Long menu but sumptuous food

On the Masaka Highway  one cannot miss Gators Café in Buyaya. It serves food in record time but they have a lengthy menu, writes A. Kadumukasa Kironde II.

We visited this sublime establishment early last year and were favourably impressed by the general lay of the land. My chief lamentation is  besides being a worthy roadside café, a motel is the necessary outcome to the addition of  the  café on such a major highway. 

A couple of weeks ago we ventured out west, in Buyaya, on Masaka road and found Gators Café.  Without hesitation, we stopped by for a meal and while the menu is awfully long and tedious, nevertheless, the food came out piping hot and in good time and is of generally high standard.  

Space and menu

Gators Café is comfortable and spacious and the service is on the money and the waiting staff appear to be well trained and observe all necessary Covid-19 SOPs. In terms of pricing, for an out of town joint they are definitely on the high side. 

The menu is a la carte and still much too big and ambitious for my liking, though it seems that they have made some changes and removed the Indian fare. 
I believe that most customers who stop by a roadside café would wish to spend a minimum of time waiting for their food, and to this end one is best advised to order for the local food which is always ready. 

Notwithstanding, I was tempted to check out their grilled fillet of tilapia and was fully prepared to wait for the stated half hour. As expected, the goat served with matooke, chapatti and cassava was exemplary. The meat was tender and tasty, while the matooke looked good and was perfect. 

Likewise, the ground nut stew was well received served with yams, pumpkin, matooke while all the food is served with a potpourri of seasonal vegetables. 

Service 

Much to my delight and surprise my order was served within record time, and while I am often disappointed with grilled fish filet served in the less fancy restaurants (read local), Gators Café was the exception to the rule. 
Whoever is in situ in the kitchen is no slouch and knows a thing or two about food Continental and otherwise.

As I have often remarked, the mark of any good chef or cook is to ensure that the food that is cooked and presented, must be pleasing both to the eyes and the palette. 

The verdict

Food wise, the portions that are served are just right and par for the course while I find their pastry offerings gargantuan, ridiculous looking and overpriced. 

If you go…
Place: Gators Café 
Address: Masaka Road, Buyaya 
Rating: Worth a visit
Smoke-Free Zone: Not allowed
Recommended item: They do excellent local food  
Menu: Continental and local food 
Damage: A meal for four including soft drinks cost Shs150,000
Service: Warm and welcoming 
Ambience: Neat and organised
What we liked: The loos are ample and exceptionally clean and well maintained.  
Open: Daily for breakfast, lunch and supper they open from 7am to 10pm
Parking: Always available and secure    

Note.These views 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.

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