Khana Khazana is nested in the heart of Kiyovu, on the left turn 3 streets down the road from BNR. It is probably the oldest Indian eatery in town. Like the name, “Khana” meaning food, and “Khazana” (treasure) suggests, and as is the norm with the Khana Khazana food line, it brings the very tradition that India is known for, Tandoori. The Tandoori is a charcoal powered, traditional oval shaped clay oven powered by charcoal allowing even distribution of heat. The idea is to grill meats in an enclosed Tandoori oven, retaining its tenderness, moisture, and flavors, a feat that is not easy to achieve with the barbecue style open grills. While the emphasis on authentic cuisine is obvious and near-palpable, the setting is tranquil and rustic. Aside from pili pili, which is synonymous with Indian cuisine, the chef here also draws some culinary inspiration from a wide array of authentic Indian spices and herbs. The treasure at Khana Khazana is clearly the food, and while the sight of magnificent gorilla paraphernalia and art pieces will greet your eyes first, the aroma of assorted spices wafting from the kitchen will compete for your acknowledgement. The wait staff, who for some reason are almost only men, come clad in striking red traditional Pakistani Sheruwals. Khana Khazana is one of those places that the Indian food lover will find him/herself visiting while in Kigali, if only because there are not so many other options. It teems with members of the Asian community on family outings, and come Saturdays and Sundays, it is more than just a crowd. Perhaps the one thing that management ought to consider is setting up a special section where one can eat with legs outstretched, traditional style, as is the case with most Khana Khazana outlets elsewhere. Otherwise there is just one large open wall dining dome in front of the main building, which houses the reception and kitchens. Save for the cool breeze, this terrace is devoid of the commanding views of Kigali that are a near birthright to most other restaurants around town. It is a haunt for families with children, romantic dinner dates, large group events, business meetings and special occasions, most notably expatriates’ birthday parties. The inside parking is limited and improvised, although, for a consolation, there is a wide and secure berth for street parking. Khana Khazana is open daily for lunch and dinner, and they do accept VISA cards.
