Flower Drum Meh.

This is part of our Flower Drum trilogy – the canonical Flower Drum review, Flower Drum Revisited, and now this, Flower Drum Meh. There was also the spin-off, Flower Drum Chili Paste.


Wanting to demonstrate to a foreign visitor the excellence of Sri Lankan Chinese food the other day I stepped into Flower Drum.  I’ve long  believed that in terms of taste and value for money this ancient staple of the local Chinese scene was the real archetype of Sri Lankan Chinese food,surpassing the older but less reliable Chinese Dragon. On this latest visit however I left disappointed and honestly worried for the future of Sri Lankan food.

We ordered such staples as – hot butter cuttle fish(HBC), kan kun, seafood omlette, spicy pork – and got well a pretty mediocre and unsatisfying lunch. The omlette was passable but far from good and unforgivably the HBC was bad. Too much floury batter and dry stale pieces of squid – it was close to inedible. The spicy pork was fine but suffered from a lack of pork (stingy portion) and well the Kan-Kun was Kan Kun so hard to get wrong.

However, more than the mediocrity of the food the issue with this particular meal was that our four simple dishes (all small portions) came to Rs 4000. We drank 1 bottle of water- no soft drinks, no booze. This was for just two people.  There are cheaper 5* hotel lunch buffets. You can eat well at Nihon Bashi for less(get the set lunch Rs 1500 net) and Cafe Japan has a good 50 piece sushi platter for Rs.3000. Flower Drum used to be a mid priced staple but a simple lunch at that price seems to completely eliminate its value for money premise and well the food just isn’t good enough for them to compete as a high end destination.  Which leaves the restaurant in a bit of a hole. I think this is a bit of a shame because Flower Drum was my SL Chinese gold standard. With Chinese Dragon in decline, Flower Lounge shutting shop, Orient Hong Kong seemingly closed,  Chinese Park View a shadow of its former self what is left of Sri Lankan Chinese? Where can you go for a good plate of HBC, or like that classic neon-red sweet and sour pork? I am really not sure.

Min Han for example is excellent and great value but it’s more an authentic mainland place, Fortune Boat is also a mainland import. 168 and 88 are Malaysian/Singaporean – all of these I can recommend but they just don’t have that local chili and spice hit. The gloopy chopsuey the MSG riddled fried rice that Sri Lankans know and want. These are flavors we grew up with- HBC might not be authentic but it can be delicious however finding good food in Sri Lankan Chinese restaurants has become a bit of a challenge lately and after a few disappointing experiences trying to relive the tastes of my past is it time for me to retreat to reliability of mainland imports? Or are there still bastions of SL Chinese food out there flying the flag for good  creolized sino-lanka food?

If so I’d like to find them and any tips would be appreciated.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu 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

Trending.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Father’s Day Festivities Await at Cinnamon Grand Colombo

This Father’s Day, Cinnamon Grand Colombo invites guests to honour Dad with an array of

Trending

Celebrate Sustainability & Community at the POYA Market Mount Lavinia Hotel

The POYA Market returns to Mount Lavinia Hotel on Monday, 10th June 2025, from 10

Trending

Yamu Guide.

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

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