BON VIVANT: An authentic experience

This hidden gem sits along Elgeyo Marakwet Road just across from the Adams Arcade roundabout. My partner and I had some guests who wanted to try out this restaurant so we took them along. There is plenty of secure, free parking, and the restaurant consists of a large colonial-style house with several satellite dining areas.

Once inside the compound you can choose from individual rooms where you can host a private dinner or luncheon. The interior of the house looks more like a three-star hotel so we chose the other option, which is to eat in one of the outdoor dining areas.

The venue is very spacious and looks like it could easily seat over 200 people.

We chose the well-lit open dining area adjacent to the main kitchen.

AUTHENTIC BROWN INJERA

A young man smiled and greeted us respectfully, with one hand over his elbow. Our guests practised their Amharic greetings, so he smiled broadly and showed us where to sit. We ordered their mixed platter, as well as a spicy beef platter with ugali, some soup and extra injera.

Their menu is similar to all other restaurants that serve Ethiopian and Eritrean food. In addition to the choice of either brown or white Injera, they offer accompaniments of rice, ugali and roast potatoes.

Our mixed platter was presented on a large, open, round piece of injera with dollops of different accompaniments – mince meat, mutton, boiled egg, cabbage, potato stew, stewed beef, a spicy red sauce, spinach and shiro (legume-based sauce) – ladled onto it. I was pleased to try authentic brown injera for a change.

It is made from teff, a grain that is native to the Ethiopian highlands. It is spongy like the white rice flour injera, but not as light. The teff injera seemed to have a less tart flavour.

It is also easy to digest, even for individuals who have issues with wheat or gluten. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal.           

Their fresh juices are also delicious, especially the avocado juice. The tree tomato juice was a bit watery. Soft drinks average at Sh150 shillings, and there is a wide choice of alcoholic drinks.  Our total bill came to about 800 per person – great value for money.

I highly recommend their hot ginger tea with honey. It packs a powerful punch and they bring their honey in from Addis.

This restaurant may not look particularly fancy, but they serve yummy Ethiopian food made with fresh, authentic ingredients.

Service ........................ 4/5

Ambience ................... 3/5

Value .......................... 4/5

Hygiene .....................  3/5