A platter of whole leg of lamb served on a bed of mandi rice PHOTO/KADUMUKASA KIRONDE
Super Bistro, which opened on the May 8, at Mukwano Mall over at Old Kampala, in many ways epitomises the true meaning of a bistro, as it is best defined. Originally, bistros were an exclusive preserve of the French. However, nothing succeeds like success and today they are to be found in many capitals of the world. To be called a true bistro, it should be small and casual, boasting of a relatively inexpensive menu along with a decent cosmopolitan selection of food.
As for alcohol, typically wine by the glass, local beers and simple cocktails or mocktails that ideally pair with the food. In the case of Super Bistro, they have chosen three genres of cuisine viz. continental, Asian and Arabian and as for those tipplers, perish the thought; Super Bistro runs a dry shop! Considering the multiracial nature of Old Kampala, the establishment of Super Bistro is a wise and timely move.
The Middle East has had an unrivalled reputation for hospitality and thanks to the Lebanese Shawarama has gained immense popularity in Uganda over the last 15 or 20 years.
The Persian saying, Mehman Hediyeb Khodast--- a guest is God’s gift ---- is a truism in the entire region, where sharing whatever food you have is regarded not simply as a duty, but as an honour and something to be proud. Many of you may not be aware of the fact that several of the world’s favourite cuisines originated in the Middle East.
The style of cooking varies from the deceptively simple such as cacik-a form of raita that can be served with flat bread, as an appetiser or as an accompaniment to a spicy stew. It can be curry to the sumptuous and sophisticated recipes that are the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. Herbs and spices --- often little known in the West--- are used with consummate care, resulting in the most ordinary meals becoming magical.
A case in point is the whole roast leg of lamb -the perfect meal for sharing that is served at Super Bistro. This legendary and superb dish can also be cooked using lamb, with the aromatic spicing including saffron, which is the world’s most expensive spice priced around Shs12,045,000 ($3, 300) a kilogramme, lemon zest, allspice, among others.
It is the perfect dish for a trio and served on a bed of mandi rice, which is completely different from biryani, pita bread and garlic mayo. The continental dishes need little comment since they are well known to most Ugandans. The burgers are juicy and a good size served with great fries. The grilled fish was excellent. As for the Indian lover of good and authentic fare, look no further for the very best of that much loved cuisine is very much alive and available at Super Bistro.
If one was engaging an Indian cook, what test would I ask him to test as a test of his ability and none other than Roghan Josh, a Kashmiri specialty comes to mind. This mutton preparation in which the masala, or spices, is particularly tricky. The young African chef in situ over at Super Bistro, who is a master chef, ably demonstrated his cooking prowess of this mutton preparation based on his use of spices.
From my understanding of this particular dish that would test a cook’s familiarity with special Kashmiri cooking methods as well, one would have to pound rather that grind some of the spices such as coriander seeds, ginger root and dried red chilies.
Keeping these separate,he would have had to have on hand a mixture of powdered aromatic spices commonly referred to as garam masala comprising cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, mace, cumin seed, turmeric and nutmeg. It is the variety, the combination and the myriad uses of spices that distinguish Indian cooking from any other cuisine in the world.
The good news is that in one fell swoop, those many devotees of good quality and at the same time affordable exotic fare, who live in the precincts of Old Kampala and the likes, no longer have to traipse to the CBD in order to enjoy their favourite types of food.
Address: Mukwano Mall, Old Kampala
Smoke-Free Zone: Not allowed
Recommended items: Whole rost goat leg (1.5 kg)
Service: Exemplary
Ambience: semi al fresco with a cozy indoor dining section.
Open: Daily seven days a week till late
Menu: Breakfast bonanza: Super signature breakfast, Bistro house breakfast, breakfast chicken wrap, different types of eggs, assorted soups, mixed green salad, chicken Caesar salad, samosas, chicken tikka, mutton curry, chicken lollipop, French fries, masala chips, burgers, BBQ chicken wings, grilled half chicken or full chicken, grilled chicken breast, Super signature platter, curries corner,
The Crowd: Ugandans , Asians and people from the Middle East
The Bar: Non-alcoholic cocktails, juice, soda and water
The damage: A couple can get by with at least Shs60,000 and above including a starter
Sound level: Good
Rating: Not to be missed
Parking: Available and secure
If you go: Daily
RATINGS: Not to be missed, worth a visit.
