Source Garden Hotel Jinja. Hmn! Because it is conveniently secluded for those who prefer a getaway and a stunning view of the river Nile, the multilingual-speaking staff hardly expect a stream of clients.
No wonder, it took over two hours (yes you read it right, two hours!) for the staff to acknowledge my presence, even though I was seated in their exceptionally clean and tidy restaurant. The staff went about their usual business, seemingly oblivious to my presence.
Fortunately, I had work that kept me occupied away from hunger, and the aromatic fragrances in the nearby lobby and walkway along with the calming ambience created by the soothing gypsum lights, helped to ease my would-have-been frustrations.
When they finally took my order, accompanied by endless apologies and the excuse, “I thought someone else had attended to you,” (an inexcusable excuse in front office hotel management) I was informed that only goat meat, chicken and fish served with fries, rice and wedges were available – all à la carte.
But who dines at the source of the Nile and doesn’t taste the freshly trapped tilapia? The meal took longer than expected – nearly an hour.
As is typical of most meals in Jinja, it was heavily curried and marinated, likely influenced by the significant Indian community in the area. The freshwater tilapia was slightly mushy with milder briny and saline flavours, complemented well by the side sauce.
Unfortunately, the rice, which should have been a perfect pairing, was disappointingly grainy and flat in taste. The good fish taste made up for the long wait. The meal was Shs 35,000 price-tagged at Shs 35,000 while the black tea was Shs 7,000.
fkisakye@observer.ug
Source: The Observer
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