From their humble beginnings in the 1690’s in London, steakhouses have become a staple in the hospitality industry.

The traditional nature of the food served was maintained through the later part of the 19th century despite new cooking styles, which were beginning to become fashionable, spreading all across the globe.

The past few years have seen an upsurge of steakhouses on the Kigali scene.

Inka Steakhouse, located at KG 6 Avenue in the hilly Kimihurura-Rugando neighbourhood, is Kigali’s premier steakhouse. The steakhouse draws its name from the Kinyarwanda word for cow (inka.)

The steakhouse sits in a garden overlooking the scenic Gikondo hills. It has an indoor and outdoor setting with a fireplace.

The beige and olive green-themed décor with Frank Sinatra crooning in the background make for a serene ambience.

The attendants welcomed me with wide smiles. As soon as I settled in my chair, one of them took me through their various offerings.

I opted for a fillet mignon served with mizuzu (plantains), with whole grain mustard sauce.

I had some bread and butter before my food arrived 15 minutes later. The fillet mignon was fresh and well-done, ensuring tenderness and flavour.

The whole grain mustard sauce meshed well with the steak fillet mignon, and the deep-fried mizuzu, which was salted to taste, was even better with the mayonnaise and ketchup.

Fillet mignon served with whole grain mustard sauce at the Inka Steakhouse in Kigali. PHOTO | JEFFERSON RUMANYIKA

Inka Steakhouse serves prime cuts of meat, soups and starters and salads. Specialty cuts are served straight from the grill. It has a variety of salads, from seasonal prawn and char-grilled salad to caprese and Caesar salads.

Prices of meals range from Rwf5,500 ($6.5) to Rwf21,000 ($25).

The Porterhouse steak, one of Inka Steakhouse’s specialty cuts is a must try. It is the best of both world’s cut that is half tenderloin and half sir-loin.

The steaks are served with mashed potatoes, mizuzu, sautéed vegetables, garlic herb roasted potato wedges, ratatouille or creamed spinach. Accompanying sauces include red wine, green peppercorn, mushroom, whole grain-mustard or chimichuri salsa verde.

Inka also has a bar with a wide choice of beverages, including soft drinks, local and imported beers, ciders, house wines, champagne, aperitifs, brandy, gin, vodka with premium and deluxe whiskeys and their signature cocktail jars.

Inka Steakhouse also hosts corporates for product launches or cocktail parties, and is open to private bookings like family gatherings.