Rolex (food)

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Ugandan Rolex, commonly referred to as Rolex, is a popular food item in Uganda prepared by 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 ROLEX2.jpg
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:

The globalization of the world is shaking even such traditional local products. 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. [6] Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni unpopularly suggested that the public stop complaining about the rising price and eat cassava instead. [7]

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. [8]

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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. 1 2 3 Muisyo, Victor (August 22, 2015). "In Uganda, 'Rolex' means time for an egg snack". Africanews. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  5. 1 2 "Rolex – the Favorite Fast Food of Ugandans". Kabiza Wilderness Safaris. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  6. "Ugandan Rolex". Nile Sport Safari. 2024-04-01. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  7. Dahir, Abdi Latif (28 February 2023). "Ukraine War Squeezes Street Snack in Uganda". The New York Times . Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  8. "Uganda's 204kg rolex sets Guinness World Record". The East African. 2022-01-25. Retrieved 2022-02-21.