FT
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Wednesday, 20 June 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Kandy will soon be getting a taste of fine Japanese cuisine courtesy of Café Nihonbashi, renowned Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s casual washoku restaurant, which will be opening in ‘The Radh’ Hotel, situated on Colombo Street.
Café Nihonbashi is an extension of Dharshan’s flagship restaurant Nihonbashi, which has been serving up inspired fine Japanese cuisine for 23 years. Nihonbashi is known for its commitment towards using high quality, fresh ingredients and has been ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for six consecutive years. Similarly, Café Nihonbashi will bring to its newest branch the same commitment toward freshness and quality, serving up a selection of Sushi as well as other Japanese favourites.
The signing of the franchise agreement between Dharshan Munidasa, founder of Nihonbashi and Afzal Ahamed Marikar, Chairman/Managing Director of Icon Hotels Ltd., the hospitality arm of Conmix Group of Companies, took place recently at Nihonbashi Honten, Galle Face Terrace with the presence of Nihonbashi’s Managing Director Nayana Ellepola and Mohamed Azim Marikar, Executive Director of Conmix Group of Companies.
“Nihonbashi in Kandy has always been an idea, but today it became a reality thanks to Afzal and Azim Marikar with their hotel project Radh in the heart of the city,” remarked a gleaming Dharshan. “We are happy to be able to bring an amazing array of Japanese Cuisine to the residents of Kandy and the increasing number of tourists. Kandy is an important city for Japanese Tourists, being that both Sri Lanka and Japan are Buddhist countries and as such is a venerated and respected must-visit city.”
The Radh, which will house Café Nihonbashi is a 30 room luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of the city, only 50 metres away from Sri Dalada Maligawa. This latest addition to Kandy’s hospitality industry will consist of a combination of contemporary luxury suites, family suites and a range of premiere and deluxe rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art electronics including door locks and touch sensitive display panels. The spacious rooms will echo the wooden carving architecture that adorns the building symbolising the rich history of the kingdom of Kandy and will comprise of luxurious amenities including Jacuzzis to meet traveller needs.
On the partnership with Nihonbashi, Afzal Ahamed Marikar said, “When we started working on The Radh, we envisioned to provide a guest experience that will leave an unforgettable memory of their journey to Kandy. By joining hands with Café Nihonbashi and the best restaurateur in the region Chef Dharshan Munidasa, this vision is becoming a reality. It’s our privilege to host Café Nihonbashi and bring the best of Japanese cuisine to Kandy.”