Thuna Paha by Waters Edge | Restaurant Review

Stepping into the village era that’s forgotten

There is a hidden gem at Waters Edge that will teleport you away from the hustle and bustle of Colombo into a charming village setting. The Thuna Paha restaurant celebrates authentic Sri Lankan culture in architecture, service and most importantly, food! It’s the perfect escape that will leave both your stomach and heart full.

 

Appetisers

Roast Paan with Fried Fish and Parippu (5/5)

Every Sri Lankan knows that this combo is unbeatable, but Thuna Paha was able to elevate this dish into something with five-star quality. The most tantalising element of this dish was the freshly baked Roast Paan that was crunchy and golden brown. My appreciation for Sri Lankan food amplified after tasting the Fried Fish and Parippu that were simple but divine.

 

Pol Roti with Chicken Curry (4/5)

The Mini Pol Rotis at Thuna Paha were freshly made with Kurakkan and were the ideal appetiser. Though made with humble ingredients, they paired exceptionally well with the Chicken Curry. The Rotis were soft and fluffy while the Chicken Curry had a perfect level of spice.

 

Mains

Red Rice with Fish Ambul Thiyal, Parippu, Pol Sambol, Nelum Flower and Papadam (5/5)

You know your rice and curry are hitting all the right spots when your nose becomes runny from the spice, but your tastebuds crave more. This rice and curry combo was simply spectacular! The Fish Ambul Thiyal was chewy on the inside but had the perfect sour to spicy ratio. Even simple dishes like the Parippu and Pol Sambol were elevated by dishes like the Nelum Flower dish. This writer was very happy after this meal.

 

Yellow Rice with Prawn Curry, Chickpea and Cashew Curry, Ala Thel Daala, Brinjal Moju and Mango Chutney (4/5)

I had never imagined eating two different types of rice in one sitting, but that was before the decadent spread at Thuna Paha. Every Sri Lankan knows that the food is bound to be amazing whenever there’s a prawn curry on the table, and this time it was no different. However, it wasn’t only the prawn curry that stole the show because the Chickpea and Cashew Curry was equally amazing. It was soft and creamy in texture, which complimented the spicy prawn curry. The Brinjal Moju and the Mango Chutney completed this heavenly combination and rendered it perfect.

 

Seafood Kottu and Mutton Curry (5/5)

The Seafood Kottu was one of the most unique dishes of the night because it had an exceptional taste for such a popular dish. Unlike other Kottus you might have had at roadside shops, this Kottu was soft and creamy. It was packed with all our favourite seafood including cuttlefish and so much more! This dish was very flavourful on its own and didn’t need any other curry to complement it, but some gravy from the Mutton Curry was a delightful combo.

 

Desserts

Watalappam (5/5)

This writer is seldom a Watalappam enthusiast, but the Watalappam at Thuna Paha was an exception. Served perfectly in individual portions, this dessert was also very appealing to the eyes. The level of sweetness in a Watalappam is key because it can make or break the dish. Thankfully this Watalappam in particular managed to strike that perfect balance and pay homage to authentic Sri Lankan sweet treats. In retrospect, I probably should’ve asked for the recipe for this particular dish.

 

Sri Lankan Sweetmeats (Kokis, Kavum, Halapa, Lavariya) (4/5)

The plate of traditional Sri Lankan sweets including Kokis, Kavum, Halapa and Laveriya was the perfect way to end the evening. This platter perfectly played homage to Sri Lanka’s traditional and classic sweets. The Halapa and Lavariya in particular were just right in texture and flavour. We were also able to take a peek into how these treats were traditionally made at the entrance of the restaurant which added extra appreciation for these goodies.

 

Drinks

Shirley Temple (5/5)

I kept my Shirley Temple by my side the entire evening, that’s how good it was! This non-alcoholic drink was definitely a treat to my tastebuds. I was drawn to the bright red colour of this drink, which also surprisingly tasted quite like sour candy!

 

Green Edge (4/5)

Just as the name suggests, this drink definitely has an edge to it! This drink was a great mocktail for the evening with the fusion of citrus and mint with bubbly Sprite. The bright green colour of the drink made it very appealing to the eyes as well.

 

Thuna Paha Sunrise (4/5)

This drink is definitely for people who love fruity flavours and that pulpy texture – because, with each sip you take, it gives a strong flavour and consistency of pineapple. This drink indeed looked like a sunrise, with a lovely orange ombre effect.

 

Ambience

The smooth breeze by the lake, accompanied by the sound of music and dance inside the restaurant, created the perfect atmosphere for the evening.

No doubt that Thuna Paha is a great place to bring the family and indulge in some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and culture. If you have any little children, they’ll definitely be intrigued and entertained the entire evening by the array of cultural performances. There is never a dull moment in sight. Moreover, the staff is at your side to offer help with whatever you need. Their friendly personalities make you feel right at home. Winston, the manager, in particular, was very helpful and lively the entire evening.

The entire experience was like stepping into the good old days when everything was calm and relaxed. From the authentic dishes to the yummy drinks, it is safe to say that a Friday night at Thuna Paha was definitely a night to remember.

 

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