Aroma By Orchard:
Culinary Refinement in an Unlikely Setting
In an unlikely neighbourhood, you will find the serenity of Aroma tucked away between a busy thoroughfare and a business hub. For Lusaka residents, the suburb of Kalingalinga probably isn’t on their bingo card for elevated dining experiences in the city. Yet within this setting, Aroma by Orchard offers one of Lusaka’s most refined culinary experiences, and it is here to stay.
Lusaka’s culinary scene is constantly evolving. If you are familiar with Orchard Farm Shop and its laid-back, family-friendly setting, Aroma is its refined sibling, offering a contemporary and elegant ambience. Both establishments share the same dedication to quality, hospitality, and innovation.
Once through the doors, the urban clamour of the city fades away as you are transported into the chic, modern interior, tastefully designed in an industrial-warehouse style, with large glass windows inviting streams of natural light. The juxtaposition of colours and textures, steel against wood, high ceilings, deep, rich walls, and soft lighting sets a warm and inviting ambience.
The resident sommelier-in-training welcomes me and walks me through the newly launched menu. Aroma’s new menu is a love letter to its patrons, a collaboration of suggestions from regulars combined with staff favourites, executed with the chef’s creative flair and commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients: there is something for everyone!
My exploration began with a fresh steaming bowl of creamy vegetable soup made with seasonal vegetables, the perfect start for a crisp Saturday afternoon as winter approaches. The velvety texture was occasionally punctuated by tender chunks of baby marrow, sweet baby carrots and bright peas. The natural sweetness of the carrots balanced the subtle earthiness of the marrow. At the same time, the restraint in excessive seasoning allowed the understated body of the cream and hints of thyme to peek through without overwhelming the gentle flavours.
Alongside its culinary offerings, Aroma boasts an enviable wine collection in its wood-panelled, temperature-controlled wine cellar. Their collection includes unique varietals from South Africa, France and Italy. The in-house sommelier conducts wine tastings and offers guidance to guests, depending on their palate. The collection is extensive, with choices for both wine novices and aficionados.
With the sommelier’s careful guidance, I selected the appropriate wine pairing for my preferred palate, including a main course of vegetable fried rice and rich chicken curry, accompanied by a side of julienned carrots, baby marrow, and peppers. The wine pairing was Aroma’s famous house wine, the Bruce Jack Cabernet Sauvignon, which some might think unlikely, as most would reach for a white wine with chicken curry. However, this bold red creates a surprising harmony; its chocolate tannins mellow the spice, while the acidity of the black currant notes cuts through the sauce’s richness, transforming what could be a clash of flavours into a sophisticated duet.
The chicken curry provided a gentle warmth with fragrant spices of cardamom and cinnamon, while the fresh ginger added a warming brightness that lingered long after the last mouthful. The chicken, slow-cooked in a slurry of aromatics with a slight sweetness, was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour, reminiscent of a rich homemade curry steeped in ghee and coconut cream for a luxurious, velvety finish. Not to be outdone, the accompanying vegetable fried rice was a delightful presentation of colourful vegetables that provided sweetness that counterbalanced the savoury nature of the curry and added texture to the soft and pillowy steaming rice. The meal was the perfect warm embrace on a snappy winter afternoon.
As I wind down, I am told that Aroma’s cappuccino is one of the best in Lusaka and highly recommended by its regulars. As I sip on the creamy, foamy delight that is the Aroma cappuccino, outside the rain begins to fall again. However, inside Aroma, I remain warm, cosy, and dry, both outside and within.
For those seeking a dining experience that combines innovation with comfort in an unexpected corner of Lusaka, Aroma By Orchard is a testament to the city’s evolving culinary landscape—a hidden gem worth discovering, regardless of where you call home.
Contact Information:
Phone +260 97254588.
- Menu of the Round Table
Part of the new menu is credited to Aroma’s loyal customers, who suggested what to include. Some opted for platters and finger foods, others for sweet cravings, and others for wine. The menu has something for everyone!
- Business in the Back, Party Upfront
Aroma’s wine room on the first floor offers privacy and elegance, perfect for refined dining experiences and high-level business dinners. Bar and dinner services are available on the ground floor, and a dedicated remote work setup is also provided.
- A Corporate Hub
Aroma also hosts and facilitates corporate training, conferences, and meetings on the second floor, which is currently undergoing renovations to enhance the service experience.
- But First, Safety
Aroma works closely with onsite 24-hour security teams to ensure the highest levels of safety for their clientele. Since opening in June 2022, they have not recorded a single break-in on the premises.
