By Marianne David
There are ever so many restaurants serving Indian cuisine in town so this is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are six of my favourites in Colombo, which serve some excellent Indian food.
Adyar Ananda Bhavan
Possibly my favourite vegetarian restaurant in town, Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) serves some delicious and freshly-made dishes. I enjoy the Ghee Masala Dosa, the Paper Masala Dosa, and the Rava Masala Dosa here. The menu is, of course, vast and I’m yet to try many of the dishes but I’ve also tried the Idli, Vadai, and Manchurian Mushroom and enjoyed them.
A2B is open throughout the day, making it a great place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch and dinner time can get crowded so it’s best to drop in a bit early. Their delivery game is also strong, with the Masala Dosa served in a box with all accompaniments in separate compartments, making for a nice dining experience.
A2B has branches on Marine Drive and at OGF and is open from 7.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant
Authentic, delicious, and welcoming, with super-friendly staff, the Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant on Ramakrisha Road is one place you will always leave stuffed and fully satisfied.
If you’ve got an appetite fit for a king, try the Non-Veg Thali – it’s massive and there’s no way you can finish it in one sitting. With over a dozen accompaniments, including several kinds of meat, this is not a thali for the fainthearted; it takes a steely resolve and a steelier stomach!
Other dishes I’ve enjoyed here so far are the Mutton Soup, Paper Masala Dosai, and Ulundu Vadai with accompaniments. Signature dishes include the Crab Varuval, Vanjaram Fish Fry, and Mutton Brain Roast.
Avartana at ITC Ratnadipa
A fine-dining restaurant, Avartana at ITC serves a contemporary interpretation of Indian cuisine with familiar ingredients via several indulgent tasting menus comprising 7–13 courses.
I’ve tried the Anika and Tara menus, both 13-course journeys, and all the dishes were beautifully paced and perfectly portioned, making for a memorable dining experience.
Some of the standout dishes are the flaky and buttery Malabar Parotta (with Uthukuli Chicken), the Shrimp and Coriander Dumpling with Gunpowder, the Beetroot and Curd Cheese, the Asparagus and Coconut Stew, Cuttlefish with Black Garlic, Coconut, and Cauliflower, Steamed Sea Bass served with Butter Rice, and the Batter Fried Crab Claw with Red-Chilli Chutney.
While the desserts are exceptional, the star of the show is undoubtedly the divine Fennel Panna Cotta.
Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill
Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill is located on the 50th floor of Capitol TwinPeaks on Staple Street, 600 feet above the city, making it one of Colombo’s highest dining destinations. Its menu features North Indian tandoor cooking and Mughlai cuisine.
My fav dishes at Charcoal are the Malai Broccoli (grilled broccoli florets, cream cheese, cardamom; an absolute delight); Charcoal Lamb Chops (tender lamb chops with red chilli, broiled cumin, garlic dip; sinfully soft and delicious); Nihari (slow cooked lamb with a silken, tantalising, gravy); Shahi Jhinga Curry (ocean-fresh prawns with coconut cream; juicy and spicy); Dudhiya Warqi Naan (soft flat bread topped with fennel and carom seeds; perfect for dipping in the exquisite curries); Rasmalai Milk Cake (soft cheese milk dumpling saffron cake, cardamom, rose, rabdi; soft, light, and refreshing); and Journey to New Delhi (gulab jamun, salted caramel ice cream, almond panjiri crumble; this dish hits all the right notes).
Indiya at Cinnamon Life
Indiya, the signature Indian restaurant at Cinnamon Life, boasts a diverse menu that transports diners across regions in India.
Outstanding dishes include Dahi Puri – a spiced potato-stuffed crispy sphere, with yoghurt, tamarind, and mint chutney, bursting with flavour; Tomato Rasam – a pepper-spiced tomato broth with tamarind, curry leaf, and mustard; a delicate and refreshing balance of flavours; Kurkuri Bhindi – crispy okra with spiced tomato sauce and chaat masala, spicy and irresistible; Dal Makhani – house special black lentil, with red chilli, tomato, and butter; rich and creamy); and Awadhi Mutton Biryani – baked basmati rice with the softest chunks of mutton, this is a dish fit for a king.
The desserts are just as fabulous. I tried the Mishti Doi (caramelised baked sweetened yoghurt with banana and coconut tuile) and Gajar Halwa (warm carrot pudding) and they certainly elevate the experience of Indian cuisine.
Peshawri at ITC
ITC Ratnadipa’s iconic Peshawri restaurant is a must-visit if you love tandoor-led cooking, utterly delicious marinated meats, perfectly cooked veggies, and the best Indian breads you could ask for – you must try the Naan Bukhara! The menu is vast and impressive with standout meat dishes where the tender meat melts in the mouth thanks to the long marinations.
But what really seals the deal here is the desserts. The Gulab Jamun – deep-fried deliciousness stuffed with pistachios and cardamom and oozing sugar syrup – is a super impressive serving and is divine, while the Kulfi is just as delicious. Both are not to be missed. The Gulab Jamun is hands-down the biggest and the best in town.
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