The “Rolex” at the Africa Festival

There’s no debate that “the Rolex”—a popular Ugandan street food made of eggs and chapatti—is one of Uganda’s standout snacks. For those who have visited the country, it’s a flavour that stays with you, and the craving for a bite lingers long after you’ve left. So, it’s no surprise that the Afropearls stall at the African Music Festival at Federation Square in Melbourne became a must-visit for festivalgoers, eager to relive memories of their travels through the simple joy of a Rolex.

The festival, which runs through Sunday, November 17, brings together a vibrant mix of food, music, and culture from across Africa. And for many, the Afropearls stall was a nostalgic stop. As people lined up to order their Rolexes, stories flowed about their travels in Uganda—whether it was a week-long trip or a visit to family in one of Uganda’s bustling towns. Each bite of the savory snack seemed to transport them back to a place where the streets are lined with food vendors, offering delicious, quick meals to the locals and visitors alike.

While many stalls at the festival offered an array of street food from around the world, Afropearls stood out for its authentic East African dishes. In addition to the Rolex, festival-goers could enjoy fried cassava, sambusas, chapatti, and fried liver—each bite a reminder of the rich flavours of Uganda.

“We’re selling Uganda to the world,” said Florence Basanyukira, one of the team members at the Afropearls stall. “It’s a great opportunity to share our food and culture with others. People love the flavours, and the food brings back such strong memories. They come to us, and they remember their time in Uganda, which is wonderful.”

Afropearls, a group specializing in authentic East African cuisine, has been sharing the flavours of Uganda and beyond, giving everyone a taste of the unique dishes that define the region. Whether it’s a first-time taster or a long-time fan of Ugandan food, the stall offers a little slice of East Africa in the heart of Melbourne.