I felt daring when I headed to the Chuma Grill & Bar at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka and decided that would be a perfect day to try something I rarely partake of, game meat. Luckily, Chuma Grill & Bar always has a wide selection on offer. I opted for the kudu medallion on a bed of mashed potatoes. It was accompanied by pickled beetroot, infused with a pleasant sour taste to balance the meal, grated parmesan and rocket for garnish.

Often when game meat is mentioned, the first thought that comes to mind is how tough the meat will be; however, this was not the case. The kudu was tender, juicy and pink in the middle, just like I prefer it. The medallion is flame-grilled and finished off in the oven to seal its natural flavours. 

The variety of game meat served at the Chuma Grill & Bar includes impala, kudu and puku. Head Chef Lawrence Mulenga shared, “everyone knows the impala, especially locals. Kudu is highly requested as it comes from the cow family; hence people are more comfortable ordering it.” He went on to add that “game meat is popular at the restaurant because of its unique natural taste that is free from chemicals as it’s reared in the wild.”

While I decided to try something out of the ordinary for my entrée, I couldn’t help tame my craving for an old favourite, something Italian. Before I delved into the wild side with my entrée, I chose the smoked salmon bruschetta for my appetiser. The smoked salmon layered on fresh avocado, finely chopped tomato, and onion served on toasted bread slices seared with butter and fresh garlic. My plate was topped with fresh herbs – parsley and rocket, cherry tomatoes, thin carrots, lettuce, lemon slices and bell peppers. The presentation was excellent.

I couldn’t hold back and cleared all my plates without an ounce of shame. Fortunately, I still had room for dessert; the premium Callebaut chocolate cake served with fresh strawberries. 

Head Chef Mulenga shared that the chocolate cake is the Chuma Grill & Bar’s best-selling dessert, and it was obvious why as soon as I bit into it. The texture was airy and smooth. My dessert tasted good, but the plating was also impeccable, with a great deal of attention given to the white chocolate exterior garnishing of the cake. The dessert provided a sweet and delightful end to an ideal dining experience.

The Cuisine

Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka houses two restaurants which are both open to the public and residing guests. The Chuma Grill & Bar operates on a 24-hour basis, and the swimming pool restaurant serves from 10 am – 8 pm daily.

Chuma Grill & Bar serves snacks and light meals prepared to international standards but with a Zambian touch. It is also one of the best places in Lusaka for those seeking delicious, legally sourced game meat.

The well-stocked bar houses several high-end wines and Lusaka’s largest whisky selection. 

Where?

Chuma Grill & Bar at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka is situated along the Great East Road, 16 kilometres from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. It is located in the safe residential area of Olympia Park, next to Mulungushi International Conference Centre, and is ranked among the top 10 restaurants in Lusaka on Tripadvisor.

Top tip

Check out the Chuma Grill & Bar menu online and order your meal before your visit.

Images by Emmanuel Zulu