I have to admit this small fact. I’m not really a great fan of Chinese food. I often find it a bit too greasy, too salty and spicy. I’m a bit more of familiar with Continental cuisine and particularly Italian.  Whenever I think of what Chinese cuisine is all about I think of egg rolls, noodles and a sizzling platter. 

You have every right to call me a Philistine where this type of Oriental cuisine is concerned but in the name of widening my culinary experience, I made the short trip to, as some people have led me to believe, the Rwandan Mecca of Chinese food; the Flamingo Restaurant in Kimihurura.

The first time I’d ever heard the name ‘Flamingo’ it was still situated on the top of Telecom House in Kacyiru and I was curious about its present home. Arriving at the restaurant at dusk, I was surprised by the number of vehicles parked outside.

I needed the help because the menu was quite large and I really had no idea what many of the items were. With names like ‘Foo-Yoo’ or something like that…I felt rather at a loss. But I choose something I could identify; Special Chicken Spring Rolls as a starter and then a dish of Spare Ribs.

The Chinese are known globally as a people who can deliver whatever the client wants in supersonic speeds and the people at Flamingo followed in that proud Chinese tradition.
Thinking I was going to wait awhile, I unfolded a newspaper and even before I got to the third page, presto, there was the same friendly waiter with my order.

It had barely taken fifteen minutes. If you’ve never gone out to eat then you probably don’t understand my shock; usually you’ve got to wait a minimum thirty minutes. The spring rolls were slightly disappointing; they tasted a bit flat and they were almost salt-less.

However, the spare ribs brought the house down. They were spiced just right, they weren’t too oily as spare ribs sometimes are and the meat on the bone was succulent. Nice.

A desert of crepes and ice-cream rounded off the meal. After the meal, I took in the lovely sight of Kigali at night while I waited for the bill.

For the two bottles of water, spring rolls, spare ribs and desert I was presented with a facture of 8,700 francs. Not cheap by any standard of the word.

I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant for those who like more value for their monies but if you absolutely crave a taste of China, at whatever cost, then Flamingo is the place for you.

Contact: madogz2002@yahoo.ca