Relish generous portions in neat space

In the beginning NP Baguma and Sons Restaurant was located in what is commonly known as, a lockup shop somewhere in the Shawuri Yako Market, downtown Kampala. And, would you believe that at they only had one shop. I cannot quite recall what year it was when we first visited this very authentic and reasonably priced joint, what is not in doubt was that it was at least 20 years ago.

Back in the day
In those days, with Shs3,000, one could eat to one’s hearts content and still have money to spare. For that consideration, one could choose whatever sauce one desires be it beef, goat, chicken, fish along with an array of accompaniments such as matooke, rice, millet et al, topped up with a beverage. Within a span of a few years they had expanded and occupied several adjoining properties and day in, day out the time they opened to sunset it was pretty much a single room occupancy situation (SRO).

Location
Owing to the changing times, Shawuri Yako was razed and turned into one of those gaudy and shoddy so called shopping mall complexes that have become the rule than the exception of downtown Kampala. Moving with the times Baguma and Sons had to secure new premises and that is how they ended up being in a nearby location on Mackay Road between Hotel Havana and Petro Uganda.
However, even that proved to be shortlived and eventually they ended up setting up shop in Mbarara, where they own their own premises, while in Kampala they are ensconced in an old building occupying the corner of George Street and Kyagwe Road. In all fairness what a vast improvement and change from the old days of Shawuri of yesteryear.

Meals
Breakfast at this joint is always ready before 7am, and even at this ungodly hour believe it or not people show up in droves. The breakfast offering is nothing than exciting and is down-to-earth food such as katogo accompanied by amakamo, yoghurt that is traditionally made.
Lunchtime is SRO and owing to the efficient service staff the average turnaround time is no more than 15 minutes at most and today one can opt for a worthwhile and generous buffet for Shs 20,000 or Shs 15,000 for the a la carte menu.

Food prep and origin
The food derives its origins from Ankole and Kigezi, where the latter are known for eating offals and goat meat combined. Likewise, all their meats are boiled with nothing more than water, onions, tomatoes and salt. The service is fast and efficient and the standards never seem to change.

Refrigerator Ice Cream

This recipe makes about 1 quart

1 tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 egg whites
1 cup cream for whipping

METHOD
i) Blend the flour into a smooth paste using 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl; scald the remaining milk in the top of a double boiler.
ii) Stir the scalded milk into the flour mixture and return to the top of the double broiler before blending in the sugar and salt.
iii) Cook while stirring constantly for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture thickens and coats the spoon and then stir in the vanilla and chill.
iv) Beat in the egg whites in a medium-size bowl until they are stiff but not dry and then fold into the chilled mixture.
v) Pour into 1 quart of the fridge tray and freeze stirring once or twice for about 1 ¼ hours or until firm before removing.
vi) Turn out into chilled medium-size bowl and stir with a fork until smooth but not melted. Do not beat and then return at once to a fridge tray.
vii) Freeze 2 to 4 hours or until firm.

If you go…
The place: NP Baguma & Sons
Location: George Street Kampala,
Our rating: Worth a visit
The space: Large with a lounge upstairs and downstairs, airy and accommodating, certainly a great leap forward from the former place.
The crowd: Affluent city workers both young and old though in the main this is not the genre of food that expats will enjoy, however local tour
The bar: Soda, juice and water
The bill: Lunch for two including a drink between Shs 30,000 and Shs 40,000
Flowers: The cleanliness and sense of order and the large dining area as well as the loos
Frowns: Parking is a nightmare and clients park on the pavement.
If you go: Open for breakfast from 7am and lunch from noon daily. Open until late evening.
RATINGS: Not to be missed, worth a visit, OK/so-so, don’t waste your time.