43/1D, Majestic Avenue, Bambalapitiya
Closed right now
Authentic and affordable food, complete with a chef who knows his dishes.
Momo's by Ruvi started its adventure with great fanfare less than a year ago and quickly became Colombo institution for dumplings. For those who missed the buzz, Momo's by Ruvi is a tiny quaint restaurant hidden in a narrow lane opposite Majestic City that exclusively sells momos, these dumplings originated from Tibet.
We visited them during their opening week in April this year and were sold. We thought it was about time to check if they were still living up to their reputation.
First, you'll have to settle on the cooking style, as momos can either be steamed, shallow fried or wok fried. Second, you'll have to think about the filling: veggies, chicken, beef or prawn.
Or, if you're hesitant or, like us, want to try everything, go for a platter. The Meaty Fiesta (Rs. 1,250) enables you to choose 2 meats that will be cooked in all 3 ways, while the Platter (from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,200 depending on the meat) features a single type of meat prepared following the 3 possible methods. Note that a platter should fill you up.
Now that's the somehow confusing ordering part is done, let's enjoy the goodies!
On our last visit, we've tried most of the momos on the menu and they were all equally delicious! The flimsy dough held generous and juicy fillings, mixes of veggies, meat if any and herbs. They were all really delicate and so flavoursome. Spot on!
Fillings are the same regardless of the cooking style. The steamed momos are the plain and most delicate ones, the wok fried cooking brings some texture and interesting crunch to the delicacy, while the shallow fried version, coated in a delicious spicy sauce, is the richest option.
It would be really hard to rank them. But for the sake of it and for you Yamu readers, we'll do it. And the winner is... Shallow Fried Chicken Momos, very closely followed by the Steamed Prawn Momos, and all the other options.
There honestly wasn't a single thing we didn't like on our plates. The homemade chili & soy and sambol sauces were also very nice and pleasantly accentuated the flavours of the dumplings.
We also gave a go to the only non-momo-ey item on the menu, the Stir Fried Bok Choy (Rs. 230), served in soy sauce and sprinkled with crunchy garlic and chili flakes. And we didn't regret it. It made a fresh and spicy add-on to our meal.
Momo's by Ruvi is no fancy place and they don't try to look or act like one either, and we really like this attitude. They're here to make momos and they do it well. Full stop.
The restaurant can accommodate about 15 to 20 diners max at a time in one cramped room. It's not very private as you can imagine and we wouldn't recommend it to discuss confidential stuff or to declare your love to your crush. Unless you're very confident about your date or/and don't care about other people participating to it.
While we aren't big fans of the quaint decoration, we acknowledge and appreciate the effort to make the place feel warm and cosy. Plus, it's very neat and clean.
While ordering was a bit of a confusing process (but maybe more on our side I have to admit), the rest flowed smoothly and the first platter arrived pretty quickly. The person assuring the service on that day was welcoming and discreet.
We're glad to confirm that Momo's by Ruvi is living up to the hype. Dumpling lovers, you're in for a treat! And for a fair price. Dumpling haters, go on your way, this place isn't for you!
Address
43/1D, Majestic Avenue, Bambalapitiya
Directions
In a small lane, opposite MC.
Contacts
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Cuisine
Price Range
Ratings Breakdown
Our most nostalgic food court gets a make-over.
හැබැයි මම නම් කියන්නෙ…
3/5
The hipster-dressed guy at the counter failed to bring a water bottle until I finished the meal! I mean, I was literally few feets away from him and he was roaming around the fridge full of water bottles all the time. In a way, it's understandable because he seems determined to play his circusy gimmick with each and every bottle for 10-15 seconds before he deliver them to nearby tables. Really? Is it don't you have any other time to practice your gimmicks other than the rush hours of your restaurant?
Terrible service; the food remains consistent with the earlier review though.
5/5
Fresh ‘n tasty monos/dumplings, simple menu. Minimalist, clean & friendly space.
Not expensive. Very lucky to have somewhere like this In Colombo.
If you ask the staff the chef will let you buy some raw ones to take home and put in your fridge for cooking at a later date (within a couple of days is what they recommended). I want to get deliveries from here🙂
5/5
Cosy little place serving tasty momos. They have prawn, chicken, beef and veg options made in 3 different ways steamed, shallow fried and wok fried.
The prawn was my favourite. We ordered the meat platter which comes with momos in two types of meat served with a chillie chutney and soy sauce. Superb!
For drinks they have a selection of iced teas. I ordered the Peach Fiesta which was not to sweet and a great pallete cleanser
They do not serve pork though.
Loved the place. Food is great, though its not overly filling.
Will be back for more!
3/5
the momo s were great… location not so great. being situated right next to public toilets does not give such a great feel when entering the place. preferred if they had atl3ast one or two additional options such as fried rice or noodles for hungry ppl . but the momo s on its own was excellent.
5/5
Went for lunch and they have the amazing set of dumplings ever in Colombo. Their platters are just amazing and you get to taste all the styles. The steamed ones so moist, d shallow fried so crisp and the wok fried so finger licking. The first and best dumpling place in Sri Lanka. I went with my friends the very next day too.Already been there thrice. Just in love with this place .
Uh, perhaps an explanation in the intro as to what momos are might be helpful for readers that don't know? Given that they're not native to Sri Lanka…
Tried it a couple of days ago. Very friendly staff and decent atmosphere. The portion sizes were okay (was hoping for the size of each momo to be a little bit bigger), however the dumplings themselves were delicious. Its good to see a place trying to specialize in one thing and try to get it right instead of trying their hand at a million things. Hopefully, soon someone will open up maybe a taco, a bao place as well.
3/5
Chandana YAMU STAFF
The hipster-dressed guy at the counter failed to bring a water bottle until I finished the meal! I mean, I was literally few feets away from him and he was roaming around the fridge full of water bottles all the time. In a way, it's understandable because he seems determined to play his circusy gimmick with each and every bottle for 10-15 seconds before he deliver them to nearby tables. Really? Is it don't you have any other time to practice your gimmicks other than the rush hours of your restaurant?
Terrible service; the food remains consistent with the earlier review though.
4/5
sidney
Rated 4/5
5/5
Edwards
Fresh ‘n tasty monos/dumplings, simple menu. Minimalist, clean & friendly space.
Not expensive. Very lucky to have somewhere like this In Colombo.
If you ask the staff the chef will let you buy some raw ones to take home and put in your fridge for cooking at a later date (within a couple of days is what they recommended). I want to get deliveries from here🙂