Kilishi is Nigeria's spiced, dried meat: thin slices of beef, chicken or goat rubbed in a groundnut and pepper paste, then dried and roasted until deep and smoky. If you are hunting for it in Kigali, we make it fresh at Jollof Bistro — The Best Nigerian Food in Kigali, the Nigerian restaurant and African grocery in Remera, close to Kisimenti. We keep beef, chicken and goat kilishi in 200g packs, ready for dine-in, pickup or delivery across the city.
What kilishi actually is
Kilishi comes from the north of Nigeria, out of Hausa kitchens where meat had to keep for a long time without a fridge. The method is slow and patient. Butchers slice the meat almost paper-thin, spread it out to dry, then coat it in labu, a paste of ground peanuts, chilli, ginger, garlic and a little salt. After that coating comes a second dry and a short roast over low heat. What you get is firm, chewy and full of flavour, closer to a rich jerky than to anything fried or stewed.
People often mix it up with suya, and that is fair. Both come from the same part of Nigeria, and both carry that peanut-and-pepper signature. The real difference is time. Suya is grilled fresh on skewers and eaten hot off the fire, the same night. Kilishi is dried and preserved, so it travels well and keeps for weeks in a sealed pack. One is a hot street snack you eat on the spot. The other is the thing you tuck into your bag for a long trip.
At home, Nigerians snack on it straight from the wrapper, crumble it over rice, or set it out with cold drinks when friends stop by. It is protein-rich and light to carry, which is why students and travellers love it. A small piece goes far, because the seasoning is so concentrated. Keep your pack sealed and dry and it will hold its bite for a good while.
Where to buy kilishi in Kigali
We make ours here in Remera and sell it by the pack. This is what we keep in stock right now:
13,200 RWF · Order now
13,800 RWF · Order now
13,800 RWF · Order now
Looking for more? Browse the full Nigerian Healthy Kilishi range, with beef, chicken and goat all in one place.
You can eat in at the restaurant, grab a pack for pickup on your way home, or have it delivered anywhere in Kigali. We are open every day, 8:00 to 23:30, so a late craving is never a problem. To order, call or WhatsApp +250 784 102 706 · WhatsApp. And if you want the fuller story on how these snacks are made and eaten, read our piece on suya and kilishi, Nigeria's beloved meat snacks.
Quick questions
What is kilishi?
Kilishi is a spiced, dried meat from northern Nigeria. Thin slices of beef, chicken or goat are coated in a peanut and pepper paste, dried, then roasted until firm and smoky. It keeps for weeks and is eaten as a high-protein snack.
How is kilishi different from suya?
Suya is grilled fresh on skewers and eaten hot the same day. Kilishi is dried and preserved, so it is chewy like jerky and keeps for weeks in a sealed pack. Both share the same peanut and pepper seasoning.
Where can I buy kilishi in Kigali?
You can buy beef, chicken and goat kilishi at Jollof Bistro in Remera, near Kisimenti, in Kigali. We offer dine-in, pickup and delivery every day from 8:00 to 23:30. Call or WhatsApp +250 784 102 706 · WhatsApp to order.