21 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QA, UK
02038154201
In the bustling heart of London’s West End, nestled on Kingly Street, you will find a slice of tropical Sri Lanka at Kolamba Soho. This vibrant restaurant is a celebration of the island’s rich culinary heritage, bringing authentic home cooking and bold flavours to the capital. Named after the Sinhalese word for Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, Kolamba is a passion project of husband-and-wife team Eroshan and Aushi Meewella. Their vision was to recreate the comforting, diverse dishes they grew up with, offering Londoners a true taste of Sri Lankan hospitality and culture.
The soul of Kolamba Soho lies in the personal stories and cherished recipes of its founders. Aushi, who grew up in Sri Lanka, and Eroshan, who was raised in London but deeply connected to his heritage, saw a gap in the market for an authentic, high-quality Sri Lankan dining experience. They wanted to move beyond the standard curry house fare and showcase the nuanced, multi-cultural flavours that define Sri Lankan cuisine.
Drawing inspiration from the kitchens of their family and friends back in Colombo, they curated a menu that represents a melting pot of Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, Dutch, and Malay influences. The restaurant’s interior, designed by Aushi herself, reflects a “tropical modernist” aesthetic, paying homage to the famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. With earthy tones, natural textures, and contemporary stoneware, the space feels both modern and nostalgic, a perfect setting for a communal dining experience.
At Kolamba Soho, the menu is designed for sharing, encouraging a communal way of eating that is central to Sri Lankan culture. It features a delightful mix of “short eats” (street food snacks), generous main curries, and traditional accompaniments like rice, roti, and hoppers.
A must-try is the Hoppers, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut milk batter, with crispy edges and a soft centre. They are the perfect vessel for scooping up the restaurant’s fragrant karis (curries) and vibrant sambols. The Egg Hopper is a particular favourite, with a perfectly cooked egg nested in the base.
The curry selection is a testament to the island’s spice culture. Vaira’s Jaggery Beef, a slow-cooked beef dish steeped in jaggery and spices, is a signature dish inspired by an old family recipe. For those who prefer a tangier profile, the Ceylon Chicken Curry is cooked on the bone with tamarind and creamy coconut milk. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, with dishes like the earthy Beetroot Curry, the comforting Dhal (Parripu), and the vibrant Cashew and Pea Curry.
The “short eats” section offers perfect starters or bar snacks, such as Nalini’s Fish Cutlets, crispy spiced mackerel balls served with curry mayo, and Aunty Mo’s ‘Chatti’ Roast, a spicy dry-fried beef dish served on a bed of steamed string hoppers.
To complete the meal, a selection of sambols and chutneys is essential. The Pol Sambol (grated coconut with chilli and lime) and Seeni Sambol (caramelised onion relish) add layers of texture and flavour to every bite.
Walking into Kolamba Soho feels like stepping into a stylish, welcoming home. The open kitchen, the buzzing atmosphere, and the warm lighting create an inviting energy. It’s a place where you can relax with friends, share delicious food, and enjoy a tropical-inspired cocktail or a refreshing Sri Lankan Lion lager. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations.
Kolamba Soho is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of Sri Lanka. With its commitment to authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and stylish setting, it has established itself as one of London’s top destinations for anyone seeking a genuine taste of the island’s home cooking. Whether you are a long-time fan of Sri Lankan food or a first-time diner, a visit to Kolamba is an experience that will leave your tastebuds tingling and your heart full.
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