Ugandan Street Food Icon 'Rolex' Gets Culinary Spotlight in New Cookbook

The beloved Ugandan street food, the Rolex, a simple yet satisfying wrap of chapati and omelette, is now the subject of a comprehensive new cookbook.

Authored by Jonathan Kabugo, “How to ROLEX, a Ugandan Cookbook” goes beyond the typical street-side preparation, offering over 40 diverse recipes. Kabugo experiments with a wide array of local and East African ingredients, integrating vegetables, meats, and sauces while keeping the chapati and egg as the core components. The book also explores various techniques for preparing the chapati and encasing the fillings.

However, the cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes. It serves as a rich documentation of the people, ingredients, and communities that have built their lives around the humble Rolex stand. These stalls are portrayed not just as food vendors but as vital social hubs for students, workers, and entire neighborhoods, offering affordable meals and a space for connection.

Kabugo’s inspiration for the book stemmed from his previous work on Ugandan food. What began as a small section on street food evolved into an extensive project, involving months of testing, tasting, and documenting. The author highlights the Rolex’s inherent qualities: its simplicity, affordability, flexibility, and creativity, cementing its place in Uganda’s vibrant street food culture.

The book also touches upon the age-old debate among Rolex enthusiasts regarding the preparation of tomatoes within the omelette, illustrating the personal touches and variations that make each Rolex unique. Ultimately, “How to ROLEX” celebrates this everyday dish as a versatile culinary staple that has seamlessly transitioned from street corners to home kitchens, becoming an integral part of Uganda’s cultural fabric.

This cookbook is now available in Ugandan bookshops and online.