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.

Sri Lanka’s First Hotpot Conveyor Belt Launches at We Ai Family in Colombo

Colombo has just welcomed an exciting new culinary experience with the launch of Sri Lanka’s

Highlights Kamu Trending

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

Churros at The Kingsbury Celebrates World Chocolate Day

The Kingsbury Colombo's beloved pâtisserie, Churros, marked World Chocolate Day in true decadence with an

Highlights Trending

Sri Lanka’s First Iris Photography Experience by Eye Craft

On June 29th, the iconic Virticle by Jetwing hosted the grand launch of Eye Craft,

Trending

Hilton Named Best Workplace in Sri Lanka

This milestone marks the first time the hospitality company is recognized as the top employer

Trending

Bello Beach Bar by Browns Hotels & Resorts Redefines Coastal Leisure on Sri Lanka’s East Coast

Pasikuda’s coastline, known for its calm waters and untouched beauty, welcomed a refreshing new addition

Trending

MasterChef Franchise Makes Landmark Debut in Sri Lanka with Star-Studded Launch

Global culinary hit commissioned in 71 territories following latest Banijay Rights dealRs 3 Million, a

Trending

Sri Lanka’s Most Acclaimed Japanese Restaurant, Nihonbashi, Celebrates 30 Years

Marking three decades of popularizing "Washoku" in Sri Lanka, Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s flagship restaurant celebrates

Trending

Yamu Guide.

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide