By Silvia Nyambura
Online food ordering company Hellofood has awarded 16 restaurants in the inaugural Kampala Restaurant Awards held at the Kampala Serena Hotel last night. The restaurants were recognized for their commitment to deliver exceptional service, quality foods, value for money and maintaining great industry standards.
Speaking during the event, the company MD Ron Kawamara said the awards are meant to recognize achievement in the industry.
“They set a credible benchmark for industry players to meet international standards and provide a platform for excellence and recognition for the best restaurants in their own category. The level of participation we have witnessed in this first event is a testament that people in Kampala appreciate good food,” he said.
Mediterraneo an Italian Restaurant located along Acacia Avenue emerged overall winner and was awarded 2 return tickets to go to Brussels. 15 other restaurants were recognized in different categories.
Kawamara noted most of the participants were young businesses between 2 and 3 years.
“Restaurants are increasing on a daily basis. This is a young industry with the potential to contribute greatly to the Ugandan economy. It is therefore important that we continue to encourage good standards,” he added.
In his keynote speech as guest of honor, the King of Toro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba said Ugandan businesses are faced with several hurdles.
“It is not easy to start and maintain a business in this country. Capital is hard to come by, registration is cumbersome and sustainability is low. There needs to be renewed focus on these processes. Despite these challenges there is always opportunities which Ugandans can take advantage of. People must find their niche and apply rigorous effort to succeed in their different fields just like these restaurants have demonstrated today. Success is walking from failure to failure without giving up,” he advised.
The event was organized in partnership with online services portal company Done Deal, MTN, Pepsi, Brussels Airlines, Shell Gas, Sanyu FM, and Robertson Winery.
Full List of winners
Restaurant of the year- Mediterraneo
Best Asian Cuisine- Tamarai Restaurant
Best Cafe Deli- Endiro
Best Food on the go- KFC
Nicholas Mukasa Appointed Bank of Namibia Deputy GovernorBest Bar Food- Liquid Silk
Best Pizzeria- Olives
Best Beer Brand- Tusker Malt
Best Wine- Robertson
Best Value for money- Cafe Javas
Best African Cuisine- Lawns
Best Ugandan Cuisine- Shaka Zulu
Fine Dining Award- Pearl Restaurant Kampala Serena Hotel
Best Indian Cuisine- Khana Khazana
Best New Restaurant- The Great Indian Daba
The Hellofood Award- The Bistro
Best Customer Service- Lawns
