#foodblog Archives - Nwaanyi Ije

I’ve had my sights on this restaurant – Ki Bar & Kitchen or @ki.lagos on Instagram since its opening in December 2021 and I finally visited this month. One thing I’ve always been warned about Lagos restaurants is not to set my expectations too high from their instagram posts only to have it deflated when I finally visit. Aesthetics of the restaurant is not too bad but it definitely looks better on instagram. I did make a reservation before I went but I’m not sure if that’s a necessity since the restaurant was so empty when I got there (’twas a Sunday evening so maybe it’s usually less busy at that time 🤷🏾‍♀️).

I had a smoked chicken and avocado salad (₦6,800), Lagos Dumplings (₦5,500), Merry Berry G&T (₦6,000) and a bottled water (₦800).

My consumption items were all very delicious. I honestly did not expect to enjoy the salad as my as I did, a good dressing is everything and I most certainly enjoyed the presentation (came in a smoky cold dish). The portions could’ve been better though and I said as much on the feedback card I was given after my meal.

The Lagos chicken dumplings were also very delicious! Wolfed them down in no time. Why they were named ‘Lagos Chicken dumplings’ and not just ‘Chicken dumplings’, Nwaanyi Ije has no idea. You should definitely order this if you visit this restaurant, I guarantee you to do a little happy dance as you dip a dumpling into the chill sauce and lift it to your salivating tongue.

Now for the best part! The Merry Berry Seltzer… oooh chile!!! (Insert that Lil Wayne GIF saying oooooh). Boy was I very happy at the end of the glass… The mixologist here sabi work. The combination of ingredients can simply be described as delightful but don’t let the fruits fool you. This drink is very very generous with the gin, I assure you that you’ll be most happy by the time you reach the bottom of the glass, or even half.

As with all Lagos restaurants I must warn you about the taxes. There’s a 5% service charge, 5% consumption tax and 7.5% VAT. So whatever your bill is, gotta multiply it by 17.50% and add it to the total cost to get your true bill.

Will I visit Ki Bar & Kitchen again? Yes I will, but more for the drinks than the food. This restaurant is good mainly for a drinks after work thing in my opinion.

Until next time from your top guide in fine living.

Love,

Nwaanyi Ije

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Kaldı Africa | Instagram

My overriding review of Kaldi Africa is that everyone needs to visit. As Lagos in recent years adopted restaurant and dining out culture, cafés exploded in every corner though coffee roasteries have remained few. There are currently only two coffee roasteries in Lagos. Mai Shayi Coffee is one and Kaldi Africa is the other. Check out my previous post about Mai Shayi Coffee.

Kaldi Africa is located inside Nigerian Foundries in Ilupeju. My first thought when I walked into the café was wow! what a cute place with African inspired decor. I very much loved the decor of the café.

I did some background research before visiting and was very excited to try their specialty coffees. Unfortunately, the server that attended to me at first told me all coffee brews were unavailable which then encouraged me to settle for a dirty chai latte.

While enjoying my latte, I struck a conversation with one of the coffee machine engineers and asked him for reasons why the coffee brews were unavailable. He then apologised on behalf of the server and told me that the specialty brew machines were sent off for repairs but I could have a Buna coffee (Ethiopian traditional coffee) which didn’t require any special machines to be prepared.

In comparison to the dirty chai latte, the texture of the Buna was very smooth, it felt more like high quality tea than coffee.

I also ordered for Grilled Chicken with Chips (very reasonably priced) and enjoyed every single bite.

I observed that the menu I was given had greatly changed from the one I previously saw online. This new menu was very trimmed and featured regular grub compared to Ethiopian-centric dishes of the old menu

Here’s me enjoying my Buna complete with sweet smelling incense 👇🏾

Kaldi Africa also offers tours of the Coffee Roastery, complete with lunch and a coffee tasting session. The full package tour is ₦25,000, this also includes a Glass Blowing session at Kaldi’s sister company called Igo Glass. Igo glass makes use of recycled glass to create different types of glass products. Click here for my post about my visit to their glass souvenir shop.

I briefly met Dr Nasra Ali, she’s one of the co-founders of Kaldi Africa, a medical doctor formerly with W.H.O (World Health Organisation) and is now a full blown entrepreneur. Kaldi coffee is available in big chain supermarkets across the country as well as in duty free shops at the airpots. You can also buy their products in the café or order online

Kaldi Africa is not just a coffee shop/roastery. They also provide barista training and sell/repair coffee machines. I’m excited for the future of this African company and cannot wait to hear about their increasing successes in future.

Until next time from your top guide in fine living.

Love,

Nwaanyi Ije