A warm and classy ambiance at CJs Namirembe.
The Baganda have a saying, ‘eyetelekela butera okukya’ which translated as ‘he who saves shall one day reap.’ Years ago, the area that is currently occupied by CJ’s Namirembe Road, used to be a relatively middle class enclave for Asians, comprising flats that were occupied by fellow kinsmen.
During the colonial times, Old Kampala used to be a very popular area for the middle class Indians and Goans and Old Kampala Senior Secondary School was founded in 1932, expressly for educating the growing Asian upper class. Following the expulsion of the Asians by Idi Amin in 1972, the area rapidly became Africanised and in short order, the new tenants proved what historians have oft said; you cannot transfer wealth that has been earned from one person to another. The once well-maintained properties fell into disrepute and rack and ruin.
They became a state of dilapidation. Even basic maintenance such as painting the premises, were totally neglected, supposedly because they did not own the property, they were mere custodians.
When the Mandela Group of Companies first bought the property, 20 years ago, the tenants were essentially squatters and the Asian owner was only too happy to get rid of it. More so because the property had been on the market for a long time with no buyers or attractive offers. Many among the group were sceptical about the purchase and viewed it as being a waste of money, a white elephant. For years, after the purchase, the place stood vacant, idle but nonetheless gaining value.
Finally, when they decided to set up City Oil and Café Javas plumb opposite a medium size Shell Petrol fuel station, many in the Group saw it as a case of throwing good money after bad. To the naysayers. I would never tire reminding them that so long as they were situated alongside the Trans African Highway leading to Masaka Road and onwards, they were on a sure deal. In terms of demographics, Café Javas Namirembe was right on the money, a potential niche market in the offing, and a veritable game changer from the outset.
In terms of size, the place was relatively small and could accommodate around one hundred or so at full capacity. Boasting of all the amenities of an upscale café such as health drinks, smoothies, lattes, burgers and proper non greasy fries, fish fingers, pizzas, fancy pastries and elegant desserts, etc. All served in a serene and smart environment and great hygienic washrooms.
In essence, Café Javas was a first within Rubaga Division with a population then of around 300,000 which today is close to 450,000 people. It was the perfect place for a couple or a family gathering, as well as the teetotalers, who hitherto had to drive to town to enjoy such a luxurious atmosphere.
By the same token, incorporating a gas station that encompassed a myriad of services including the sale and installation of new tyres (and repairs) as well as wheel balancing and alignment, was a brilliant master stroke. Along with fuel and tyres was replacement of brakes and shock absorbers, and last but not least, maintenance and check-up of vehicles (often referred to as service) etc. A couple of years ago, the group decided that the CJ’s Namirembe Road had outgrown itself and a seismic and total change was needed.
Rather than the ordinary renovation, they decided that they would make a complete makeover, transforming the property into a new deluxe model that can accommodate a comfortable 200 or so diners in splendid comfort, while at the same time retaining the upscale smart café flair in the tradition of the CJ’s, elsewhere. The work proceeded rapidly slowly, but systematically ensuring that the day to day operations were disrupted to a minimum.
Taking advantage of there being a vast second floor in the original building plans, this was skillfully rendered into a wonderful semi alfresco dining area and is proving to be very popular. Washrooms in Kampala eateries all too often get short shrift: as if they are an afterthought. In keeping with the impeccable standards, one deserves and expects at CJ’s, they are of the highest order with a full time attendant.
The disabled are frequently at a disadvantage when it comes to mobility at restaurants in and around Kampala eateries when they consider dining out. Having a wheelchair ramp is the exception than the rule; fortunately, take heart, CJ’s Namirembe Road has you covered.
Place: CJ’s formerly Café Javas
Address: Namirembe Road
Smoke-Free Zone: Not allowed
Recommended items: The samosa and spring roll platter. The samosas have the perfect phyllo pastry and the perfect filling.
Service: Excellent
Ambience: Smart, lovely and spacious
Open: Seven days a week. Morning till late
Menu: Soups: Soup of the day ask the waiter, Clear chicken & vegetable soup, cream of mushroom. Bits & Bites: Samosas, spring rolls, BBQ chicken wings, samosas, fried plantains, Wraps and sandwiches: CJ’s Club sandwich, Cuban sandwich, chicken pesto sandwich. Assorted salads: Cobb salad, CJ’s mixed salad, Chipotle chicken or fish bowl, Santa Fe salad, Cajun chicken salad. Big mouth burgers: Buffalo burgers, Hawaiian BBQ chicken, fish burger, Classic beef burger. Chicken: Chicken skewers, juicy grilled chicken breast, Jerk chicken, chicken tender platter, Fish: fish fingers and chips, Rustica grilled fish fillet, Cajun tilapia, Beef:
The Crowd: Middle class Ugandans with their families, especially on weekends, Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans
Wheelchair Ramp: Available .
The Beverage section: Coffee, tea, latte, mocha, chocolate, dawa teas, iced teas, coladas, mojitos, hand crafted lemonades, specialty juices, real fruit smoothies and gourmet milk shakes
The damage: The average price for a meal is around the Shs40,000 and above
Rating: Not to be missed
Parking: Available in the forecourt and extremely safe
RATINGS: Not to be missed, worth a visit, OK/so so, don’t waste
