Gulabi Run | Restaurant Review

Colombo street food with a Desi twist

Over the past few years, there has been a host of street food stalls popping up all over Colombo bringing with them new horizons for gastronomical adventures. Last week we visited a charming stall down Marine Drive that is a women-led business. With their promise of “Desi Italian” cuisine, we were both intrigued and excited to try what was in store, because who isn’t a fan of some fusion cuisine? Thankfully there was ample parking so we were able to relax and dig into a whole lot of goodies.

Pani Puri (LKR 350) [4/5] 

You can tell a lot about a restaurant by their Pani Puri, and this was absolute perfection! The intense flavour and variation in texture were executed perfectly. A portion was decently big, and although it may have been a portion to be shared, you won’t find me doing that. The dish leaned into its sweetness but there was a nice balance of sweet and savoury, so if you’re into that, try this out.

 

Dahi Puri (LKR 350) [5/5] 

This is basically Pani Puri’s posh cousin who lived abroad. Although it is the same price and more or less the same dish, the condiments take it to a whole new level. Like the previous dish, it’s intensely flavourful, but it still manages to highlight the herbal notes of the condiments. It is somehow both a punch to your face in terms of flavour and also very refreshing. I can see myself indulging in one of these plates on my way home after work.

 

Rasmalai (LKR 250) [4/5] 

This quintessentially Indian dish is very hard to explain, but it’s one of those desserts that is a real treat, especially for someone with a sweet tooth. As with other dishes at Gulabi Run, it’s super intense both in terms of sweetness and flavour, which I was told comes from pistachio (which makes it kinda fancy).

 

Matka Kulfi (LKR 250) [5/5] 

First of all, the presentation is cute! Secondly, we all know how warm Colombo can get at 5 pm. This was the perfect treat to cool me down. Hands down it was one of the best things I tried out that day – the flavours, presentation and portion perfectly match my mental image of India-inspired street food. If you’re travelling down the Marine Drive after 4 pm, this is something you HAVE.TO.TRY.

 

Sevviyaan (LKR 250) [3/5] 

If you’re not a fan of intensely flavoured desserts, this is something for you. This dish is very vanilla in most ways – it’s basically a vanilla custard with some body in it. Personally, it wasn’t my favourite, but it’s a dish you can trust because you know what you’re getting yourself into.

 

Mumbai Pizza (LKR 450) [5/5] 

Now, this is what I was looking forward to from the moment I heard Desi-Italian fusion. This is not your ordinary pizza so don’t expect a thin crispy crust. The bread was oh so soft and delicate, the toppings were surprisingly spicy and flavourful. Although a bit messy to eat, this is something I would most certainly be going back to. For the price, it’s well worth it. Whether you are planning to share it as a snack or make it a full meal (it has all the food groups, I think) you will certainly be satisfied. To reiterate, this is not your normal pizza – but boy was it good!

 

Jigirthanda Doodh (LKR 300) [3/5]

This is another popular South Indian street food staple which unfortunately wasn’t something I enjoyed too much. Don’t get me wrong, it was cool and refreshing, but when compared to the Kulfi, it is definitely second place. That being said, this drink has a story and culture behind it, so I recommend trying it to explore how people in the big continent eat and drink.

 

Ambience

The little pink cart overlooking the setting sun was quite a sight to behold, and if you’re in the area for a casual bite or want a ‘pick-me-up’ after a long day of work, this is a spot you need to pay a visit to. The service was quite fast and the staff was super friendly, so that paired with the food will guarantee a good time!

Tip – Their Kulfi is the bomb! Try it out if you’re passing by the cart. You won’t regret it.

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