This study analyzes the factors underlying the consumption of «mashanza » in the cities of Bukavu and Goma, east of the DR. Congo. A survey was conducted on 300 households in poor, middle and high-income neighborhoods. The results reveal that the quantity of «mashanza » most consumed per week per household is 1 kg for households with an average of 7.6 ± 3.6 members. The markets, the itinerant and fixed resellers provide most of the supply of the «mashanza ». Factors that explain more demand in two cities are: income, cultural benchmarks, quality, availability, point-of-sale proximity, affordable product price. When purchasing, the criteria are taste, appearance, provenance, trust in the seller, hygiene, affordability, shelf life or combination of several criteria at the same time. Thus, regardless of the socio-professional category, income level and tribal affiliation, the «mashanza » has a high demand in both cities, but still faces various constraints, notably the price, income, availability and quality. The results of this study show the importance of this product and make it possible to identify the consumer choice criteria and their constraints. This is enough to guide researchers and producers towards the constant search for improvement, the possibilities of its promotion and the intensification of production.