VOC Cafe (Dutch Burgher Union).

We love the Dutch Burgher Union. A beautiful clubhouse, an excellent bar and though there are consistency issues on its day their lamprais is the best in the city.

So when we heard that our favorite ethnicity based drinking/sporting union had opened a restaurant (open to non members) on its premises we were excited. The DBU it seems is finally making an effort to monetize their premises, they appear to need the money as the club house itself suffers from a real dearth of patrons.

The idea of a restaurant in the DBU which benefits from the clubs competent kitchen seemed very promising. However, we were disappointed to find a boxy space with focus on fast-food. No Burgher sweets or curry classics (actually there are some on the menu but they were unavailable). It’s basically a hamburger and hot dog joint.  Now this is fine in terms of the impulse to monetize, and well, Colombo could always use more decent burger joints, the problem though is that the fast-food premise doesn’t really take advantage of the DBU’s location and heritage – you can put a box selling burgers anywhere! Also the burgers when sampled were OK and by no means excellent. Not the giant juicy patties and lip smacking sauce you dream of (remember Garfields on Reid Avenue?). This is more your standard fast-food meat in a bun. For the price 300-500 though they aren’t bad at all, probably better than Mc Donalds’ similarly priced offerings. Decent patties, a fair sauce though. There’s an absence of lettuce, tomatoes and other trimmings…

The price point is definitely a plus and as it benefits from ample parking. If you’re driving by the Thumulla this is a good place to try for quick meat-based sustenance, perhaps it’ll take off. But Im still not convinced that Burgers were the way forward for the DBU though of course it does make for a good pun!

Lunch

The VOC does an excellent selection of yellow rice lunch packets. For Rs. 340 you get either chicken or pork accompanied by frikkadels, brinaj, chutneys, potatoes, gravy and egg. There’s a light crossover of lamprais elements with the frikkadels and deep fried boiled egg. This is one of the city’s best buth lunch options. Not cheap at over Rs. 300, but it’s a tasty meal and its become one of our new favourites alongside Millenium Restaurant.

The VOC Cafe produces some excellent food. A second taste of the burger had us pretty impressed – the beef patty was flavourful, topped with a messy pile of caramelised onions and nicely smushed with cheese. Want a good lunch? This is where you should go.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

The Art of Fusion Cuisine at Mövenpick Hotel

By Vera Wadugodapitiya We walked into Robata Grill, Mövenpick. Instantly, what struck me about the

Highlights Kamu

A Taste of Mexico – Cinnamon Red’s Latest International Cuisine

By Shamrina Carim Every month, Cinnamon Red has come up with an exciting initiative to

Highlights Kamu

A Classical High Tea Encounter with the Coronation at Mount Lavinia Hotel

By Shamrina Carim Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted a casual evening of classic high tea encounters

Highlights Kamu

The Bento Box at Royal Thai, Cinnamon Lakeside

By Hiruni Herath When you step into the Royal Thai Restaurant at Cinnamon Lakeside, you’ll

Highlights Kamu

Totally Hooked – The Ultimate Seafood Destination

It is not a surprise that “Totally Hooked CMB", the talk of the seafood town,

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Award Winning Indian Restaurant Junior Kuppanna in Colombo

Junior Kuppanna, opened its newest international branch in Colombo on 25th May 2023. The new

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka Unveils ‘Enchanting Beginnings’ Wedding Sale

Swoon over exclusive wedding packages in stunning venues for a lifetime of memories Colombo, Sri

Trending

Ramada Colombo’s Exclusive Limited Time Wedding Discount

Book before June 15th and enjoy 25% off Planning the perfect wedding can be an

Trending

The 30th Gratiaen Prize shortlist was announced with the launch of the Gratiaen Trust Young Writers Club

The Gratiaen Trust in association with the John Keells Foundation partnering with the Trust for

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka is set to commemorate Mother’s Day in grand fashion

Continuing our long-standing tradition of celebrating extraordinary mothers, Hilton properties across Sri Lanka have gone

Trending

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo Colombo,

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

7 Decent BnB spots for under LKR 7500 – Sri Lanka

We all like spending mini vacations at affordable spots to relax or stay on the

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Places to Dine Under LKR1500 LKR per person

By Udaraa Gamage Are you a foodie looking for budget places to satisfy your taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

The Aesthetics of Club Palm Bay

Club Palm Bay is a hotel located in the heart of a charming fishing village

Yamu Guide

High Tea Affairs at L.A.B by Hilton Colombo

By Hashini Pathirana A little chit chat with your besties, while sipping onto an Iced

Yamu Guide

The Art of Gifting with Shirohana

By Rahma Rifkhar From the picturesque green hills of Nuwara Eliya, nurtured by experienced hands

Highlights Yamu Guide