During a recent visit, IGIHE explored the restaurant, its ambience, and the philosophy behind its Afro-Asian fusion cuisine, speaking with Kōzo Kigali's leadership to understand what makes the experience unique.
Kōzo Kigali officially opened its doors in November 2023, marking the brand's expansion from West Africa to East Africa. Originally founded in Ghana, the restaurant is the vision of a Ghanaian owner who sought to create a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
According to Dinesh Parerao, Director of Operations at Kōzo Kigali, the success of the original restaurant in Ghana sparked the desire to look beyond borders.
'When we realised that this success should not be limited to Ghana, we began exploring different African markets,' Parerao told IGIHE. 'When we visited Rwanda, we felt it was the right choice, as it is one of the emerging hospitality markets.'
That sense of intention is reflected in both the food and the overall experience. Kōzo Kigali positions itself as an affordable fine-dining restaurant, recently introducing a lunch set menu designed to fit into Kigali's fast-paced lifestyle. Priced between 20,000 and 35,000 Rwandan francs, the menu offers a complete dining experience, from welcome drinks to starters, a main course, dessert, and even a digestive at the end of the meal.
'People experience it, and I can say that it is one of the best affordable meals that we can provide in town," Parerao added.
Kōzo's identity is defined by its farm-to-table philosophy. The restaurant works closely with local farmers to ensure consistent quality and freshness, while also supporting Rwanda's agricultural community. For the team, success is measured not only in numbers but in the way guests feel welcomed and cared for.
'One of our proudest moments is simply getting customers through the door and making them feel at home,' Parerao said. 'We are also proud to host global brands and personalities who choose Kōzo to celebrate their special moments.'
Over time, Kōzo Kigali has become a hub for international events and high-profile gatherings. From hosting American comedian Dave Chappelle's pop-up show in May 2024 to events linked to the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the NBA, and Giants of Africa, the restaurant has positioned itself as a bridge between Kigali and the global cultural scene.
Behind the menu is Group Executive Chef Sakorn Somboon, whose culinary philosophy blends deep historical context with creativity and local adaptation. Speaking to IGIHE, Somboon described Indian and Chinese cuisines as the foundations of global culinary art, noting their thousands of years of history compared to Europe's later adoption of spices and complex techniques.
'At Kōzo, the product is local, and the flavour is African, but the techniques and inspiration come from across Asia,' he explained. 'We use ingredients from the African continent and ideas from the whole of Asia, not just one region.'
This Afro-Asian approach, Somboon believes, resonates globally because of shared histories and influences across continents. Menu decisions, he added, begin with availability and the stories behind each ingredient and farmer.
One dish that captures this philosophy is Kōzo's reimagined chapati. Somboon traced its roots across cultures, from flatbreads found worldwide to a chapati inspired by Indian naan, brought to East Africa via Kenya, and later popularised in Uganda as the famous Rolex. At Kōzo, the team transforms it into a suya chapati taco, blending Asian inspiration with local African ingredients.
'It's the food I would cook to feel at home as an Asian person living in Africa, using African ingredients,' he said. 'Every dish has a story, and after tasting it, guests create their own story and share it with others.'
Beyond the food, the restaurant's Afro-chic ambience completes the experience. With stylish indoor seating, intimate outdoor corners, water features, and views of Kigali's skyline, Kōzo Kigali has become a popular spot for sundowner cocktails, celebrations, and relaxed evenings.
Check out the full video below to explore the story and inspiration behind Kōzo Kigali's Afro-Asian menu.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
