As the numerous restaurants on Enmore Road jostle for attention,Colombo Social quietly produces complex,spiced curries and crisp-edged hoppers,and upholds a social mission to boot.
Chefs from refugee backgrounds are on the pans,sending out terrific market fish marinated in a 13-spice powder,creamy dhal cooked to a family recipe and sell-out goat curry with toasted coconut.
A clever combination of borrowed and traditional ingredients means sizzling,stretchy saganaki is drizzled with kithul (jaggery palm) treacle,kingfish ceviche is cured with curry powder and roti “tacos” are stuffed with soft-shell crab.
The buzzy honey-toned room is stacked with terracotta pots,cocktails are suitably fruity and the tight wine list features plenty of Australian drops.
Keen to do more good with your dinner? Order a set menu and two meals are donated to people in need,one in Sydney,the other in Sri Lanka.