Kolamba East: A Culinary Homage to Sri Lanka in East London

15 June 2024 12:00 am Views - 195

This July, Kolamba founders Eroshan and Aushi Meewella will open the doors to Kolamba East, their second London restaurant, on Blossom Street, at the vibrant confluence of Spitalfields, Shoreditch, and the City. Building on the success of their first restaurant, Kolamba, which opened in Soho in 2019, this new location will continue to offer their unique modern take on Sri Lankan home-cooking, infused with the bold and vibrant flavours of Colombo.

Kolamba East’s menu will revive and celebrate the diverse culinary heritage of Colombo, drawing from the rich tapestry of Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, Burger (Dutch), and Malay communities. Many dishes are based on recipes handed down from family and friends, embodying the essence of Eroshan and Aushi’s childhoods in Sri Lanka.

A New Culinary Journey

At Kolamba East, guests will be treated to a brand-new menu featuring a range of snacks or ‘short eats’ and larger feasting plates. Signature dishes will include:

• Mas Paan: A fluffy bun filled with slow-cooked black pork curry, served with pineapple jam.
• Idli with Sambar: Savoury rice and lentil dumplings paired with sweet and spicy chutneys.
• Moor King Prawn String Hopper Biryani: Layers of delicate steamed noodles and rich king prawn curry, a dish from the Ceylon Moor community.
• Jaffna Lamb Shank: Lamb shank in a spicy tamarind sauce.
• Red Mullet in Coconut: Delicate fish in a creamy coconut curry with tamarind and chili.
• Roasted Pineapple Fry: Sweet and spicy pineapple sautéed with cardamom and mustard seeds.

Vegetarian offerings will include Dhal with Spinach, a staple in Sri Lankan homes, and Broccoli Mallung, a blend of diced broccoli, onion, and grated coconut in a lime dressing. A selection of sambols, such as Heritage Tomato Sambol and White Pol Sambol, will provide vibrant accompaniments. To finish, diners can enjoy Payasam, a northern Sri Lankan rice pudding with cinnamon and raisins.

A Unique Dining Experience

Located in the Norton Folgate development, Kolamba East will seat 92 guests and feature two private dining rooms and a central bar offering cocktails inspired by Sri Lankan ingredients. Drinks like the Curry Leaf Gimlet and Colombo Sour will complement the robust flavours of the menu, paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list.

The interior design, led by Annie Harrison of FARE INC. in collaboration with Whitebox London, will reflect the Tropical Modernism of celebrated Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The space will feature plaster relief panels with leaf motifs, emerald marble paving, timber panelling, and original exposed brickwork. Local artists and artisans will contribute bespoke elements, from batik fabrics to handcrafted dining chairs and lotus table lamps.

The Founders and Kolamba

Eroshan and Aushi Meewella founded Kolamba in 2019, inspired by their love for Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. Eroshan, who transitioned from a corporate career to real estate and design, and Aushi, who moved from advertising to fashion and then hospitality, bring their diverse talents to Kolamba. Their first restaurant in Soho was awarded Best Interior at the GQ Food & Drink Awards 2021, a testament to their commitment to quality and design.

Whitebox London and FARE INC.

Whitebox London, founded by the Meewellas in 2006, specializes in luxury residential interiors. Collaborating with FARE INC., they created the award-winning interior of Kolamba in Soho. FARE INC., established by Annie Harrison in 2019, is known for creating distinctive spaces with a blend of style and integrity, working with specialist craftspeople to deliver bespoke interiors.

Address: 12 Blossom Street, Norton Folgate, Shoreditch, London, E1

Online: www.kolamba.co.uk

Instagram: instagram.com/kolamba.ldn