Exciting News for Sri Lankans in London: Kolamba East Brings Authentic Sri Lankan Flavours to the UK

Sri Lankans living in London and the UK, as well as tourists and travellers from Sri Lanka, now have an exciting new destination to satisfy their cravings for authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Kolamba East, the second restaurant from the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Eroshan and Aushi Meewella, opened its doors recently on Blossom Street. Nestled at the vibrant crossroads of Spitalfields, Shoreditch, and the City, this new culinary hotspot is set to become a haven for those longing for the bold and vibrant flavors of Sri Lanka.

Following the remarkable success of their first venture, Kolamba, which has been delighting food lovers in Soho since 2019, the Meewellas have once again brought their modern twist on Sri Lankan home-cooking to the heart of East London. Kolamba East is not just a restaurant; it’s a journey through the diverse culinary heritage of Colombo, where each dish tells a story rooted in the Meewellas’ childhood memories and family traditions.

The menu at Kolamba East is a treasure trove of flavours, reviving beloved dishes from Eroshan and Aushi’s upbringing in Colombo. It highlights the rich culinary diversity of Sri Lanka’s capital, with recipes that celebrate the Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, Burgher, and Malay communities. These are not just dishes but a tribute to the vibrant cultural mosaic that makes Colombo unique.

Guests at Kolamba East can indulge in a brand-new array of dishes that bring to life more of the Meewellas’ cherished memories of the island. The journey begins with ‘short eats’ like Mas Paan, a fluffy bun filled with slow-cooked black pork curry, served with pineapple jam, and Idli with Sambar, where savoury rice and lentil dumplings are paired with a duo of sweet and spicy chutneys.

The menu also boasts a selection of larger feasting plates, such as the Moor King Prawn String Hopper Biryani, inspired by the Ceylon Moor community, featuring delicate steamed noodles layered with rich king prawn curry. Another standout is the Jaffna Lamb Shank, served in a spicy tamarind sauce, alongside dishes like Red Mullet in Coconut Curry and the tantalizing Roasted Pineapple Fry, where sweet and spicy pineapple is sautéed with cardamom and mustard seeds.

Vegetarians will be delighted with options like Dhal with Spinach, a staple in Sri Lankan homes, and Broccoli Mallung, a refreshing mix of diced broccoli, onion, and grated coconut in a zesty lime dressing. A variety of sambols, including a Heritage Tomato Sambol and a fiery White Pol Sambol, offer the perfect accompaniment to these dishes. To complete the meal, desserts such as Payasam, a cinnamon and raisin-infused rice pudding from northern Sri Lanka, provide a sweet ending to the culinary journey.

Kolamba East, with its 92-cover space, is part of the Norton Folgate development, a new destination that seamlessly blends restored Georgian and Victorian architecture with modern design. Just a stone's throw from Liverpool Street Station, the restaurant also features two private dining rooms and a central bar, a new addition to the Kolamba experience, offering cocktails crafted with Sri Lankan spirits and ingredients that complement the menu's bold flavors. Standout drinks include the Curry Leaf Gimlet and Colombo Sour, alongside a curated wine list that perfectly pairs with the rich spices of the dishes.

The interior of Kolamba East is a visual feast, designed by Annie Harrison of London studio FARE INC. in collaboration with Whitebox London, the property development company co-founded by the Meewellas. The design pays homage to the celebrated Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and his Tropical Modernism movement, featuring leaf-motif plaster relief panels, emerald marble paving, and a blend of timber panelling with exposed brickwork. The space also showcases unique Sri Lankan artistry, with batik fabrics by designer Sonali Dharmawardena, artwork by Pragreeth Manohansa, and handcrafted furniture by Colombo artisans, all adding to the authentic Sri Lankan ambiance.

For Sri Lankans in London and those visiting the city, Kolamba East promises an unforgettable culinary experience that brings a slice of home to the heart of East London. Whether you're craving the comfort of familiar flavors or eager to explore the vibrant diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine, Kolamba East is the place to be.

Address: 12, Blossom Street, Norton Folgate, Shoreditch, London, E1 6PL

Website: kolamba.co.uk

Instagram: instagram.com/kolamba.ldn/

Opening Hours: 

• Tuesday - Saturday, for lunch (12:00pm – 3:00pm) and dinner (5:00pm – 10:00pm) 
• Sunday - for lunch (12:00pm – 3:00pm) and dinner (5:00pm-9:00pm)