One of the art hangings on the walls of CBBQ restaurant reads: “For men who think a woman’s place is in the kitchen, just remember that’s where the knives are kept.”
Perhaps this quote is a fitting prelude to what unfolds at this establishment located along Kyambogo road in Minister’s Village, Ntinda. During The Observer’s visit, which spanned six to nine hours, only one woman – a lone waitress, was spotted.
Meanwhile, all eight sitting tables and two standing tables at the bar area were occupied by men. Maybe it is this absence of women that emboldens the men to embrace unconventional food pairings, such as eggs, avocado and pork racks.
CBBQ is, without a doubt, a pork haven where men indulge with reckless abandon. They effortlessly devour platters of pork, although the restaurant also serves grilled and stuffed or boiled tilapia.
That said, pork remains the star. Whether served as wet fry, grilled, or roasted, the pork at CBBQ is expertly prepared. Unlike the common Ugandan complaint of “pork mixed with more cabbage than meat,” here, diners get pure, well-marinated pork— succulent, perfectly cured, and free of excess fat rind.
The seasoning is balanced. It is typically accompanied by matooke fingers (fried or roasted), chips, or posho, depending on preference. Chicken is also available, but patience is required.
Meals generally take about 30 minutes to prepare, but diners seem unbothered, leisurely sipping their beers as they wait. The restaurant’s atmosphere is laidback, with a soundtrack dominated by old-school ballads like The Heart Is Not So Smart by DeBarge (1985), Ain’t Nobody by Peabo Bryson (1999), and Come Into My Life by Joyce Sims (1987). This musical selection suggests a clientele of a certain age.
Later in the night, the playlist transitions to more modern classics, but the volume remains low, allowing for easy conversations without the need to raise voices.
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