Cayenne

Cayenne is the crown jewel of Bukoto and Naguru Hill restaurants and night spots. There isn’t much competition, of course. Bukoto and Naguru Hill have been developing residentially far faster than commercially for a number of years now. Cayenne is the first to really capitalize on this local market.

Situated in the shadow of Kabira Country Club and Kampala International School, Cayenne is many things to many people: A nice, quiet restaurant, open for lunch Tuesday thru Sunday and open for dinner seven nights a week; An evening lounge with good music and fun lighting; and events venue for some of Uganda’s biggest promoters; And a late night to early morning party spot par excellence.

The restaurant is at the back of the compound next to the swimming pool that may not, under any circumstances, be used for swimming. There are both indoor and outdoor dining options, the outdoor being my favorite, situated under the outstretched branches of a large, old tree.

Cayenne’s menu offers something for every taste. There are soups and salads, continental favorites, pastas and pizzas, Indian food, Thai food, Chinese food, and more. This can make decisions a little tricky. Hopefully I can help guide you in the right direction.

In their attempt to offer such a variety I think Cayenne sacrifices the beauty of specialty. Their Indian food will never compete with the likes of Khana Khazana or Nawab (though the fact that they include rice in the price of a dish endears them to me). Their Chinese food won’t match Fang Fang. And their Thai food, I’m sorry to say, I can’t recommend at all.

There are, though, some distinct high points. These usually come in the form of specialty dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Kampala. Take, for instance, the Saffron Chicken from the Continental menu: a tender chicken breast stuffed with bell peppers and cheddar cheese and cooked with saffron. This is one of my top three favorite meals in Kampala. The Chicken Tikka Masala, on the other hand, is not even one of my top three Chicken Tikka Masalas in Kampala. It’s fine, but it pales in comparison to the great Indian food on offer in this town.

The pastas and pizzas are good, but again you can find better in Kampala. Tuesday’s, though, make a good day for Cayenne pizza, as you get a free Margherita pizza with any other pizza you order.

In general at Cayenne, try something you won’t find anywhere else. Main dishes will usually between 20,000 and 30,000 and are served with complimentary bread and butter.

Thanks to the pumping party venue the drinks menu is extensive, with beers from 5,000, wines by the glass from 10,000, and cocktails from 12,000. If it’s a liquor that can be found in Uganda, you can probably find it at Cayenne.

The lounge and club area are right next to the restaurant and get started around 9 or 10 pm, depending on the night. But on weekends the real party won’t start before midnight. Cayenne is often last on the Friday night circuit that starts at MishMash and goes through Bubbles and Iguanas before finally watching the sky lighten from Cayenne.

If you’re in the Bukoto area and would like an upscale dinner with plenty to choose from, a fun evening with drinks, or a crazy all-nighter, Cayenne is probably your place.

Hours: Monday: 4:30 pm – 2:30 am / Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 12:30 pm – 2:30 am / Friday to Saturday: 12:30 pm – 3:30 am
Address: 1213 Kira Road, Bukoto, Kampala
Phone: 0792 200 555
Website: http://www.cayennekampala.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cayenne-Restaurant-and-Lounge/122742071108580

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