In the 3 years, Zaika Lounge has been in operation, it has grown to be somewhat the Taj Mahal of all things food and drinks in Eldoret. Comes as no surprise though. You see, the mark of a good restaurant is usually the food and service.
Now imagine a restaurant that delivers both and then some. I’m talking great music, tasteful artwork, comfortable seating, impeccable service, the most beautiful cocktails, mocktails, exotic cuisines, and views.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEC2-oBjmIH/
My boss, his brother, and I dropped in for lunch and it was an absolute delight. PS I’m not even getting paid to say this. I’m a true fan. I think the most fascinating thing for me about Zaika Lounge is that every time I go there, I discover something new; whether it’s a piece of art or decor. It’s so diverse you cannot get bored even if you were to just sit there and look around.
Anywho yes, sisi Hao, we got screened and sanitized, tukaingia, sat on the furthest corner on the left. Oh, Zaika is located at Rupa’s Mall on the 2nd Floor. Though I’m assuming you already know that coz Zaika Lounge Jina Kubwa.
Ordering
They do this thing where they serve you popcorn as you go through the menu which really sets them apart. I get the honors of picking what to eat.
Zaika is an authentic Indian restaurant in Eldoret. Like legit authentic. They also offer multi-cuisine options including Chinese and continental foods. So you can imagine the menu. 85% of the foods were foreign to me but that just added to the appeal. I love trying new things.
I settle on vegetable rice and Prawns do-pyaza which is a meal comprising of Shrimps ? cooked in a yellow gravy with two types onions. Costs Ksh 420 and Ksh 860 respectively. My boss decides we need some chicken so we also order Honey glazed lemon chicken which was Ksh720 and butter naan.
Ik ik, sounds a bit pricey. It’s actually not coz that food was enough for the three of us and we were full. I had to push myself to clear my plate. Also, bruv, it’s shrimps and honey glazed lemon chicken. Some exotic stuff you wouldn’t eat just anywhere.
We additionally ordered cocktails. Blue lagoon, cosmo and long Island.
After about 20 minutes our delightful waitress showed up with them hot towels and set the table.
The Presentation At Zaika Is Just Something Else
How they present their food makes you want to say take all my money, please??. So nice. The rice came in a pot?? I dunno how they call this.
Looks like a steel nyungu or is it a bowl. Aargh. Not important. The food was hot and totally Instagramable which is a big ✔️. Yaani I was already content before I even tasted it. The shrimps looked Hella fine too.
Of course, the duty of serving fell on me as the woman. No worries though team feminists, I rewarded myself with an extra shrimp or two??. I’m a smart girl.
And Now To The Most Interesting Part; Eating?
Before we dived in we decided to do a little garnishing competition to see who was superior. 3 plates, same food, same veges? Who do you think did a better job?
A B C
The shrimps were amazing. Brittle on the outside and soft on the inside. Don’t get me started on the chicken!!!! It was tender, so juicy, and bursting with flavor. The sauce it was drenched in was also amazing waaah. I’ve had vegetable rice before but I must say, theirs is really good.
A Big Shout Out To Himal
All in all, it was an amazing experience. Made better when Himal, the operations manager walked over. Himal is the heart of Zaika. He is so lively, and fun, and easy-going. When he walks around from table to table checking in on his customers, talking to the staff, the restaurant just lights up.
He has this energy that is so warm and inviting. He also doubles up as a chef. We once had him make us pizza.
Just look at that pizza people!!! When I ball out, someday soon hopefully, I plan on paying him to sit with me for like an hour anipigie story tu as I drink a bottle of wine or something. He has so many interesting stories to tell and he’s so fun.
My Recommendations
Zaika is not as expensive as people make it out to be so don’t let that discourage you. I mean a full chicken be it kienyeji or broiler is Ksh 1500 only. Ksh 800 for half. Mark you this is chicken that has been cooked using the freshest and finest ingredients, and utilizing traditional Indian, Malay, Chinese, Mughlai, and Western cooking methods.
Fries go for Ksh 250 and if you add in chicken sausages, it will set you back Ksh 350 only. They also have pasta, those noodles you see in movies, and soup from as low as Ksh 300. Pizza goes for Ksh 750 for medium, Ksh 950 for large. And get this, every Tuesday and Wednesday, if you buy two, you get one free. The same offer applies to cocktails on every single day between 11:30 a.m -8:00 p.m.
One interesting feature on their menu is the live grill.
Yes, you read that right. Enjoy having your meat grilled live at your table.
The price of buffet service is Ksh 1500 per head which is fair compared to the likes of Ndupawa and Starbucks. You can also enjoy Indian bread which ranges from Ksh90 to Ksh 250. Ugali fish or Chapo fish is Ksh 600. Do you get my drift? It’s not over the top. Especially if you factor in the ambiance, the service, and how good the food is. Next level good. Also, let’s normalize luxury in our lives. Si kila Siku kibandaski or Maggie’s?.
Oh, and if you are caught up or too lazy to go to the mall, they also deliver. Just call 0752111110. Reservations can also be made using the same number.
