Gammanaya.

Where else will you be able to find such a place amongst all of the hubbub in Colombo? Gammanaya presents you with a dose of nostalgia, and their food completes the illusion of having transported you to a Colombo of maybe fifty years ago. 

The Ambience

With an open space of habarala leaves behind the restaurant, the interior here is made to look like a traditional village house made out of clay. The place was also adorned with a couple of beautiful pictures, old-fashioned lamps, and the leaf they served us in, all gave it a very quaint vibe, which we loved.

The Food

Gammanaya serves a wide range of the OG Sri Lankan food, while they also resort to food like paratha which they serve at breakfast and dinner. We went during lunchtime and had a vast arsenal of various rice and curries to choose from, ranging from the orthodox fried rice to the yellow and white.

We opted to go with the yellow rice, polos, ash plantain, fish, brinjal, cutlet and the stuffed capsicum (yes the server too raised a questionable eyebrow when I ordered both, but what can I say, I'm a huge fan of the stuffed capsicum). 

The meal, which just cost Rs. 310, had a couple of drawbacks but was delicious, nevertheless. The rice was impressive, with kaju (cashews) scattered here and there along with a few other spices, and the rice was not the least bit oily and was perfectly fluffy. The curry portions could have been bigger; the rice to curry ratio was a bit off.

The brinjal curry seemed like a not-so-successful imitation of the moju, but the ash plantain and the polos were perfect. The polos, spicy and soft, the gravy oozing through its flesh, while the fish we ordered was properly marinated and cooked, which perfected our meal, along with the cutlet. As a fan of malu miris though, I found this particular rendition slightly disappointing. 

They also serve a wicked omelette, a delicious malluma, succulent chicken and perfectly salted fried fish amongst other things.

As for dessert, we got some good ol' Fruit Salad (Rs. 150) in a cup (which was lacking ice-cream). The fruit wasn't all that fresh and seemed like it had been prepared in the morning. 

We also had the Curd and Jelly dessert (Rs. 50), served in a yoghurt cup, which was surprisingly satisfying. 

The Service 

This is an area which Gammanaya can definitely work on; their staff weren't rude, but they were not very accommodating either and were very curt. 

Conclusion

If you are feeling nostalgic, and need a break from all the fast food you're having and want to have some good old Sri Lankan food at an affordable rate, this is an option. Serving a variety of tasty as well as healthy food, Gammanaya is an ideal place to have a relishing meal. 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

The Sweetest Valentine’s Treat from The Sweet Room!

by Shamrina Carim February is here and love is in the air—So is the irresistible

Kamu

Sawan for Seven! A Gigantic North Indian Meal from Rosewood Ceylon

By Shamrina Carim If you’re craving an indulgent North Indian meal that brings together bold

Kamu

Culinary Adventure at Long Feng by Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo : The Chinese Food Festival 2025

If you’ve never journeyed to China, a  grand opportunity to immerse yourself in its true

Kamu

Cheers Pub at Cinnamon Grand Colombo: The Ultimate Spot for Great Vibes, Delicious Food, and Fun

By Sharon Nonis Looking for a place that blends great food, refreshing drinks, live music,

Highlights Kamu

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Celebrate Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Lakeside

This Valentine's Day, immerse yourself in romance with an array of exclusive experiences at Cinnamon

Trending

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Style at Cinnamon Red

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine's Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel Celebrates World Pizza Day with Special Guest Chef Roberto Radoni

Mount Lavinia Hotel’s celebration of World Pizza Day on February 9th was an unforgettable gastronomic

Trending

A Valentine’s Day to Remember at The Kingsbury

This Valentine’s Day, let your love story unfold at The Kingsbury, Colombo. Set against the

Trending

Celebrate Love at Amaya Hills and Amaya Beach This Valentine’s Day

Celebrate Love at Amaya Hills and Amaya Beach This Valentine's Day This Valentine’s, embrace the

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Colombo’s BYOB Gems: 15 Perfect Spots to Pair Your Drink with Delicious Food

by Vimasha Weerawansha Are you on the hunt for dining spots where you can bring

Yamu Guide

14 Romantic Places to Spend  February 14th – Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for the perfect place

Highlights Yamu Guide

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him 2025

by Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect way to show your special guy how much

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Valentine’s Day Picks for Her 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, hearts are filled with anticipation.

Highlights Yamu Guide

New Year’s Eve at The Kingsbury Colombo

Embrace the wonder of Christmas with a world of joy and togetherness this New Year’s

Trending Yamu Guide

Tea, Treats, and Tidings: The Christmas Menu of t-Lounge by Dilmah

By Vimasha Weerawansha t-Lounge by Dilmah is a sophisticated tea experience that blends tradition with

Highlights Yamu Guide