The Promenade at ODEL.

Food courts never really took off in Colombo. They are a general staple of the South East Asian dining scene- I mean wandering around Singapore of Jakarta more often than not you end up in some sort of enclosed air-conditioned food cluster, whether it’s in a mall or just at the base of a residential building. However in Colombo the stalls and communal dining hall concept failed to fly. I suspect this has something to do with the general failure of shopping malls in the city.

Now this lack of malls isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it makes Colombo distinctive – an enclosed air-conditioned food court in a mall in Jakarta looks exactly like one in Singapore or Beijing. However, putting their innate blandness aside it is sometimes useful to be able to wander into a squeaky clean, equipped with nice loos and plenty of seating food court and chose from a bunch of reliable and inexpensive food options. When the craving for a big selection at a bargain price strikes you in Colombo, however you basically have three options- the generally unappealing but well-priced selection of food in Majestic City, the smaller but still not particularly attractive bunch of stalls in Crescat or the half dozen or so options at Odel’s little food-courtyard,

The food at the Odel’s court is nothing to write home about but the setting is a little more swish. Breaking from the Asia food court archetype it’s outdoors, cooled by little jets of fine mist and shaded by a clutch of frangipani tress. There are carp pools too so aesthetically this is a pretty superior food court though the food isn’t particularly high-end. There are outlets of the more expensive Il Gelatos and the Mango Tree/ Jack Tree Thai/Indian restaurant combo but otherwise you get Colombo classics like Harpo’s pizza, Chariot pastries, roots juice, Elephant House hotdogs, and the little magic corn stall. We arent’ talking the Gardaria mall, Jakaraa, with its 60 + choices or Wisma Atria’s excellent food court in Singapore but at reasonable prices all Colombo’s basic fast-food groups are represented. There’s fried rice- Chariot, short eats- Chariot, juices – roots, meat in a bun Elephant House, Pizza- Harpos.

My top picks are Il Gelatos – people complain about the prices but the sundaes aren’t bad value and the ice cream is the best commercially available in the city, Roots – got to be mango passion fruit juice with perhaps a slice of Harpo’s pizza. If you’re in or near Odels and find yourself needing to kill a few minutes or silence some hunger pangs this is a handy enough place to drop into. Beware though the scarcity of seating means at peak times – ie lunch, securing a table isn’t fun. In the afternoons though it’s even good for a lingering conversation with friends who happen to work / live in vicinity.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Pizza Hut’s Newest Craving Fix: Melts Single

Pizza cravings but not in the mood for a whole one? Let me introduce the

Highlights Kamu

Colombo’s best kept secrets – Date night spots 2025

Colombo might be known for its trendy cafes and fancy rooftop spots, but who says

Kamu Yamu Guide

Where Sunday Carvings Meet Sophistication – Kings Steak Bar’s Famous Brunch Buffet

By Vimasha Weerawansha  Nestled in the heart of Colombo, Kings Steak Bar by The Kingsbury

Highlights Kamu

A Luxurious Seafood Experience at Fat Crab Colombo

Fat Crab Colombo offers a wonderful dining experience that combines luxury, live music, and an

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Radisson Colombo’s Indian Night – Review

By Sahasni Gamage We recently had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful Indian Night at

Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

A Colourful Tribute to Motherhood at Sheraton Kosgoda’s ‘Mother’s Day Sip & Paint’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 13.05.2025 — Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort brought vibrant hues and heartfelt

Trending

The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Hospitality Veteran Nandana Wirasinha as General Manager

The Kingsbury is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nandana Wirasinha as its new

Trending

Mother’s Day to Remember at The Kingsbury

This Mother’s Day, The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites families to honour one of the most important

Trending

Glamour and Elegance Illuminate Songkran Celebration at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, the epitome of luxury and refined hospitality, proudly hosted a spectacular two-day

Trending

The Jewel in Colombo’s skyline turns one

ITC Ratnadipa completes one successful year in Sri Lanka ITC Ratnadipa marks its first anniversary

Trending

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

Colombo’s best kept secrets – Date night spots 2025

Colombo might be known for its trendy cafes and fancy rooftop spots, but who says

Kamu Yamu Guide

A Luxurious Seafood Experience at Fat Crab Colombo

Fat Crab Colombo offers a wonderful dining experience that combines luxury, live music, and an

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Radisson Colombo’s Indian Night – Review

By Sahasni Gamage We recently had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful Indian Night at

Kamu Yamu Guide

Iftar Deals for Great Value in 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, Iftar doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious! Whether you’re craving

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide