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COLOMBO
Paradise Soho, a modern Sri Lankan-inspired culinary experience situated in Soho, London, sits at the hands of Dom Fernando. Combining interpretations of traditional cuisine with locally sourced British produce, Dom delivers a unique two-hour eating experience to lucky diners, offering the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable Sinhalese culinary journey from the comfort of a London doorstep. Paying respect to the efforts behind those providing these top-tier ingredients from sea and land, Paradise Soho incorporates island spices with the freshness of produce, providing a six-course dining experience to visitors in the backstreets of Soho. Returning to his roots, Dom Fernando offered CSP Times his personal insight into the best kitchens of Columbo, as listed below.
All images courtesy of respective venues.
1) GINI Outdoor Kitchen
A newcomer on the Colombo dining scene — this band of brothers started in supper clubs similar to Paradise. Their new outdoor kitchen showcases the art of live-fire cooking with a healthy dose of quality and a pinch of sea salt from the southern coast. The team at GINI really is setting the bar for this style of cookery — and their bar team matches the stakes on the cocktail front. We recently held a pop-up to preview our new chef's table concept, "Open Door Policy," at GINI, and it was a night to remember!
2) Ahu Bay
The new hip address perched on Ahungalla Point on the south coast of the country — it's a brilliant boutique hotel from Resplendent Ceylon. The team always shows boundless hospitality, Chef Sohan is a magician on the hobs with his fresh crab and chili omelette, and the rooms are sleek yet sophisticated. This is definitely one that's fun and off the beaten track...
3) Smoke and Bitters
There are only a handful of places that I love sitting and watching the sunset at — and Smoke and Bitters is one of them. Opened just before the pandemic by my friends Don and Lalla, the team crafts tiki-concoctions that riff off traditional Sri Lankan classics using homemade bitters and infusions. While you're there, make sure you order some of the small plates from the kitchen—the roti taco with smoked pulled pork is the one.
4) PALM
A luxurious inland resort spread across coconut plantations, PALM is somewhere that never goes out of style. Breathtaking views over the infinity pool, a menu in the pavilion that is a melange of Sri Lankan and European flavors, and roomy cabanas that are contemporary and sustainably designed—this is an effortlessly cool spot to unwind at.
5) The 'Stache
Sometimes — all I want when I'm back in Colombo is to comfort eat. A great, low-key cafe where I can recover from a hangover (caused by excessive Pina Coladas at Uncle's on Park Street) — and not be judged for downing three Nestomalt Frappes in a row! The 'Stache is exactly that place—my recovery food of choice is their Pol Sambol Sandos and Kiri-bath with red curry tofu... delicious!
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