Hellofood, in partnership with Done Deal, MTN, Shell Gas, Pepsi, SN Brussels Airlines and Robertson Winery, held the inaugural Kampala Restaurant Awards 2015 at Serena Hotel Ball room on 25th November, 2015. Adhering to the dress code of black tie, guests filled up the main hall at Victoria Ball room, Serena hotel by 7:00 pm.
These awards have made a big statement that Kampala has a vibrant restaurant scene, and restaurants are now a big part of the Uganda economy. It is also a testament that people in Kampala are embracing diverse foods and cuisines from across the globe.
Speaking at the 5th annual Kampala restaurant awards on 25th November, 2015, Rukirabasaijaa Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV said, “innovation, entrepreneurship and excellent service are the qualities that will move Uganda to a new era of sustained development and that he is a true believer that true development can only be achieved with vibrant small medium businesses like the ones on show at the awards because many of their success is the sum of all efforts repeated day in and day out.”
The King urged small businesses to take advantage of innovations and dedication to excellence, because the economy is at its infancy and opportunities from information technology to the service industry are great.
His majesty also thanked Hellofood and all their partners for organizing such an event that gives recognition to excellence in the private sector. He wrapped up his speech by handing out the biggest award of the day “Best restaurant of the year” to Medditeraneo and congratulated all the nominees and winners.
Joe Falter, CEO Hellofood Africa, presented the Hellofood award to The Bistro and said, “Together with Ron and the Hellofood Uganda team they get a real kick out of working with different restaurants on a daily basis to support their growth in the market especially as the internet is becoming so important to that growth.”
Ron Kawamara, Managing director Hellofood Uganda said, “With the Kampala restaurant awards, the public and a panel of experts have had their say. The nominations already had already indicated the best in the industry and the winners will have an added gloss of excellence. The city of Kampala will now have a credible benchmark for excellence in the restaurant and hospitality industry that meets international standards.
He added that he had to thank their partners, sponsors and KRA team who made awards possible. MTN, Done Deal, Pepsi, Sanyu FM, Robertson Wines, Shell Gas and PWC who diligently audited the voting process and tabulated the results.
In between speeches were music performances by live band led by Steve Keys and a headline performance of Maurice Kirya and Micheal Ouma punctuated by a sumptuous four course meal.
The event ended at exactly 10.30Pm
Here is the list of winners:
1. Best restaurant of the year – Medditeraneo
2. Best Customer service – The lawns
3. Best fine Dining – Pearl of Africa – Serena
4. Best Ugandan Cuisine – Shaka Zulu
5. Best African Cuisine – The Lawns
6. Best Indian cuisine – Khana Khazana
7. Best Asian Cuisine – Tamarai
8. Best Café/Deli – Endiro coffee
9. Best food on the Go – KFC
10. Best Pizzeria – Olives pizzeria
11. Best Bar Food – Liquid silk
12. Best Value for Money – Café Javas
13. Best New Restaurant – Great Indian Dhaba
14. Best Wine Brand – Robertson
15. Best Beer – Tusker Malt
16. Hellofood Award – The Bistro