Steam Boat (Mount Lavinia).

Steam Boat, according to their website, is Colombo’s largest chain of Chinese restaurants, located in Nawala, Moratuwa, Borella, Kandana and Mt. Lavinia. Competing on the Sri Lankan-Chinese front (compare to the authentic Chinese of Lucky Star, Fortune Boat, etc. Steam Boat comes up against local heavyweights like Chinese Dragon, Flower Drum and Peach Valley.

While serving distinctly average – sometimes even disappointing – food, what Steam Boat has going for it is its rather lovely venues and locations. While the Nawala Steam Boat is nothing special, the Moratuwa outlet consists of a pair of beautiful and spacious colonial houses and Mount Lavinia is a prettily unkempt beach shack opening out onto a stunning, close view of the ocean.

The branch sits on the much coveted sands of Mount’s golden mile of beachfront eateries. When at its best, the Mount Lavinia beach can be breathtakingly beautiful. While the strip is seasonally popular with Colombites for swimming, sandcastles and general beach frolic, its broad, curling restaurant strip – not dependent on the moods of the capricious tides – has an all year draw; you can’t always swim in the ocean, but you can always sit beside it.

Steam Boat provides a lovely spot for sunset and wave watching. With an elevated cement and canopy dining area as well as shaded chairs and tables on the sand, venue wise they’ve got it spot on. Food, however, not so much. Small portions at Steam Boat, we discovered, are indeed very small, serving just enough for the hungry individual or calorie conscious couple. And sadly, they aren’t small dishes of deliciousness that pique the appetite and leave you aching to order more – which works out well in this case.

In Sri Lanka, you judge a Chinese restaurant by its hot butter cuttlefish. This being the most ordered dish in the country, every sensible establishment trying its hand at our favourite Lankanised cuisine should ensure their crispy, deep fried crowd pleaser is of, well, consummate crowd pleasing standards. Here, however, the curly crowns of cuttlefish were rather meh, small and lacking in zesty spice and crispiness, nowhere near good enough to compete with the big boys. The schezwan beef was a watery, bland gloop of leeks, spring onions and hard meat, and the veg fried rice was just rice with veg, no egg (this may be for vegan friendly purposes – but fried rice with no egg?). A meal consisting of three main dishes (small) and a large rice came to Rs. 2500.

While other dishes on the menu may be better, the core choices failed to deliver. If you’re only interested in snacks and drinks, however, Steam Boat is a nice place to sit down in the evening. For tasty food, however, venture further along the strip. This is not one of our canonical Chineses.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights 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

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

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

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