hot sauces. This I had heard from the shop I bought it at, the fact that everybody loves it. So I took a chance, do not regret it. That heat is good, and the kick is just amazing. I like the fade speed of the heat, not too long and not too short. Love the heat, the taste, and the kick!

    I would recommend this for anyone who loves a good high end chili oil, as this is truly a treat for many things. This batch of chili is one of my favorite in an age.

    Reply
  3. Timmy Clement Mwihava says

    May 10, 2021 at 3:37 am

    4 stars
    Hello! It is the best hot Source I have ever tested, and I mean it. It’s really really hot. I love it!
    The Problem is I can’t get it here in Tanzania.
    I have to find someone from Rwanda who’s coming to Dar es Salaam to come with it.

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      May 10, 2021 at 7:31 am

      Timmy, perhaps you can make your own! See my post on How to Make Chili Oil: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/cooking-with-chili-peppers/how-to-make-chili-oil/. All the best!

      Reply
  4. Stefan says

    May 08, 2021 at 6:54 am

    I friend of mines wife is from Uganda. So every time she goes there she buys a few bottles of this amazing chili oil.

    I get them in 200 ml sizes.

    I absolutely love it. . I’m addicted to it.

    But I cannot get it here I Sweden. Why isn’t this a global success?

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      May 08, 2021 at 8:20 am

      I know, I love this! Very tasty and spicy oil.

      Reply
  5. Ayush says

    April 03, 2020 at 7:05 am

    How is it made please? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      April 03, 2020 at 7:50 am

      Ayush, see my post on How to Make Chili Oil: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/cooking-with-chili-peppers/how-to-make-chili-oil/.

      Reply
  6. YOSEF says

    February 20, 2020 at 7:29 am

    I have never tasted this but wish to do. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      February 20, 2020 at 8:05 am

      It's nice to have around the house to spice things up easily!

      Reply

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