Mongolian food affair

A chef displays a Mongolian dish at Rock Garden Cafe. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA

What you need to know:

RESTAURANT REVIEW>WORTHWHILE. Unlike some eateries in Kampala, at Rock Garden Café, the staff is courteous and smart.

Valentine’s Day found us at Rock Garden Café, a venerable joint that has been around for a number of years. Years ago the place was run and managed by Ali Dyer, a dashing and very enterprising fellow from Canada. Weekends were jammed with revellers who would party until the early hours. Needless to say, loud music in an open space in that era of the likes of former Mayor Nasser Ssebagala was tolerable albeit with major reservations and numerous complaints.
Centrally located on Nile Avenue and adjacent to Speke Hotel, it is an ideal location for a night out with a date because it is secure with ample parking as well a no cover charge for entrance.

Ambiance
On our recent visit that coincided with Valentine’s Day, there was music and a dance ensemble as well as a DJ who was prone to doing a lot of trivial talk that we could have done without. The music was mercifully not very loud and was a mixture of oldies but goodies and recent hits.
The dance group was energetic and entertaining though not terribly exciting.

Menu
The food menu is limited to grills such as burgers, grilled chicken and a few basic sandwiches as well as chicken or vegetable pizza. We ordered for the chicken pizza that was all for Shs 22,000 and incredibly sizeable while the grilled chicken with chips was deemed to be satisfactory. Each table was given a complimentary bottle of Bella wine which the DJ enthused about any ad nauseam.
The food is pretty much par for the course and the service is on the money. The waiting staff are courteous and smart.

NOTE

RATINGS: These ratings are purely the reviewer’s personal reaction to food, ambience and service with price being factored into consideration. The menu listings and prices are subject to change without notice.

If you go…
Our Rating: Worth a visit
The Place Rock Garden Café
Address: Nile Avenue adjacent to Speke Hotel
The Space: Alfresco with lovely overhanging trees in the compound
The Crowd: Locals and expats
The Bar: Beer, soda and wine
Recommended dishes: Grilled pork ribs, chicken lollipop
The damage: A meal for two with soft drinks and you are looking at shs 40,000 and above
Sound level: Good
Parking: Available and in plenty and well guarded
Daily Specials: Ask the waiter
Smoke free zone: Not enforced
What we liked: The serving staffs are smart and professional
If you go: Daily lunch and breakfast
Wheelchair access: Not available