First things first: This is supposed to be a tea house, like the name boldly states. So, why is it reputed for the food instead, so much so that it is reputed to be the premier local buffet in town? The answer lies in the simple fact that, at the time of its establishment at the close of 2009, it was just that –a house of tea. That time, the facility boasted a whole range of teas –green tea, specialized tea, herbal tea …you name it. In all, they had thirty different tea flavors on offer. Over time, due to public demand, they gradually introduced bites on the menu, starting with pastries, snacks, and a limited a la carte menu. Six years down the road, the African buffet was introduced, and today, it is without a doubt Camellia’s flagship service. Perhaps this should explain why it was the only restaurant enlisted to serve food to delegates at the recent AfDB summit in Kigali, alongside much bigger hotels –Mille Collines, Karisimbi, and Bourbon Coffee. Viewing the facility’s green-themed walls from the outside, it is hard to imagine the sprawling food empire inside once one steps in. The restaurant operates on the scale of a mid-range hotel, what with the large army of workers (more than 100 in total), and the expansive piece of real estate on which it sits. Another thing Camellia is reputed for are the fresh fruit juices –of which they boast 35 different varieties. The cheapest is the fresh passion juice, at Rw f 800, rising to the 3,500 mark for the most expensive. They are also big on fruit cuts, with a huge fruit platter going for Rw f 2,500, and that is just as filling as the regular buffet. The good thing with the fruits is that should you get overwhelmed by the sheer size of your platter, the ever attentive staff will have it gladly packed up in tin foil for take home.
