By Shamrina Carim
The one where Japan meets Sri Lanka!
A vibrantly beautiful view overlooking the whole of Colombo, Granbell has won the hearts of the locals and foreigners in boasting this picturesque experience along Marine drive in Kolpetty!
We were escorted to a well thought architecture based rooftop bar and the highlight of the hotel, Minori Japanese Restaurant.
The rooftop bar serves a combination of Japanese alias western food to try out amongst the breezy setting. We were welcomed to dig into their menu with a share of Mocktails and cocktails.
THE BAR ON THE TOP
Appetizers
- Chicken Karaage
Known to be a staple in Japanese home-cooked meals, Chicken Karaage means “deep fried”. Bar on the rooftop serves this munching appetizer that is cooked and fried in deep hot oil. The tender and juicy marinated chicken is dusted with flour, essentially giving the highlight of the fried chicken.
The mild flavor, yet excellently moved out all the oil Chicken Karaage is generally served without a side dip. Upon request you can add on a dip of hot chili sauce if you like to improvise the flavor as per your taste buds.
Price: LKR 1,200/-
- Deep-Fried Prawn Bread
This is a typical party snack prepared with a prawn paste, sandwiched in between finger sized square bites and deep fried in hot oil.
The taste of the toast and the prawn paste would’ve touched the palette if the excess oil is reduced. If the toast is less oily, this is a munchie that could definitely be enjoyed with the side of mustard sauce served.
Price: LKR 1,800/-
DRINKS
- Lady Marmalade (Cocktail)
We enjoyed a tropical dip bashed in a subtle, neat and smooth flavor of orange marmalade amidst the beautiful evening setting on the rooftop bar. The appeal of the drink is served with a red cherry and a slice of lime on the rim of a cocktail glass.
Price: LKR 1,350/-
- Tropical Kiss (Mocktail)
This is where the bartender does his magic with a touch of Sri Lanka’s beachy vibes. The pineapple juice is infused with the perfect amount of lime juice and a concoction of ginger beer with sugar to add to the sweetness. A perfect cooler to enjoy in a hot weather!
Price: LKR 900/-
MINORI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
- Assorted Tempura
Prepared with a ascetic Japanese recipe with simply home cooked tAnother unique feature of this dish is that you can enjoy the entire prawn, even head of the prawn unlike many other restaurants in Sri Lanka. To top up the flavor, the vegetables adds a crunch notch to the prawns. Best eaten while served cooking hot.
Another unique feature of this dish is that you can enjoy the entire prawn, even the head of the prawn unlike many other restaurants in Sri Lanka. To top up the flavor, the vegetables adds a crunch notch to the prawns. Best eaten while served cooking hot.
Price: LKR 2,000/-
- Assorted Sushi platter
A simply defined high standard Japanese ceramic platter of Sushi is individually arranged with the standard variety of Japanese food. The platter serves tuna, aburi tuna, the bonito fish that exclaimed a ginger-ish flavor, a lightly grilled jumbo shrimp all of them wrapped around the famous rice ball. Additionally 2 rolls of Sushi is served alongside with a pint of wasabi and soy sauce.
The mild flavor may not catch much of the attention since Sri Lankans have a huge attraction to spice and dark deep flavor. Therefore as a recommendation, the Sushi can spice the mildness to another level for a better dining experience at Minori.
Please note that Sushi is subjected to availability on different days of the week.
Price: LKR 2,500/-
- Chicken Teriyaki
Best eaten with a bowl of steamed rice! The Teriyaki Chicken is packed with a decadence of typical Japanese sweet and tangy sticky sauce. The authentic dip of the well cooked chicken is immersed in the teriyaki sauce prepared from the salty umami, from which the specialization of teriyaki is extracted.
This could be an exquisite dine tryout at Minori since the dish is flavored with the traditional recipe of garlic, ginger, citrus and sesame.
Price: LKR 2,300/-
- Steak Chaliapin
If you are a meat action fan, a congruent amount of grilled experience can be experienced in the most authentic Japanese flavor. Less salty and more of the grilled tasting of meat. Served with an array of sauces, one of which the meat has to be dipped in the Japanese Vinegar Sauce.
We were served a beef fillet prepared at the cooking station, where you can experience a typical Japanese interactive session about your meat. The plate is assorted with some grilled vegetables as well.
We recommend the restaurant to invest more flavor and soften the meat (or upon request). It is quite important that the guests enjoy delicacy and well as delinquency in the meal since a premium experience is expected of this dish
Price: LKR 3,000/-
- Oyako Don
If you prefer trying out their rice options, a famous dish of authentic Japanese meals is the Oyako Don. This was one of our favorites since it was prepared and served with a smoking hot aroma, creamy eggs and shredded tender chicken.
The sticky rice is the perfect combination when mixed with the elements served in the bowl. The chicken stock and scallions give out a beautiful flavor to the dish layered in order from rice, scrambled eggs and chicken.
Price: LKR 2,000/-
DESSERT
- Granbell Signature Cheesecake
Granbell’s signature cheesecake is special because of the Japanese recipe infused with a decadence of soft, subtle and the perfect amount of sweetness served with a freshly cut strawberry.
The cake ranked 10/10 for excellent mouth melting flavor. This is a dessert not too be missed at Minori.
Price: LKR1,000/-
- Kuro Kirishima
An excellent, smooth Japanese traditional liquor was served to experience the authentic recipe prepared with rice and potato. The traditional name of this liquor is known to be “Shochu”. You can enjoy the shots by drinking the liquor on rocks, diluted with water/ soda. You can even order the Kuro Kirishima in cocktails too.
Price: LKR 1800/-
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Granbell is an excellent choice in terms of ambience, Japanese technology and culture experience and on repeat we’d like to say that the hotel sells a flourishing view of this beautiful island from the seaside and the rest of the city glam.
There’s much more to check out in both of their restaurants. Get exploring with Granbell in your bucket list today!
Disclaimer: Prices are subject to changes based on government regulations and policies.
Location: 282/5, Kollupitiya Road, Marine Drive, Colombo 3
Website: https://granbellhotel.lk
Instagram: granbell_hotel_colombo
Facebook: Granbell Hotel Colombo
