Rolex (food)

Ugandan Rolex, commonly referred to as Rolex, is a popular food item in Uganda, combining an egg omelette and vegetables wrapped in a chapati.[1][2] This single-portion dish is quick to prepare, and can be eaten at any time of the day, from breakfast to a lunch or supper meal or snack. The name "rolex" comes from its method of preparation, with the chapati and the omelette rolled together ("rolled eggs").[3][4]

This idea originated from a chapati seller's creativity in the Busoga region "the basoga" then the idea spread to Wandegeya next to Makerere University in Uganda, fueled by students who needed a quick meal because of time and budget limitations.[4][5]

A "Rolex" merchant frying chapatis
A "Rolex" merchant frying chapatis

The delicacy soon spread throughout Uganda. It became a popular food choice for its combination of convenience, low cost, and taste.[4][5]

Other terms and variations related to rolex include:

  • "Titanic": two or more chapatis used together in rolling the portion.
  • "Kikomando": the chapati is sliced and mixed with beans. This name is inspired by the commando soldier or unit eating quickly in the field. It can also refer to someone unafraid of getting messy by eating street food with their hands.

In 2022, the price of a rolex rose sharply due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and its escalation of the prices of wheat flour and cooking oil. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni unpopularly suggested that the public stop complaining about the rising price and eat cassava instead.[6]

Tourism

The rolex, which is sold for as low as USh 1,000/= (US$0.28), is largely consumed in urban areas as a fast food and has been promoted by authorities as a global tourist attraction.[7]

References
  1. Briggs, Philip (2020). Uganda: The Bradt Travel Guide. England: Bradt Travel Guides Ltd. p. 81. ISBN 9781784776428.
  2. Parke, Phoebe (2016-06-05). "Why African chefs think you should eat Rolex". CNN. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  3. "The Ugandan town selling rolex for 40p". 2015-04-02. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  4. Muisyo, Victor (August 22, 2015). "In Uganda, 'Rolex' means time for an egg snack". Africanews. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  5. "Rolex – the Favorite Fast Food of Ugandans". Kabiza Wilderness Safaris. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  6. Dahir, Abdi Latif (28 February 2023). "Ukraine War Squeezes Street Snack in Uganda". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  7. "Uganda's 204kg rolex sets Guinness World Record". The East African. 2022-01-25. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
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