There’s something about Kandy’s crisp evening air that makes a good meal even better. Maybe it’s the mist rolling over the hills, the cool breeze carrying the scent of rain, or just the way the city slows down after dusk. Either way, Hideout Lounge Kandy proved to be the perfect place to settle in for a night of good food, great company, and a little indulgence.

Tucked away near Kandy Lake, Hideout Lounge feels like a secret escape—one that balances laid-back charm with an energy that keeps you lingering long after your meal. Founder Lankanath Don puts it best: “We wanted to create a space that didn’t feel like Kandy, where people could truly relax, connect, and enjoy.” And it delivers. The bohemian interiors, warm wooden accents, and soft ambient lighting make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem, one that just happens to serve up some of the best food (and cocktails) in town.

The evening kicked off with a house-made ginger beer, supposedly a grandma’s recipe. It was refreshing, though I found myself wishing for a stronger ginger punch. But that was quickly forgotten once the snacks arrived. The Jack or Breadfruit Bombs were golden, crispy bites of deep-fried joy, served with a spicy pumpkin purée that added just the right kick. Then came the Loaded Manioc, a dangerously addictive mix of cassava chips, cheese sauce, and ghost pepper salsa—perfect for those who like a little heat with their crunch. And, of course, the Chicken Karaage, crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, paired with a chilli treacle mayo that had everyone at the table double-dipping. The verdict? Every single one of these was a fan favourite, with plates being scraped clean in record time.

When it came to mains, I went for the Mango Coconut Prawns. The Sri Lankan-style prawns, cooked shell-on, were hearty and packed with flavour, but the real star was the pol sambol on the side—fiery, fresh, and the perfect complement to the dish. The biggest surprise of the night, however, was the Homemade Hummus with Prawns. I’ve never been particularly excited about pairing hummus with seafood, but this changed my mind. The creamy chickpea base with chilli-garlic prawns on top? Unexpected but absolutely brilliant.

Then came the Snapper with Mango-Pineapple Salsa, which brought a bit of island flair to the hills. It’s always ironic how some of the country’s freshest seafood finds its way to the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, but you won’t hear me complaining. The snapper was perfectly cooked, its skin crisp, and the salsa? A burst of ripe mango sweetness, a little citrus tang, and a whole lot of balance.

By the time dessert rolled around, I was pretty full but couldn’t resist digging into the Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream—a classic, warm, gooey, and deeply satisfying. But the real winner was the Coconut Crumble & Salted Pineapple Ice Cream, a little scoop of tropical heaven that tasted like pure island indulgence.

Kandy may be known for its historic charm and scenic beauty, but Hideout Lounge adds something different to the mix—an effortlessly cool space where food, drink, and atmosphere come together seamlessly. Whether you’re dropping by for a casual drink, a late-night bite, or a full-blown feast, it’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back. And on a cool Kandy night, there’s really nowhere else you’d rather be.