Set in the lively hustle of SilverBack Mall, this little coffee shop feels like it’s almost brewing up something special. The menu has potential, with generous helpings of chips, but trying to tell the difference between the fish burger and the fish sandwich is like playing a game of “Spot the Difference.” (Spoiler: It’s mostly just the shape of the bread.) Neither comes toasted, so if you’re hoping for that comforting, warm crunch, you’ll have to toast to your dreams instead.
Tanzamiaa seems abuzz with professional-looking diners tackling plates of hearty-looking Rwandan cuisine, however the space itself is a bit snug inside. Think “cozy” in theory, but “cozier than expected” in practice. The display of freshly made chapati and mandazi hints at homestyle comfort, but the execution sometimes misses the mark—like a promising book with a few too many typos.
The seemingly thoughtful menu, may need a few more brainstorming sessions. The main difference between a burger and a sandwich here seems to be the bread’s shape—who knew geometry was so important in the kitchen? Vegetarians have some options, but they feel more like accessories—like the sidekick in a superhero movie rather than the main event. And without a hearty protein or something with a bit of texture, these dishes just aren’t saving the day.
Then there’s the service. You order a chicken Rolex, and out pops a fish Rolex instead—like a culinary magic trick! The seasoning must have been the assistant that disappeared in the process. The portions are generous, sure, but there’s so much bread, you could build a small fort out of it. On the bright side, the price is a steal at Rwf 5k and under per entree, though the quality seems to be following a “you get what you pay for” motto.
The sauce inside the Rolex—whether it’s supposed to be chicken or beef—had a sour note that suggested it might have been practicing for an audition as a tangy yogurt. And the “mixed-food” dish we ordered out of curiosity? Well, it turned out to be a culinary enigma wrapped in a riddle, served with a side of confusion. The waitstaff couldn’t explain it, and frankly, neither can we.
Now, if you’re looking for a refreshing treat, the mango smoothie is a winner, elegantly served in a chilled parfait glass. But if you’re eyeing the cocktail smoothie, a blend of passion fruit, pineapple, banana, and tree tomato, brace yourself—it arrives as warm as a summer afternoon, which may not be what you want from a “refreshing” beverage.
The shop itself is clean and bright, which does give it a cheerful vibe, but it’s more suited for a quick pit stop than a leisurely hangout. If you’re in need of a caffeine fix after some shopping, it might do in a pinch, but don’t cancel any other coffee dates just yet. Adding Wi-Fi and a warm-water hand-washing station would definitely raise the comfort level. The current setup, with its charming teapot, is more of a “brrrrr” than a “bingo!”—especially when you’re met with ice-cold water and a soap dispenser that contains more air than suds.
Veggie options Ample parking
3.6 LIKs
