The lusaniya (platter) craze may have slowed down, but Cafe Javas (CJ’s) is keeping it alive with its own refined version.
Priced at Shs 42,000, this is no ordinary platter; it comes neatly packed in a plastic lunchbox with dedicated compartments for each item. Inside, you will find tender, juicy lemon and herb- marinated chicken, a quarter- piece chapati, basmati pilau, steamed vegetables, cucumber salsa, and a garden peas curry.
A bite into the meal: as expected from CJ’s, the chicken is tender to the bone, richly marinated, and simmered to perfection. It arrives just as advertised—a slight charcoal crust on the edges, a golden, juicy centre, and a well-balanced saltiness. Even the bones are chewable, making each bite deeply satisfying.
The chapati leans towards a coastal-style texture—not too flaky, yet not entirely puffy. It pairs exceptionally well with the sweet, earthy flavours of the garden peas curry, creating a delightful fusion of taste and texture. Packed separately, the steamed vegetables and cucumber salsa add a fresh contrast to the meal.
The salsa is a mix of salted cucumber, fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic, drizzled with olive oil and served with a lime slice. However, the garlic is quite overpowering, leaving a tacky aftertaste – especially if you are not a fan.
The round compartment holds dry pilau, which, on its own, might feel a bit plain. You’ll definitely want to pair it with sauce for a richer experience. This meal is really filling. However, it’s not something you will crave again too soon. To enhance the experience, consider adding a side of creamy mushroom sauce, creamy pepper sauce, or mayonnaise – at extra cost.
