Eatingout: Bourbon MTN: For more than just coffee

Most people go to Bourbon Coffee for the coffee; I go there for the veggie burgers. Having traveled far and wide, and having tried many a vegetarian burger, from deep in the heart of southern China to the streets of Cape Town, South Africa – nothing beats the Bourbon veggie burger. And the quality and taste of the Bourbon Coffee veggie burger is representative of the overall excellence of the offerings at Bourbon Coffee. The coffee at Bourbon is uniformly excellent, and the variety of coffee drinks available is vast. Bourbon MTN looks out on pleasant views of Kigali, and the outdoor seating provides a nice place to feel the fresh breeze. Music played in the background is mellow or just lively enough, without becoming overbearing and it is never played too loudly. The atmosphere is open and airy – with a very large area and diverse seating arrangements, from wooden booth areas that offer a cozy semi-private space for sitting and chatting with friends, to the ubiquitous comfy couch-like chairs that offer a relaxing place to sit. Large paintings of coffee beans being harvested and sorted, and of a steaming cup of coffee adorn the main seating area and are painted in warm, earthy colors that add to the attractiveness and ambience of the coffee shop. Service is generally quick and professional, with friendly waiters and waitresses. Depending on the time of day, sometimes there is a slightly long wait for some food dishes, but it is rarely excessive. The range of cakes and desserts is extensive, and gelato of various flavors is also available. Muffins, croissants, cookies, cinnamon rolls, scones, pound cake, banana bread… all of them and more are on offer and are very good. Surprisingly for a coffee shop, Bourbon offers a full restaurant menu, and is a great place for lunch or dinner. There are hot and cold sandwiches, and the Vegetable Panini is a particularly good deal at Frw2,200. Soups and salads are also available, along with assorted pastas, classic hamburgers, and of course – the one and only veggie burger. The vegetable lasagna is particularly delicious. A kids menu with a deli sandwich, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and meatballs is also available. For those with the nibbles, spring rolls, samosas, chapattis, cheese toast, and French fries are all available at reasonable prices. There are also a number of healthy eating options, including omelets made exclusively from egg whites. Hamburgers and sandwiches come with fries or a salad, so there is always a salad option for those preferring low-fat healthy vegetable options. Bourbon Coffee is also a good place to pick up gifts for friends. The freshly roasted coffee is beautifully packaged and reasonably priced, and highlight the particular region of Rwanda from where they hail: Muhazi, Akagera, and Virunga amongst them. Bourbon Coffee also offers gift cards, which can be a great option for people with friends and family in Rwanda looking for a gift that will be savored and appreciated. Ends