Hot butter cuttlefish (or HBC for short) is a popular Sri Lankan Chinese cuisine served in any Chinese restaurant in town. It is a favourite among many foodies and is so popular that it is also now served as a starter at most cafes. The making of it may seem simple but nailing it is a different story. So we thought of listing down some of the best HBC dishes in the city.
Chinese Dragon Cafe
Even though The Chinese Dragon is associated with hot butter cuttlefish for years, the trade of the dish is still there and is considered the best hot butter cuttlefish. The restaurant was based in Colombo 4, but today it has opened at various locations of the city. They also have an option of HBC rings as opposed to the normal tentacles.
Portion – Small Rs. 1125 /Regular Rs 1495.
https://www.chinesedragoncafe.com/
Contact: 0117 808 080
The Station
A restaurant with a magnificent beach view and The Station is a popular hangout spot in the city. They serve up delicious hot butter cuttlefish that is often paired with their amazing nasi goreng.
Portion – Small 1100/ Large 1600
https://www.facebook.com/thestationlk
Contact 0112 715 232
88 Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Another popular hangout and its hot butter cuttlefish is a treat to eat. Many opt for this place over other Chinese restaurants or restaurants preparing hot butter cuttlefish for their generous portion and its consistency.
Portions- Small Rs 1128/ Large Rs 1898
Contact : 0112 593017
Red Orchid
Much like the Chinese Dragon Cafe, Red Orchid is also a famous spot for hot butter cuttlefish in the Bambalapitiya neighbourhood. Their hot butter cuttlefish has the right amount of flavour – salty and a bit of spice coated in a crispy batter.
Portions – Small Rs 1,130/ Large Rs 1,900
Contact 071-8643671 (BAMBALAPITIYA)
Xilaton Restaurant
Xilaton is a Chinese restaurant that’s been around for ages for its Lankanized Chinese food. It's a popular spot for the tourists too, and what stands out from all the dishes they serve is the hot butter cuttlefish. It is known to be a favourite amongst the tourists too.
Portions- Small 1150/ Large 1800
https://www.facebook.com/xilatonchineserestaurant
Contact 0112 508 887
Shandong The Chinese Kitchen
This is a popular Chinese restaurant in the Rajagiriya area. With many restaurants around, these guys have made a name for themselves due to the popularity of their cuttlefish. They make their HBCs much spicier than the rest with a lot of chillies mixed into it.
Portion – Regular Rs 1250
https://shandongchinesekitchen.lk/
Contact 0117 882 882
