Globally Recognized Japanese food in Colombo, Sri Lanka? Nihonbashi

After about 2 weeks of eating amazing curry everyday (sometimes 2-3 times a day) on a trip to Sri Lanka, I wanted something different for my last dinner in Colombo, the capital. I decided to check out Nihonbashi, which has frequently been recognized by the “World’s 50 Best” website. The chef, Dharshan Munidasa, has a Japanese and Sri Lankan background and has no formal culinary training. I was skeptical and curious at the same time. Ironically, my first dinner in the country was at another of his restaurants – Ministry of Crab – which I did not find that amazing. Anyway, things started to look promising upon arrival when I saw the dinning room decorated in a familiar Japanese style (pic below is at end of the meal):

I was also glad to see a sake menu, the traditional Japanese custom of selecting your own sake glass, and a list of yakitori.

I had been communicating with the restaurant to arrange for their tasting menu, and I also added some nigiri and yakitori. The meal started with “N Sashimi” – sea bream with a sesame and lime sauce. The sauce was delicious and any worries I had about the restaurant were now far behind. My only feedback was that I wish the slices had been a bit thicker.

Next, tomato soup with soy sauce. I would say that while good, this was the most average of the dishes we would be served. A tomato soup is something most beginner cooks can make well.

Next came the nigiris. To my surprise, the rice was correct and properly seasoned. Not the best nigiri I’ve had, but considering where we were, it was pretty good. I would probably rate it a 6 or 7/10 on a global scale. The ginger seemed to be homemade which added to my satisfaction. The tomago had hints of dashi and was not simply a scrambled egg.

After the nigiri they served a ebi tempura handroll. This was totally delicious with a high quality nori. Very very good. Not good “considering where we were” but you could serve this anywhere in the world, and it would stand up to many Japanese places.

Next, the curry leaf tempura had so much umami. The batter was light and crisp. Seasoning perfect. I loved seeing a combo of Sri Lankan ingredients and Japanese cooking. Very very well done.

Another dish I was so impressed by was the yakitori. It had an amazing binchotan flavor and better than I’ve had at some Japanese places known for yakitori!

I also ordered Yakitori corn.

Next, rice topped with an egg and tai sashimi with hot garlic infused olive oil poured on top. prepared tableside. I loved how they did not do a lot of gimmicky things with the tasting menu. This tableside prep was just enough to demonstrate passion and give some entertainment to the meal.

This dish was so good. The richness from the olive oil and yolk and the compliment of the garlic, rice and fish all came together in one delicious umami filled bite after bite.

The only dish which felt a bit gimmicky was the garlic rice maki.

After the rice crisped on a hot stone, the texture and flavors were nice, but it seemed more like a gut filler. The last savory dish was the terriyaki foie gras. The combo of the sauce and foie with proper sushi rice was heaven. The only one to do it better is Tetsu though reluctantly I say, I had thoughts of this maybe coming close…!!!

The meal ended with miso soup. For dessert, we tried the wasabi gelato which they don’t make, but was very interesting and pretty addictive after a few spoons.

Overall, the food was pretty good as was the service. The price was very low compared to had this meal been served in NYC or Japan. If you only have a couple of days in Sri Lanka, then I would focus on local food ONLY as it is really really good, and they have enough variety to keep your interest. BUT, if you are there long enough and want to try something different, then Nihonbashi is good Japanese food, not just good considering where it is, but I think they could put this restaurant anywhere in the world and it would do well against other Japanese options.