George, Jean, Christine, and Majesty at Simba Uganda restaurant in University City.
There are mom and pop restaurants throughout the city. But mom and sons? No so many. Recently I met a remarkable Ugandan family at their restaurant, Simba Uganda, on Olive.
Cyndy and I stopped by for lunch after reading a recent article in Sauce magazine. The family was all on hand. Chef Christine Mukulu Sscremba and her sons, George and Majesty run the place, though Majesty is also a computer science student at Webster.
America: The Land of Beginning Again
Like the owners of many ethnic restaurant in town, they have a compelling story. The country known for its many beautiful lakes—especially Lake Victoria—has been rocked by torture, scandal, corruption and extreme poverty. The family fled to America in 2011, seeking political asylum after her land was seized and property destroyed by the brother of the Ugandan president. Before losing everything, Christine had been an actress and business owner in her country. She holds an MBA degree and speaks several languages.
Once in America, Christine started cooking for church, community gatherings, and festivals. Several years ago, after friends encouraged her to go into the restaurant business, she opened Olive Green International. Earlier this year, the family moved the restaurant across Olive street and rebranded it Simba Uganda to better reflect the cuinse of their home country.
A Lively Cuisine
I found the chapati, a flat bread, especially tasty as were the lunch buffet dishes and the refreshing ginger hibiscus iced tea. Christine said I should come back in the evening, when she makes her signature dish, a groundnut sauce with bananas.
Vibrant colors highlight the large dining space at Simba Uganda.
It’s hard to miss Simba with its colorful exterior.
The family restaurant has an active Facebook presence.
Fried plantain is a banana-like fruit eaten throughout the tropics.
Rolex, a classic street food usually made with eggs. cabbage, onion, and tomatoes is wrapped in chapati bread. The name comes from hearing street vendors shout “rolled eggs,” which sounded more like “rolex” to visitors. The misinterpretation stuck. Simba’s version is made with goat or beef.
Smoked Chicken with Pilau Rice and Greens is typical fare in Uganda.
George points out the country of Uganda on the continent of Africa. After a visit years ago, Sir Winston Churchill called the country, “The pearl of Africa.”
Simba Uganda. 8531 Olive Blvd., University City. Open: Tue-Sun 11a-9p. Closed Mondays.
