Tasty food and great ambience

With the new huge Mukwano Shopping Mall being built at Kisementi, not to mention the nearby City Oil complex that boasts of parking for more than 100 vehicles and an amazing park situated on 1.5 acres of land, the area is truly undergoing a renaissance that has long been overdue.

7 Cooper Road was the original Bistro restaurant that used to be at Kisementi and was a great favourite of the expat community in Uganda. For years they were a mainstay of the area and ceased to exist awhile back. I have no idea who the new owners of the new Bistro are; however, what is not in doubt is that their menu offers decent and generally affordable fare.

From the outside, the most striking feature about the place is the veranda. This is large and has green parasols that blend in well with the general informal theme of the place. There is really nothing stuffy about the Bistro, the tables (bedecked with crisp and white starched linen) are well spaced in between allowing convivial conversation without screaming, and mercifully the music is unobtrusive and soothing. The day we were there, we heard some Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin and other oldies from the 70s and 80s.
The waiters are obviously well trained and endeavored to be helpful and were reasonably above average in terms of gastronomical knowledge. If only there was more of that ilk in Kampala joints.

Tapas were the obvious preference in terms of starters. These are Spanish snacks that come in various forms and can be served hot or cold. The smoky ribs were garlicky, tender and flavourful and the pan fried fish was exemplary. The burgers were decidedly above average, thick and juicy with a topping of cheese and bacon if desired; they were exactly my idea of a burger. These were accompanied by golden French fries that were perfect.

On the Indian side of things, we noticed the Goan curry, that is coconut flavoured and other curries of mutton and chicken and of course a slew of vegetarian dishes such as dal, puris (deep fried unleavened whole wheat bread) and naan. The curries tend to be mild, and be sure to inform the waiter your choice of heat.

All in all, The Bistro has done a good job in terms of set up and by now the teething problems faced by any new establishment have been ironed out. We look forward to more visits in the future and can only wish that the high standards will be upheld.

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