Kaala Balan – Maha Gedara.

A couple of weeks back, we got a message through YAMU Facebook page about this new rice and curry spot in Ratmalana. Rice and curry is what Sri Lankan souls are made of, so without any further ado, we decided to check them out. 

Food

Nicely presented in clay pots, Kaala Balan – Maha Gedara offers a wide range of freshly cooked, good rice and curry with a super Sri Lankan touch. You can pick five curries to go with your plateful of rice (white/red), and that includes a protein of your preference as well. They serve them on nelum kola (lotus leave) neatly placed on a pun watti.

Our Chicken Rice & Curry (Rs. 280) comprised of a hefty piece of well-seasoned chicken, dhal curry, tempered manioc, tempered okra, and tempered garlic (yes, yes we love fried stuff, but who doesn't right?).

We especially liked their dhal curry, which was adequately milky, with a nice aroma of karapincha (curry leaves) emerging through, while the rest of the curries were also rich with spicy notes. Adding an extra heat and a limey hint to the whole meal, the pol sambol was a flavorful condiment. 

Kaala Balan – Maha Gedara does an excellent Pork Rice & Curry (Rs. 290), and we devoured it within minutes. It came in a slightly grainy gravy with a nice peppery hit and the distinct sour notes of tamarind and goraka. However, it wasn't good as our favorite at Jaadi Samanga Game Kaema, but it was a close second. 

The rest of this buth plate had a cucumber curry, tempered winged beans, kohila sambol, and polos (young jackfruit) curry. With the perfect balance between milkiness and spiciness, and a hint of sweetness, the cucumber curry was really good. We liked the polos curry too – it was cooked right, with a deliciously sour gravy, and a slightly firm exterior, as opposed to being mushy and overcooked. 

We tried a couple of their desserts – Watalappan (Rs. 50) and Chocolate Biscuit Pudding (Rs. 50). If I had to pick a favorite, I'd go with the watalappan. Sweet, and light, it wasn't anything remarkable, but at that price point, I'd say it's pretty solid in comparison to the half melted CBP with way too sugar in it. 

Ambience & Service

The massive room aligned with a bunch of wooden tables and chairs, yellow colored walls with dark brown colored wooden windows, and a thatched canopy that runs as a ceiling, the interior here gives out an authentic Sinhala buth kadey vibe, and lives up to its name – Maha Gedara. It actually reminded two of our favorite rice & curry joints in Nugegoda – Jaadi Samanga Game Kaema and Rasa Piyasa. Although, this place is much spacious than those two, accommodating around 40 – 50 customers at a time. 

They've got a bunch of cool boards like this to express what each counter in the restaurant is about – 'Pelata Hitan' (stand in line), 'Bedaaganna Bolan'  (pick your curries), 'Kaalaa Balan' (go ahead and eat), 'Beela Balan' (grab your drinks).

The service here is pretty quick, while the ladies and the gentlemen behind the counters being really friendly. You actually can choose the amount of rice and curries you want on your buth plate. 

Conclusion

It's been only a few months since the opening, but it's already crowd's favorite. From what we gathered, they get a lot of take-away orders from the residents around, and people who pass by come into dine-in. We quite enjoyed our experience here – so should you, if you happen to be around Ratmalana and find yourself craving for some great rice and curry. 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

A Merry fusion of Delights – Christmas Seasonal Menu by t-Lounge, Dilmah.

Christmas came early to Horton Place and in its most delightful phase too! t- Lounge

Highlights Kamu

Marine Spice: Colombo’s Global Fusion Gem

Indulge in a culinary journey at Marine Spice, Colombo's latest Indian-inspired restaurant. Open daily from

Kamu Trending

Oktoberfest 2023 at Hilton Colombo

The oldest and by far, the most authentic of the Oktoberfest is back with a

Highlights Kamu Trending

“Delightful Vegan Feast: Savor the Flavors of Compassion and Health”

Indulge in an expertly crafted meal featuring an amazing array of fresh healthy and delicious

Highlights Kamu

Sri Lankan flavors with a Mexican Twist at Taco Shack

See here Tacos but make it Lankan? A legacy that began in the humble confines

Kamu Test

Keells : Your one-stop destination for quick meals and more

By Shamrina C In the fast-paced world we live in today, convenience is key, especially

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo partners with Magzter to become Sri Lanka’s first Smart Reading Hotel

With sustainability increasingly taking centre stage in the hospitality industry, hotel chains worldwide are implementing

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted the grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted the grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony on 26th November 2023. Dignitaries,

Trending

Gary Mehigan: Celebrity Chef and Former MasterChef Australia Judge is finally here in Sri Lanka

Internationally acclaimed Celebrity Chef and former MasterChef Australia judge, Gary Mehigan, has officially arrived in

Trending

Quick Chat with Celebrity Chef Gary Mehigan

Former MasterChef Australia Judge talks about the Culinary Extravaganza awaiting in Sri Lanka! Colombo, 21st

Trending

Unveil the Enchantment of the Tropics: Festive Luxury with Minor Hotels Sri Lanka

An unparalleled host of festive celebrations and getaways await you with Minor Hotels Sri Lanka,

Trending

The most inspired Christmas Tea Gifts from t-Lounge by Dilmah.

Embracing the festive season, and just in time for your Christmas shopping, t-Lounge by Dilmah's

Highlights Trending

Yamu Guide.

Colombo’s Top List of Christmas Events happening in 2023!

Written by: Shamrina Carim Step into the magic of 2023's Christmas Events!  From cozy gatherings

Yamu Guide

Colombo’s Top List of New Year Parties happening in 2023!

Written by: Shamrina Carim As the countdown to the New Year begins, dive into the

Yamu Guide

Colombo’s Top List of Christmas Buffets happening in 2023!

Written by: Shamrina Carim Experience the festive joy in Colombo as we unveil a delectable

Yamu Guide

“Deck the Halls: Christmas Decor Roundup”

“Top 5 Destinations for Your Christmas Shopping Spree.”   Edys.lk: Unwrap the Magic Edys.lk is

Yamu Guide

11 Reasons not to miss Daraz’s 11.11 Mega Sale!

By Shamrina Carim Are you ready for a shopping extravaganza like no other? Daraz's 11.11

Highlights Yamu Guide

Yaal Virindu – Jaffna Food Festival: A Culinary Journey of Joy

In collaboration with My Sister’s Kitchen by Thushara & Danu Innasithamby By Shamrina C Sri

Highlights Yamu Guide