A Guide to Colombo’s Iftar Offerings this Ramadan Season

Ah, the Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us – with its hallmark values of prayer, reflection and self-discipline. The most obvious feature of Ramadan is abstention from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, but this in no way means that it takes a backseat! If there’s one thing the blessed month is synonymous with worldwide – it’s Iftar. That’s right, Iftar- the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset – is a time when restaurants and other eateries serve up some fantastic seasonal menus with a wide variety of foods.

Fun fact: Muslims worldwide have a Ramadan tradition of breaking their fast with dates. Dates are high in sugar, fibre, minerals, and vitamins; and are easily digested. These attributes make them a quick source of energy and nutrients – ideal to replenish the body’s resources and help the body’s blood glucose levels quickly return to normal. Sri Lankan Muslims and those in Southern India have another staple for breaking their fast – ‘congee’ or, as more commonly known, ‘kanji’. This is a lightly spiced porridge consisting of slow-cooked rice and other lentils, and sometimes with pieces of meat. This too is both nutritious and easy to digest. Both of these are widely featured in Iftar menus across Colombo.

Iftars can be enjoyed by one and all – so here’s our roundup of places with some delicious feasting for after the fasting, or even just because! Bearing in mind the current COVID-19 situation of the country, and understanding that safety is your primary concern as much as it is ours – we’ve decided to limit this list to places offering set menus for takeaway or delivery – that we can all delight in responsibly. Read on and enjoy!

Ramada Hotel Colombo

Ramadan at Ramada this year consists of Iftar packs featuring classic items such as dates, kanji and short eats (samosas, rolls, chocolate éclairs, etc.) as well as additional portions of Muslim/Arabic delicacies such as adukku roti and baklava. The Iftar packs come in two options, and each pack serves two people, making this ideal for couples of any kind – be it, friends or partners. Orders are required and packs are available from 11 am – 9 pm.

Price: Iftar packs – LKR 2,550 for two
Other portions: LKR 500 – LKR 3,950
Contact: 0766 645 507 / 0114 794 399
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramadacolombo/
Address: 30, Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 03

Mitsi’s Delicacies 

Mitsi’s Iftar Menu 2021 consists of four Iftar packs: Basic Iftar pack, Savoury Iftar pack, Luxury Iftar pack and the BBQ Iftar pack- each one better than the previous! The latter two options feature the mouthwatering meats Mitsi’s is so well-known for. You can feast on homemade sausages, koftas and kebabs as well as choose a beverage option from Falooda, Sprite or a Mojito. Place your orders before 4 pm to avoid disappointment.

Price: Iftar pack – LKR 600 per person
         Savoury Iftar pack – LKR 1,200 per person
         Luxury Iftar pack – LKR 2,000 per person
         BBQ Iftar pack – LKR 2,500 per person
Contact: 0777 163 090
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitsisdelicacies/
Address: 34A, Bagatalle Rd, Colombo 03

Arabian Knights

Known for its Middle Eastern cuisine, Arabian Knights’ Iftar menu comes as no surprise. Beef sambosek, falafels, hummus, mini shawarmas, grills and the dessert Muhalabiya (a sweet milk pudding usually flavoured with rose or orange water) are some of the items on this traditional Middle Eastern/Moroccan menu that is available for pickup or delivery daily 6 pm onwards.

Price: LKR 1,590 per person
Contact: 0112 301 031
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/arabianknights_lk/
Address: 377, Galle Road, Colombo 03

Chambers Colombo (at Park Street Mews)

Chambers is yet another well-known Arabic restaurant and they’re bringing the Middle Eastern magic right into our homes this Ramadan with their exotic Iftar spread. From harissa hummus to cheese sambosek and mutton musakhan rolls, served with sides such as Arabic bread and tabouleh (salad)- they’ve got it all!

They’re available in portions for two and four- and we’re sure we’ve given you enough convincing- so go ahead and indulge with friends and family. Orders are accepted until 5.30 pm and you can opt for takeaway, direct delivery or delivery via UberEats/Pickme Food (although prices here vary).

Price: LKR 2,600 for two and LKR 4,900 for four
Contact: 0772 100 009
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/chamberscolombo/
Address: 48 D, Park Street, Colombo 2

Café Nuga 

Café Nuga’s focus on the organic fare and a soil-to-bowl approach is reflected in their curated Ramadan Iftar menu. A stuffed premium date, fatoush salad, pita bread and hummus, harira (soup with lentils, tomato, chickpeas and vermicelli) and kunafa are some of the Middle Eastern items they are offering – all made with only the best produce, be it plant-based or meat-based. It is available every day after 4 pm.

Price: LKR 980 per portion
Contact: 077 344 5377
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafe_nuga/
Address: 69A, Green Path, Colombo 

Peppermint Café 

For Iftar at Peppermint Café, we have a choice of sandwich (from four yummy flavours- pulled beef, crispy chicken, egg and mayo, or curry chicken), waffle with ice cream and falooda with ice cream in addition to the traditional porridge (kanji), dates and samosas. The package is wholesome, delivers on a complete Iftar meal and is available throughout the day.

Price: LKR 1,200 per person
Contact: 0756 320 420
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peppermintcafe_srilanka/
Address: 76, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7

Street Burger 

Street Burger’s three dates, Cooper S Burger in beef or chicken, 2 pieces of crispy chicken ripple stripes, toasted garlic bun, fries, two sauces, beverage bottle and water are truly an all-in-one package with fantastic value for money. Talk about doing Iftar right! Now you have no need to worry when the hunger of a fast food craving strikes- because this super deal has got you covered.

Note: Valid from 3 pm – 7 pm only.

Price: LKR 990 per person for takeaway
         LKR 1,290 per person on Ubereats
Contact: 0112 595 559 / 0777 887 777 / 0777 179 179
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/streetburgersl/
Address: 34, Ramya Road, Colombo 4

Indulge Desserts Co. 

When one of Colombo’s specialist Belgian chocolate places offers you an Iftar package, you don’t say no! ‘Iftar Indulgence’ here features two packages- each of which offers dates, water, kanji, samosas and a Red Chiller or Minty Lemonade as a thirst quencher; but it is their Chocolate Brownie Dip Treat that’s the icing on the cake! (or should we say the crust on top of the bake?!) This makes it a great option if you’re fancying something sweet, simple and yet incredibly satisfying.

Price: Package 01 – LKR 850 per person
         Package 02 – LKR 1,800 per person
Contact: 0117 682 314 / 0117 460 008
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indulgedessertslk/
Address: 29/5, Stratford Avenue, Colombo 6
              14, Marine Drive, Colombo 03

Platter Me 

Platter Me’s cool and unique take on Iftar is a fresh and vibrant sharing platter for four packed with fruits, nuts and finger foods. Comprising strawberries, grapes, almonds, cashews, dates, pita bread strips, hummus, cheese and olives, a chilli garlic dip and five each of egg boats, mini sandwiches and toasts- this is packed with the goodness of both health and deliciousness. However, orders need to be made one day prior.

Price: LKR 3,950 for four
Contact: 0759 304 812
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/platterme23/
Address: Palmyrah Avenue, Colombo 3

ISSO 

Iftar at ISSO includes 2 pieces each of fish patties, their signature ‘pisso’ wades, vegetable spring rolls and isso toasts- snacks that bring together a Sri Lankan’s love for foods both fried and from the sea. Known to be the best at what they do, this will no doubt be a treat for all the prawn-crazy seafood lovers out there. They’re also serving up free kanji at their restaurant during Ramadan from 6 pm – 7 pm!

Price: LKR 1,000 per platter
Contact: 0117 770 300
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prawncrazy/
Address: 53, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Green Path, Colombo 7

Doner and Durum 

Big, bold, flavour-packed meat and sauces are signature factors of this Mediterranean grill restaurant. Their Iftar menu is available after 4.30 pm and consists of dates, homemade kanji, hummus, roti and their signature dishes Chicken Kebab and Cigar Borek Chicken. You can be guaranteed a scrumptious meal that will leave your stomach satisfied and your taste buds tingling for more. Preorders are preferred.  

Price: LKR 1,200 per person
Contact: 0779 977 993
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/whatisdoner/
Address: 128, Thimbirigasyaya Road, Off Jawatta Road, Colombo 5

Indian Summer 

This restaurant is offering an Indian-themed Iftar meal you can enjoy whether you’re at home, at work or on the go. The pack is available from their outlets in both Colombo and Kandy; and includes street food items such as batala vada (potato dumplings) and gulab jamun, in addition to two mutton samosas, chicken lollipops and the usual dates and porridge.

Price: LKR 700 per person for takeaway
         LKR 800 per person on UberEats
Contact: 0112 662 112
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiansummerlk/
Address: 42, Horton Place, Colombo 7

BAKED Colombo 

This little eatery’s curated Iftar packs feature a combination of well-selected savouries, sweets and drinks. They have five packages you can choose from. The savoury options comprise burgers, submarines and paninis; their sweet options include chocolate profiteroles, eclairs, doughnuts and cookies, and the drink varieties span fresh juices such as lime, pineapple and passion. Preorders are required.

Price: LKR 890 – LKR 990 per person
Contact: 0777 154 454 / 0112 582 030
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/bakedcolombo/
Address: 37A, Elibank Road, Colombo 5

Tea Avenue 

Tea Avenue has put up a single-option, three-course Iftar set menu with chicken kanji as the starter, honey glazed chicken with mashed potato as the main, and dates and a chocolate chip cookie as dessert. Although simple, this is a meal with a deal that is available at any of their outlets from 4 pm onwards for both takeaway and delivery.

Price: LKR 1,490 per person
Contact: 0773 367 879
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaavenue1936/
Address: 4, Jawatta Road, Colombo 5

Paan Paan 

Paan Paan’s all about simplifying Iftar this year with their 3 freshly made break-fast boxes: A, B and C. Each set menu pack will have three savouries, one sweet, one portion of kanji and dates. The items will vary between veg and non-veg Chinese rolls, puffs, patties, pies, samosas, eclairs and profiteroles, depending on the day as each pack is available on alternating days. They’re available for pickup/delivery from any Paan Paan outlet after 4 pm daily and you can call your nearest outlet to reserve.

Price: LKR 450 per box (Delivery prices via UberEats and Pickme Food vary)
Contact: 0117 500 226 / 0770 500 020
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paanpaanlk/
Address: 84, Lorenz Road, Colombo 4

Colombo Chaiwala 

One of Colombo’s hot chill spots (yes, we’re aware of the contradiction, and it’s literally too because of all the steaming cups of tea they’re serving up!) is offering takeaway Iftar specials this Ramadan. There’s going to be a new menu every day with items such as beef and Punjabi samosas for example. Couple this with a cup of aromatic chai, and you’ve got yourself a sure-fire combo that will stimulate and delight all the senses!

Price: LKR 100 – LKR 250 per item
Contact: 0769 665 638
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colombochaiwala/
Address: 12, Lily Avenue, Wellawatte

Diner’s Lounge 

Simple, budget Iftar packs to be enjoyed with loved ones at home are offered by this multi-cuisine restaurant this Ramadan. The packs will include porridge, special savouries and beverages bringing together a multitude of flavours from the wide variety of cuisines they work with- including Indian, Arabic and Intercontinental.  They’re available for takeaway and you have to place your order before 5 pm.

Price: LKR 425 per person
Contact: 011 255 9344
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinerslounge.lk/
Address: 18A, Palmyrah Avenue, Colombo 3

Chana’s 

Chana’s is a renowned North Indian restaurant, and they’re pulling out all the stops this Ramadan with their Iftar selection. You can opt from a wide variety of savouries such as shawarmas, tikkas, kebabs, samosas and spring rolls; and can even choose between fried and unfried. All items will no doubt be jam-packed full of the exotic Indian flavours they are famous for.

Price: LKR 45 – LKR 480 per item
Contact: 0117 939 788 / 0775 133 655
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanas.lk/
Address: 54, W. A. Silva Mawatha, Colombo 6

Pink Platter

This home baker has three Iftar menus up for grabs this Ramadan season- with items such as kanji and dates, savoury options such as samosas, pizzas, patties, rolls and pastries, and sweet options such as brownies, cupcakes and milk toffees. You can also choose to get frozen short eats if you prefer. All items are for delivery, and orders need to be placed before 12 noon.

Price: LKR 550 per pack
Contact: 0778 755 455
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkplatter.sl/
Address: Temple Road, Kalubowila, Dehiwela Colombo

CRAVES Café 

From pies to pastries, stuffed buns to pizzas, eclairs to cheesecakes- this home baker has a hearty range of savoury and sweet snacks that set you up for Iftar-ing success. They release a new menu each week of Ramadan and have one freshly prepared item available per day on a pre-order basis.

Price: LKR. 100 – LKR. 200 per item
Contact: 0777 116 651
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/craves.cafe/
Address: 38, Glen Aber Place, Colombo 4

So there you have it- our list of Iftar options in Colombo this Ramadan 2021. We hope it’ll be the basis of many happy meals you’ll enjoy this festive season. Have you tried any of these places? Which one’s your favourite? Are there any we’ve missed out on? Do let us know in the comments section below!

The post A Guide to Colombo’s Iftar Offerings this Ramadan Season appeared first on Pulse.

Source From Pulse.lk
Author: Zenab Zoeb
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