Housed in a quaint surrounding, Colombo’s newest Indian restaurant is definitely something worth boasting about. The restaurant, which goes by the name Navayuga, has been up and running for a few months now. A reputed Indian hotelier Mr. M. Chakravarthy who has several years of experience in the hospitality industry in India owns Navayuga. Having paid Navayuga a visit, the Food Factor claims that this restaurant indeed serves the best butter paneer in Colombo in addition to the most deliciously sweet carrot halwa with little pieces of almonds and nuts.

The restaurant’s focus is to serve quality authentic Indian food to its patrons. The menu varies from South Indian to North Indian favourites depending on what type of Indian you’d like to fill your tummy with. A range of thalis dominates a single page on the menu, which are quite an ideal option for lunch. Choose to feast on hot and crispy ulundu vadai and sambar or chutney before your main course. Or tandoori chicken tikka with crispy parata.

Popular favourites at Navayuga include mutton dum biryani, which is the most delicious when paired with a chicken chettinaad curry. However, in all honesty, the true star at the restaurant is the paneer makhani (butter paneer) curry. Soft paneer cooked in a buttery gravy with delicate and lightly spicy flavours, this dish is a winner. I’d recommend an order of butter naan to go with it.

Other items on the menu feature a range of seafood, meat and poultry dishes, each one an Indian delicacy. Dessert is an equally important affair at Navayuga. Serving extra sweet gulab jamun, one must ensure that you are not too full for it. Feast on warm, comforting carrot halwa or badam kheer. Navayuga will be introducing homemade kulfi to the menu soon so do pay them a visit for lunch or dinner and allow your taste buds to be tickled with the flavours of India.

Apart from the cuisine, Navayuga stands out when it comes to its dining atmosphere. Each table features colourful Indian spices and selected lentils in separate cases in the table. And of course, no one will leave Navayuga without remembering the distinct spicy aroma in the restaurant. Navayuga is open everyday for lunch and dinner from 11AM to 11PM. They are located at No.09, Abdul Gaffoor Mawatha, Colombo 03. 

By Sarah Kellapatha

Photos by Waruna Wanniarachchi