Bitter kola, orogbo to Yoruba speakers, is the hard brown seed that turns up at ceremonies, in the hands of elders and in the pocket of anyone who has grown fond of the taste. It is crisp when you bite it, sharply bitter at first, then oddly refreshing.
It is chewed on its own, offered to visitors as a gesture of welcome, and kept alongside kola nut and alligator pepper for traditional occasions.
Sold in packs of five whole nuts.
Order online from Jollof Bistro for delivery in Kigali, or add a pack to a pickup order and collect it in Remera.