Restaurants in Kampala
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Fang Fang
Chinese restaurants are surprisingly prolific in Kampala, but some are better than others. The consensus in the city is that this is the best Chinese restaurant and the sheer numbers that pack the place each night attest to the quality of the food. Located in an anonymous office block, the interior is typical of a Chinese restaurant anywhere, but there is a large outdoor terrace for breezy nights.
There's a full selection of Chinese classics, and specialities include fried crispy prawns with ginger and garlic.
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Le Petit Bistro
Like much of Africa, steak is very popular in Uganda and this simple little restaurant cooks up some of the best meat in the city. Prices are pretty low and a selection of sauces is available. That's the good news. The bad news is that it can take as long as two hours for food to arrive, so be patient and let the drinks flow.
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Café Pap
A stylish café on bustling Parliament Ave, this might be the place to meet some movers and shakers. Uganda coffees are promoted here from the slopes of Elgon, the Rwenzoris and the Virungas, but there is also an excellent menu of sandwiches, paninis and full breakfasts.
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Masala Chaat House
The sheer number of Indians eating here should tell you something about the authentic flavours and affordable prices at this local institution. Located opposite the National Theatre, it serves cheap vegetarian thalis and has stacks more to keep vegetarians smiling for the night.
Meat and fish dishes are also available, as well as a wide selection of tasty masala dosas (a large savoury crepe stuffed with a delicious filling of potatoes cooked with onions and curry leaves) and other southern Indian delights.
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Blue Mango
For a good selection of grub from all over the globe, head to the suburban sanctuary that is the Blue Mango. Big bush furniture, cushions to sink in and flowing African drapes provide the backdrop for a very relaxed meal. The menu includes cheaper bar meals, such as pies with mash and crisp salads, and a more sophisticated range of meat, poultry and fish with a regional accent. On Friday it fills up with the post-work crowd.
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Fasika
Right opposite the crazy Capital Pub in Kabalagala, Fasika is the leading Ethiopian restaurant in Kampala. The menu is a good introduction to Ethiopian eats and includes a tasty Ethiopian answer to a thali (mixed curry selection, including rice and pappadams), with a little bit of everything served on injera (unleavened bread).
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Canaan Restaurant
Just off Kampala Rd, the outdoor terrace here is popular for people-watching during the busy lunch hour in the city centre. Local businessmen and officials fill the tables, and drinking is just as popular as dining. The menu is limited, but if you need a quick steak or a roast chicken, it can deliver.
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Khana Khazana
Regarded by some expat residents as the classiest Indian restaurant in Kampala, this is housed in a residential villa near the golf course. It is the most expensive option in the city, but this doesn't dissuade the discerning crowd. It has recently spread its wings to Kigali, Rwanda.
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Mamba Point
For the best in Italian dining, make for Mamba Point, where the pasta is home-made and the menu as close to the homeland as you might hope to find in Africa. Save space for the exquisite desserts, which include lime syllabub and chocolate truffle torte.
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La Fontaine
La Fontaine is a popular café-restaurant in this area. There is a filling lunchtime buffet, a great range of salads, including spicy Thai or blue cheese, and a good juice selection.
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Le Chateau
Popular for serious steaks, Le Chateau is home to the Quality Cuts butchery, guaranteeing top meat. This place is absurdly fashionable among well-to-do Ugandans. The extensive menu favours French cuisine, and includes frogs' legs and snails, so if you are looking to indulge, this is a good place to do it.
Ice cream is very popular in Kampala and there are several parlours spread across the city. The best ice cream in Kampala is found at Le Chateau, but the location is inconvenient for a casual treat.
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Fez Brasserie
Set in the grounds of Kampala's first boutique hotel, the Emin Pasha, this restaurant has quickly won over the discerning local crowd thanks to a fusion menu that includes flavours from five continents. Highlights from the ever-evolving menu include the signature aubergine tower with goats cheese, roast peppers and pesto, Moroccan lamb and Cuban spatchcock poussin… impressive stuff! Vegetarians are also well represented.
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1000 Cups Coffee House
For a coffee kick from Brazil to Vietnam and everything in between, caffeine cravers should head here. 'A cup for every nation' is its motto and it doesn't neglect the homebrews from Uganda. There is also a menu of light bites, such as salads and sandwiches, and sweet pastries. It's a good place to hang out and catch up with the rest of the world, as there is a large selection of international newspapers and magazines.
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Haandi
It is time for London to concede: Kampala is the capital of fine Indian dining and Haandi is the hub. This restaurant is pure class, the presentation and service impeccable, and the menu includes the best of North Indian frontier cuisine. This is not the place to limit yourself to a chicken tikka masala. Experiment a little with the tilapia (Nile perch) curries or the murg-e-kahsa.
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Krua Thai
If you are after the taste of Thailand, Krua Thai is an authentic family-run restaurant up in the popular Kololo area of the city. The menu includes all the familiar greatest hits, including pad Thai, laab and tôm yam kung, as well as some regional specialities. Those used to dining in Thailand might want to ask staff to up the chilli count, as they tone down the spices on most dishes.
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Luisun Supermarket
This Italian delicatessen is stuffed to the ceiling with cheeses, salamis, and home-made cakes and biscuits. It also has a range of wines and some little luxuries, like stuffed olives. It now operates a small deli-café in the middle of the shop, including full meals like lasagne and grilled chicken, as well as the obvious antipasto treats.
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City Bar & Grill
Housed in a classic Art Deco building, this is a popular stop for lunch, serving excellent tandoori dishes. A small subcontinental selection is available, as well as Western meals, such as steaks. Check out the full-sized snooker table, which sorts out the men from the boys.
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Gallery Cafe
A tranquil bolthole from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It is 2km along Masaka Rd, not far from Natete. The gallery itself is well worth a look; sit back on the front veranda and enjoy a tasty lunch from the small eclectic menu.
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Bancafé
An old favourite that remains popular thanks to a good selection of freshly ground coffee, fresh juices and fruit shakes, and some tasty cakes. Sandwiches and salads are available USh5000, making it a popular stop for a light lunch.
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Chopsticks
It's more of a multinational menu here with Chinese dishes the main star, ably supported by a cast of Thai and Vietnamese favourites for good measure. Look out for promotional menus at lunchtime, including the four courses option.
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Mama Mia
A long-running Italian restaurant. The small pizzas are just about enough for a meal. There is also a genuine gelato bar here for ice-cream lovers. The gelato bar has some deliciously rich flavours from amaretto to zabaglione.
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Crocodile
A very popular café-bar up in the lively Kisimenti district, the Crocodile has a tempting range of salads, pasta dishes and sophisticated snacks. It gets very busy on Sunday, as the healthy flavours are good for a hangover.
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Vasili's Bakery
This is a bakery to remember, serving perhaps the best range of pies and cakes in the city, a top spot for breakfast or afternoon tea. Chelsea buns, apple crumble and other old-world favourites are plentiful here.
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Domino's Pizza
Believe it or not, this isn't actually part of the vast international empire, but a local place that has managed to hang on to the name. Still the pizza is just as good as its internationally famous namesake.
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Tricia's Terrace
A combination of a café and restaurant, this popular little lunch spot specialises in delicious, inexpensive sandwiches. Fillings include chicken, bacon and avocado. The hot toasties are also a hit.
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