EnterUganda

. Kampala, Uganda.

By Kaddumukasa Kironde II

Place: Haandi Restaurant
Location: Commercial Plaza, Kampala Road
Prices: To be expected
Open: Seven days lunch and supper
Ambience: Enticing and air-conditioned
Food: Indian
Parking: Secure

SOMETIME back in 1990-1991, Haandi Restaurant was conceived and became a reality. A decade later, the original branch in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya is still a flourishing with Gusto.

It seems like yesterday, when they embarked upon their next venture in Kampala. Actually, it was in 1996 and they have never looked back. If success can be judged by the SRO Crowds which park there every evening, then they must be doing something right.

They say that nothing succeeds like success as was seen in the creation of a third establishment in no less a place than London. Located on 138 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, in spitting distance from Harrods, two years plus down the line and things could not be any better.

Getting back to Kampala, ever since a Haandi made its mark in this neck of the woods, one area in which they have excelled consistently has been in quality and service. While many diners had I become accustomed to their former location, am the first to acknowledge that Commercial Plaza on Kampala Road in Kampala is by far a more prestigious and modern building. Besides the traffic congestion, over yonder in the evening was always a permanent problem.

Today, Haandi's new home is on the second floor of Commercial Plaza with ample secure parking and occupies an entire floor. The interior decor has been done up in wonderful understated elegance and style. No doubt, this goes along way towards enhancing the ambience. The dining arrangement overlooking Kampala Road is an ideal setting for lovers. Each table seats two, which is just right. As for the main dining room, it is big and not overcrowded. There is also a private room that can take up to 40 or 50 people.

For those who hanker for the tandoori cooked meats and vegetables, the good news is that have one; so that should not be a problem. Of course you can still have the chicken tikka, chicken makhini, rogan josh mutton, chilly paneer and so on.

We are impressed with smooth transition from old to new. The general manager Alok Badoni, besides being a man of wide experience, is a very energetic, doting and charming man and gets the job done. It speaks volumes of the man's management style that his staff remains more or less the same since the inception of Haandi in Uganda. Working with a staff of 35 is never easy.

We can say without any doubt, that Haandi is here to stay and is a tough act to follow.

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