Unmatched Indian delicacies

Southern Indian platter is one of the delicacies The Great Indian Dhaba serves. PHOTO BY RACHEL MABALA.

What you need to know:

  • THE GREAT INDIAN DHABA. If you crave to have variety, Sunday is the ideal day for such.
  • While many of you are familiar with non-vegetarian fare on offer at this place and indeed it is splendid and exciting, in my mind vegetarian dishes such as their reshmi mushrooms subtly spiced and then laced in butter and then cream with a final garnish of cilantro are always a favourite to be highly recommended any day.

In any major metropolis such as the Big Apple or London or even Rio, dining out is a seven-day-a-week situation with 24/7 also being an option. Unfortunately, dining out on a Sunday in Kampala is often a hit and miss affair. With the exception of hotels, it’s a safe bet that the majority of eateries remain closed. A shame when one considers the endless nightmare of travelling and moving about in Kampala during the week making one think twice before contemplating dining out. On the other hand, Sunday is a cinch with no barriers to moving around with a bonus of free parking.

Heap not your plate
Last Sunday, at The Great Indian Dhaba, we had to choose between the a la carte and buffet menu we did not hesitate to check out the latter. Such a lavish buffet offering calls for a modicum of self-restraint and a word from the wise; do not be tempted to heap your plate with all manner of food.
Without a doubt you will end up as a glutton and not even enjoy the food. Besides, who cares how many times you go back for more; you are welcome and for that matter many choose to do so without as much as an eye banter from management.

Meats in plenty
When it comes to meats there is a wide selection from which to choose with both ‘dry’ or stews.
The former would include chicken with a choice of either or both ‘lollipop’ or the tandoori. As might be expected the food from the sub-continent would not be complete without a curry in the form of a stew and you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you missed out on their chicken curry.
Likewise, the goat curry is commendable and tender while being succulent. Yes, they do wonderful naans and paratha as well as jeera and vegetable rice.

Vegetarian
While many of you are familiar with non-vegetarian fare on offer at this place and indeed it is splendid and exciting, in my mind vegetarian dishes such as their reshmi mushrooms subtly spiced and then laced in butter and then cream with a final garnish of cilantro are always a favourite to be highly recommended any day. Who can ever complain about the memorable Dal Makhani, black lentils and red kidney beans flavoured with garlic, onions and garam masala and then garnished with fresh cream and cilantro and finally cooked in a clay pot; seems to get better every time we order this dish. The buffet is a great bargain and for those with toddlers there is a play area where they can play in relative comfort while the adults enjoy their food.
Pricewise, they are tops and offer the best value for money.

WHAT THE RATINGS MEAN
Not to be missed, worth a visit, OK/so so, don’t waste your time
These views are purely the reviewer’s personal reaction to food, ambience and service with price being factored in. The menu listings and prices are subject to change without notice.

the deal…
Place: The Great Indian Dhaba Restaurant
Address: Plot 3 Wampewo Avenue
Smoke-free zone: Strictly enforced indoors
Recommended items: The Sunday buffet
Service: Good
Ambience: Relaxed with a great al fresco setting
Open: Daily and reservations recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings
Menu: Generous buffet that has a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.
Our rating: Not to be missed
The Space: very spacious and colourful
The crowd: Mainly Asians, Europeans and Ugandans
The bar: A good selection of beer, sodas, and soft drinks and wine
The damage: The buffet is Shs 35,000 per person, which is a considerable bargain
Sound level: soft and unobtrusive
Parking: Available
If you go: Daily