I must admit to being a lover of all different cuisines from around the world!
One of my all-time favourites, though, are the many varied and different tastes found in the cuisine from the Indian Continent, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that Kigali has several, very good, Indian restaurants.
One that remains etched in my memory is the Indian Khazana in the Kiovu district where superb Indian cuisine and décor are fused together with a ‘western-style’ commitment to customer service.
Walking into the restaurant, you are immediately greeted by one of the staff who guides you either directly to your table or to a large, seated, waiting area where pre-dinner drinks can be enjoyed.
The restaurant has three open sides - that allow Rwanda’s excellent climate to be enjoyed – and the interior décor is typical of Indian origin but is supplemented with more universal touches such as; the use of converted oil lamps to provide low-key lighting and the impressive water feature in one corner that provides the pleasant sight and sound of a waterfall. This, allied to the genuine Indian music playing in the background, provides a unique atmosphere in which to enjoy your meal.
In Pictures: Indian Khazana Restaurant
The choice of food available is staggering and, I would guess, caters for the tastes of most customers. There is a good choice of Starters and, what can only be described as, an extensive choice of Main Courses centered around Beef, Pork, Mutton, Chicken, Fish and Vegetables cooked in a variety of sauces ranging from “cool” to “hot” in their spice content. The knowledgeable staff is always close at hand to guide a customer through the menu to help decide what best suits his/her tastes. A comprehensive range of wines is also available to compliment your chosen meal.
Food qualitay is superb and, in my opinion, cannot be faulted. I would personally recommend (for the first-time visitor) going with a group of friends, when it is possible to “try and share” a number of different dishes from the menu. One of my personal favourites was the Mutton Roganjosh, which was one of the hotter choices, but served with rice and accompanied with a nice glass or two of Cabernet Sauvignon, it had everything that I was looking for!
The management take a keen personal interest in the restaurant and it’s many customers and can often be seen talking to clients and joining friends at the table. Indian Khazana is not a restaurant where you go to have a quick meal and leave, but is one where you are made welcome from the outset and encouraged to stay as long as you like to enjoy the experience of eating.
Talking of being made welcome!
For those with birthdays, anniversaries or celebrations and upon request to one of the staff, the waiters and waitresses, who are all dressed in Indian style garments, gather around the table and sing in English, French and Swahili – an unusual touch that makes a special occasion that bit more magical.
I heartily recommend that you try the Indian Khazana and enjoy the excellent cuisine and atmosphere for yourself.
For reservations call “Indian Khazana” on: 08499600 or 08496599
E-Mail: Indian_khazana@yahoo.com
