Chola Authentic Indian Restaurant.

The prices at Chola are rather high end, a meal for two will set you back something like Rs. 5,000, so the place definitely falls into the fancy category. However compared to slightly more expensive places like Maharjah Palace and Chutneys, the food offered here is downright mediocre. I've had better in fact, for far less money, on the streets in India.

Chola is located down Lily Avenue in Wellawatte, there is ample parking on either side of the road, the restaurant is housed in a refurbished, old bungalow and has a very fetching outer facade and garden.

The Food

The Restaurant offers both veg and non-veg, and both South Indian and North Indian cuisine. We went for a mix of both. For starters we ordered the Gobi Manchurian (Rs. 550), this is a dish of cauliflower which deceptively looks like meat, and is usually crunchy and delish. But the one we had tasted a little too salty and was way too spicy.

The Gobi Manchurian

There was a 'destructive abundance' (to borrow a term from my friend Altaf) of spices in most of the dishes we tried. It was as if the kitchen was trying to cover up a lack of skill by dousing the food with as much flavor as possible. Hah, but they failed to trick us. 

Paneer Tikka Masala

For mains we ordered the Paneer Tikka Masala (Rs. 800) and the Mutton Chetinad (Rs. 1100). The Paneer was tough, and it felt like I was munhing into little peices of rubber, and the problem with the overspiced curry persisted with this dish as well.

Mutton Chetinad

The Mutton Chetinad however, was better. As in, the gravy tasted great, the spices weren't too overpowering. But the mutton was a little too bony. Now I don't know about you, but I prefer a bit of mutton in my mutton curry. Especially if I've paid Rs. 1,000 plus for it.

Our mains were accompanied by garlic naan (Rs. 250) and chilli cheese naan (Rs. 325). For the prices asked, the naans were pretty average. They weren't overly crispy, nor overly soft. Again, nothing really to sing or dance about.

We rounded off our meal with some Mango Juice (Rs. 300), which the staff promised would be fresh and sweet. Instead it tased rather sour.

Desserts

Chola did much better with the dessert we tried, the Kesar Badam Kulfi (Rs. 450) had a subtle taste and wasn't too sweet, the sprinklings of almond were generous and it had a nice, smooth texture. Loved it.

Masala Chai

Their masala chai  was fantastic also, probably the best I have tried in the country. It was lightly spiced and served in eversilver cups, two in fact, and you can sit outside in the nice evening breeze and pour your tea from one cup into the other until it cools down enough to drink. But at Rs. 325, it was also rather pricier than your average kadey the.

The Ambience

The house is beautifully decorated with a subtle touch of red on cream walls, with embroidered tapestries decorating the inside. However, it can be accused of being a touch less classy than it should, going by what their price signals promise. Only the main dining area has been decorated with any care, the rest of the premises, like the bathroom for instance, is plain and rather tacky. If you were with a date you wanted to impress, you'd probably find nicer places to go to that cost the same or less.

The Service

Really good. Friendly and informed about the food. 

Conclusion

A great location and ambience doesn't do enough to redeem the lack of value for money when it comes to food. Colombo offers far better alternatives for Indian food for the same price or less. 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Dampa Seafood: Where seafood dreams come true!

Are you ready for a culinary journey that captures the essence of the ocean? Look

Highlights Kamu

An unforgettable brunch celebration at Harbour Court, The Kingsbury.

The Ambience From the hotel entrance to our designated seat, a vibrant atmosphere resonated with

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Royal Turf Club Nuwara Eliya Sports Tourism Race Day 2024 Colombo

The Royal Turf Club Nuwara Eliya held its first race for the year on 24th

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide