19th July August
Kolamba, a Sri Lankan restaurant, is to open in Carnaby Street in London’s Soho. Co owners Eroshen and Aushi Meewella grew up in Colombo and will serve dishes based on recipes of their friends and family. The venue will be inspired bythe Tropical Modernism movement, with greenery climbing the walls contrasting with brickwork, raw timber and polished cement surfaces.
Kolamba is Sinhalese for “Colombo”, the Sri Lankan capital that offers diverse cuisine from the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Dutch and Malay communities. Dishes are designed to arrive at once to represent the feasting element of meals in Sri Lankan homes. Dishes will include fish cutlets (arancini-style balls filled with lightly spiced fish and potato) and patties inspired by tea-time snacks. Coconut will provide the base to many of the curries, including a southern black pepper prawn fry. The menu will feature many vegetarian and naturally vegan dishes, including pineapple curry. Sambols (fresh salad using local vegetables) will complement big plates to counterbalance richer flavours. Sri Lankan alcohol brands Lion Lager, Colombo 7 Gin and Rockland Ceylon Arrack will sit alongside cocktails on the drinks list.