Kacyiru’s best eateries

Every week, a piece of Kigali will be served to you on a platter! From restaurants to campsites to cute little cafes situated in plazas where few people will ever hear of them, but they deserve to be known. We will root them out and dish on them. If they deserve to be known, why not write about them?

Saturday, February 09, 2013
A booth at Great Wall Chinese Restaurant The New Times/David Hansen

Every week, a piece of Kigali will be served to you on a platter! From restaurants to campsites to cute little cafes situated in plazas where few people will ever hear of them, but they deserve to be known. We will root them out and dish on them. If they deserve to be known, why not write about them?We visited two places in Kacyiru that deserve to be eaten at. Must-visits for all Rwandans especially when in the vicinity.Mimosa Bar and RestaurantSituated just down the street next to Top Tower Hotel, many people will see the sign but pass it by, unsure of the place or overshadowed by its greater neighbour, Top Tower Hotel. But if you want a beautiful green theme where you will have lunch in a settled manner, go to Mimosa.My favourite part is their scrumptious buffet which offers foods like fries, rice, beef, etc, with lots of salads. They are a bit slow so you should make it a frequent option if you like eating at an unhurried pace.The bar, another area of interest, is under an imitation thatched hut which passes off as slightly exaggerated since it is indoors. But it is well stocked and the bartender is friendly, a big plus where I am concerned, but if you are adventurous, try their liquor section, I am sure you will find it to your liking.The downside is that they do not have the drink which the restaurant borrows its name from: the Mimosa! At least not according to some of the patrons who frequent the place.Also, you will have to get accustomed to the noise from the highway because Kacyiru is a busy area and it is situated right next to the road. Overall though, do not leave Kigali without visiting Mimosa Bar and Restaurant. If I have not convinced you yet, try this. Their décor is chrome  New Age, a rarity in Kigali as far as I am concerned.Great Wall Chinese RestaurantKacyiru regulars may be aware of the place but for those who have not been there, Great Wall must be on your itinerary every time you come to Kacyiru. Authentic Chinese food is the first plus I give the place.Trust me, all the dimsum, Chinese noodle fantasies you have wished for are fulfilled at this place, at a cheap price. Prices range from Rwf800 for their spring rolls. You have to brave a climb up a creaky red staircase, but once the hike is done, you’ll a clear view of Nyarutarama Hill, which is beautiful.The décor is blaringly red and some of the lamps are strangely decorated, but the restaurant has a cozy and homey feel to it that makes you feel. Their good customer care is a clincher as the manager herself comes out to make you feel at home.However, be sure to carry an umbrella, just in case it rains.  I would not recommend their booths because of their cramped state. But of course the food conquers all.