Just a short drive from Anuradhapura, on the A9 road (more specifically Welioya, Rambewa), is the charming little eatery, Nelum Kole Bath Kade.
We happened to stumble upon this little treasure on route to Mullaitivu a few months back and I must say, I have been wanting to head that way just to dig into their delicious deep fried Wevu Maalu (fresh water fish) with paan piti (wheat flour) String Hoppers, Dhal Curry and Coconut Sambol served on a Nelum Kole (the leaf of the Nelum flower), all this washed down with some sweet ginger tea!
The food is served buffet style, in clay pots. The curries vary from day to day and the two days we ate from there we had the options of Rice, String Hoppers, Hoppers and Pittu along with Fish Curry as well and Deep Fried – fresh water fish of course, Dhal Curry, Coconut Sambol, Brinjal Curry, Bonchi (Green Beans) Curry and Boiled Egg Salad.
There are also a few local sweetmeats like Lavariya (String Hoppers stuffed with Pani Pol ie coconut with spices and treacle), Wandu Appa (steamed mixture of rice flour with coconut water), Thala Guli (Sesame Rolls) and Kevum (Oil Cakes).
Upon having a brief chat with Bandula, the cheerful owner of this quaint establishment, I was made to understand that he only uses the freshest of produce. And this is quite evident upon tasting the reasonably priced food.
One has the option of eating outside under a shady tree while viewing the once closed A9 Road or on little wooden benches inside.
While the food does take centre stage, I must say that the service is wonderful as well. The friendly ladies who serve you are always with a smile, which is a refreshing change from the rushed service you may experience in some of the kades.
The popularity of the Nelum Kole Bath Kade is evident with the number of people stopping over to have their meals there or even have them in take away packs.
So if you do head toward the north or even to Anuradhapura and want to try out something uniquely Sri Lankan, head towards Bandula’s Nelum Kole Bath Kade and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
By Natasha Fernandopulle
Pics by Kanishke Ganewatte
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0 Comments
Tharun gunawardene says:
Jul 26, 2013 at 12:00 amLovely photos
Natasha says:
Aug 21, 2013 at 12:00 amThanks Tharun!