Kami Maki.

‘Fusion’ is the keyword at the latest Japanese restaurant in Colombo.

Kami Maki is a small restaurant, so don’t go here if you want to engage in private conversation as the diners next to you are bound to overhear. There are only three small tables on the top floor, and a counter with stools on the ground floor, but we were the only people there on a Sunday afternoon, so it wasn’t a problem. If you are prone to claustrophobia, you may feel too constrained. But they’ve done well with what they have, and I’m guessing it’s nice at night. It fits the bill in terms of décor, as everything is minimalistic, with a typically Japanese sliding door concealing the washroom, and pretty flowers drawn on the walls. They could play some soft music, to add to the ambience.

Parking is a problem. They indicate a spot with an arrow but you can’t see which space is reserved for the restaurant specifically. Better signage would help.

The Food

The shichimi cuttlefish

The food served here seems to have been Sri Lankanised. In a good way. Everything we were served was tasty, and that is what matters in the end. It was also fun to see how creative they were with the menu. The smoked salmon and avocado maki (Rs. 490) was good, soft and chewy, and the tastes of the ingredients were distinctive. The shichimi cuttlefish (Rs. 650) -shichimi means ‘seven flavor chilli pepper’ in Japanese- was basically a hot garlic cuttlefish dish- but slightly different. It was clear that they have given thought to how they can add local favourites to a Japanese menu, and it works.

The chicken donburi

For mains, we had the chicken donburi (Rs. 590) and the teriyaki chicken rice burger (Rs. 550). The donburi was very good. The grated carrots and leeks reminded me of fried rice, which was comforting in a weird way. The rice part of the burger was toasted perhaps- it had a baked feel to it which made it slightly dry, and the mayonnaise overpowered an otherwise tasty dish. Also, the sauces and food threatened to drip/drop off the plate.

Cookie coated ice cream with chocolate sauce

Dessert was a highlight, and creativity again played a big role here. Both the panko fried banana fritters with wasabi and honey (Rs. 350), and the cookie coated chocolate ice cream (Rs. 350) -what was the Japanese element here, I wondered- were delicious.

It has to be noted with satisfaction that the portions are plentiful. Considering the price for the full meal (all this added up to a final bill of slightly less than Rs. 3000), it translates into very good value for money. And although our stomachs were full without even finishing all of the mains (they were that big), nothing felt overly oily or unhealthy, which is the best part about Japanese cuisine. Presentation was also good, as can be seen from the pictures.

Service

It wasn’t a busy afternoon, and the food came pretty quickly. Our waiter wasn’t too quick to grasp what we wanted, but this may be due to the language gap. He was earnest though, and we switched to Sinhalese, so it was fine. Perhaps an area that can be improved on, to round off the rest of the experience.

Conclusion

With a carefully thought out menu, creative combinations, and unfussy food, this is a place that delivers what’s promised. In case space becomes an issue, the pricing makes it a good option to think about when you want some takeout to enjoy at home, or if you are entertaining guests.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

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

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

From Dusk Till Dawn: The Visionary Behind Sri Lanka’s nightlife revolution

By Vimasha Weerawansha  If you’re into nightlife and crave bold, unforgettable flavors, Sheran de Fonseka’s

Highlights Trending

Shangri-La Colombo Ushers in the Festive Season with a Spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festive spirit came alive at Shangri-La Colombo as the hotel hosted its much-anticipated Christmas

Trending

Discover Global Tastes: A Flavorful Adventure at The Kingsbury Buffet

By Sharon Nonis The Kingsbury Colombo offers one of the finest buffet experiences in the

Trending

Authentic Fusion Paella at Ocean

From November 5th to 30th, Ocean at The Kingsbury, invites guests to enjoy an authentic

Trending

Radisson Hotel Kandy Achieves Safehotels Certification

Radisson Hotel Kandy joins Radisson Blu Resort Galle and Radisson Hotel Colombo in proudly achieving

Trending

Yamu Guide.

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top 10 Places to Work or Study in Colombo in 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work

Highlights Yamu Guide