Kolamba bringing fresh Sri Lankan flavours to the heart of Soho, London

Friday, 25 October 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kolamba was born from owners Aushi and Eroshan Meewella’s love for the recipes they grew up eating in the houses of family and friends in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Nowhere are these flavours as bold and unapologetic as in Sri Lankan homes. Kolamba will bring to life these vibrant culinary memories of their childhood. They also hope to champion emerging talent, collaborating with food, design and art specialists of Sri Lankan heritage.

Food

Each dish on the menu has its own unique story, handed down from either a family member or friend. A concise ‘Bites’ section includes Aunty Mo’s ‘Chatti Roast’ with string hopper and fragrant ‘kiri hodi’ (turmeric infused coconut milk) and ‘Polos Pattis’, succulent pieces of lightly spiced, savoury jackfruit wrapped in soft, buttery pastry and fried golden.

From the ‘Meat and Fish Curries’ section ‘Kamala’s Kalu Pol Pork’ will be a highlight, slow cooked and rich in spice. As will ‘Yellow Monkfish Curry’, a gentle saffron-infused coconut curry, influenced by coastal Negombo fishmongers.

Many Sri Lankan dishes are naturally vegan and vegetarian, with coconut being a ubiquitous ingredient throughout the island. Eroshan’s favourite of Beetroot Curry (shredded beetroot cooked in coconut oil and curry leaves) and classic ‘Parippu’ (red lentil dhal with curry leaves and fried garlic) will feature in the ‘Vegetable’ section. ‘Sambols’ (fresh salads using local vegetables) running from ‘Snakegourd Sambol’ and ‘Gotukola Sambol’, will have a dedicated part on the menu, as will condiments ranging from crunchy and spicy ‘Malay Pickle’ to sweet and sour ‘Sri Lankan Mango Chutney’.

‘Rice and Breads’ will mop up these sauces and spices, with signature ‘Pol Roti’ (flavoured with grated coconut, diced onion, finely chopped green chilli and brushed with salted butter) and ‘String Hoppers with Pol Sambol and Kiri Hodi’ set to be popular choices. Dessert, such as ‘Coconut Sorbet with Grated Lime’ will be a refreshing and restorative end to the meal.

Drink

Kolamba have teamed up with Lyan Studio, home of renowned bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, who has developed a signature cocktail tapping into his Sri Lankan heritage. Sri Lankan alcohol brands have been exclusively championed across the entire drinks list, including beers, cocktails and gins. Sri Lankan teas and Aunty Nalini’s much-loved Iced Coffee spiced with rum will also feature.

Design

The two floored, 58-cover restaurant will be a nod to the Tropical Modernism movement. Bespoke terrazzo table tops, lush foliage and deep teal tiled walls, will juxtapose with the natural tonalities of concrete flooring, tan banquettes, aged brickwork and raw plasterwork.

A design collaboration between Studio Fils and Whitebox London, great care has been spent collecting contemporary stoneware which will line the shelves of the restaurant and in sourcing bespoke art installations by contemporary Sri Lankan batik artist Sonali Dharmawardena that will adorn the walls. Timber framed fabric pendant lighting, reminiscent of the paper lanterns hung around the house during the Buddhist festival of Vesak, will provide further reference to the bustling island.