Khana Khazana

Khana Khazana has been serving Indian food in Kigali since 2005, which makes it one of the longer-running restaurants in a city whose dining scene has changed quickly. It has two branches, one in Kiyovu and one in Nyarutarama, and the Kiyovu restaurant on KN 31 Street is the one most visitors staying in the centre will find easiest to reach.

The restaurant describes itself simply as authentic Indian, and it has stayed popular with residents because it is dependable rather than fashionable. Indian cooking suits mixed groups well, since vegetarian and meat dishes, breads and rice can all be shared. If you are new to the cuisine, ask the staff how spicy each dish is, and order a mix of dishes for the table rather than a single main each.

It is a casual restaurant, good for families and for groups, and it fills a useful gap if you want a change from grills and hotel buffets after a few days of travelling. The dining room is more relaxed than the fine-dining options nearby in Kiyovu. Prices are moderate.

Khana Khazana does not publish its opening hours on its homepage, so call the Kiyovu branch on +250 788 499 600 to check times or reserve a table, especially for a larger group or on a weekend evening. The branch pages on its website give more detail for each location. Takeaway is common in Kigali, so it is worth asking if you would rather eat at your hotel.

Its two decades in business say something in a city where restaurants open and close quickly, and its second branch in Nyarutarama shows how steady demand has been. For travellers on a longer stay it is a good place to return to when you want a familiar, filling meal at a sensible price.

The Kiyovu branch is one street away from Heaven Boutique Hotel and within walking distance of it, in a quiet residential area a few minutes from the city centre. The Hôtel des Mille Collines and Baso Pâtissier are also nearby. If you are staying in the north of the city, around Nyarutarama and Kacyiru, the Nyarutarama branch is the more convenient choice.