PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAAn oldie but a goodie, Le Kilimanjaro has been under the same management since its inception a whopping nineteen years ago. This can be attributed to a number of factors, the successful combination of which has resulted in great longevity. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere casual, the service warm and attentive, and the surroundings contemporary and fun. The eatery is gently African, neither confronting nor overly exotic. But it’s there in the little touches, like the beautifully detailed wineglasses and the wooden boards that serve as plates. The dining room has a cheerful yellow and ochre colour scheme, but if you’re heading upstairs you’d best take a look at the single menu board before you ascend.
Though the owner is Senegalese, the cuisine is pan-African with influences from all over the continent. A meal comprises a number of dishes shared between the table; one main per person should suffice but it needs to be supplemented by some vegetables and grains. Start with a serve of soft, light flatbread and a few side dishes. The tagines are excellent, and the Yassa is highly recommended (overnight-marinated chicken served off the bone) with a serve of rice or cous cous. There is little to no oil in the cooking, resulting in a meal that is healthy and light. The vegetables are especially vibrant in colour and crisp in texture. Although unlicensed, Le Kilimanjaro accepts BYO and has two special beverages: a refreshing hibiscus syrup called bissap, and a sweet ginger drink that is both fragrant and delicious. For a fuller cultural experience, pop round at lunch time when you can view African documentaries back to back.