EATINGOUT:Kiosk charm prevails despite new drinking law

The food kiosk adjacent to the headquarters of the National Post office has long been a popular joint for Kigali’s corporate world. From the ministry of defense, the ministry of justice both a few metres away and several non government organisations in the area, the little kiosk has been a popular food joint for a long time. But since Kigali City Council became obsessed with Vision 2020, that kiosk has lost its popularity. A law has been introduced. “You are not supposed to have beer at this place before 5pm,” said one of the waiters. As a result, the covers management had installed to ensure some sort of privacy for their clients were disbanded such that if you happen to have a beer before the legal 5pm, city and security informers would report both the client and managers to some even higher authorities whose choice of reprimand for this crime is to close the bar and or fine the client. So you may not be able to enjoy a cool beer at any time of day but the place has not lost its charm. The kiosk is simply designed. It is encircled in a low fence, and like all such canteens across the city, it has a bird wing design on top. Sitting comfortably not far from the road, you will observe Kigali’s best vehicles cruising to and from Kanombe, Village Urugwiro, and Kimihurura. If your craze is observing cars, the post office canteen - which lacks any other identity under - is the place to be. The prices are somewhat kind; drinks are sold at normal retail prices while a plate of food will in most cases be less than Frw1,500. The kiosk is also very popular for the famous ‘boyiro’, an oil free dish composed of a mixture of goat meat, vegetables, and irish potatoes. At just Frw1000, this dish is a favourite for nursing hangovers. Ends