Thanks to Cafe Kumbuk, the new kid on the block and the latest addition to Colombo's cafe scene, healthy eating has never felt better! They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients as well as seasonal and organic produce whenever they can. 

Still in its infancy (only a week old at the time of this tasting), Cafe Kumbuk, a project of Shana Dandeniya sits smack in the middle of Horton Place. Situated on the ground floor of a striking heritage building that is also home to Prana Lounge, Cafe Kumbuk is a space with a minimalistic design that is tinted with an unmistakably Sri Lankan vibe. Interspersed with the personalized touches of owner Shana, the quirky and chill space makes for a great ambience that is very welcoming. 

As we placed our order at the counter, we absolutely loved that the kitchen was open and the workstations clean and tidy. Hygiene is truly underrated, and this transparency afforded us some relief about the cleanliness of the food we were eating. 

We started off with the Ceylon Punch (Rs. 300). The drink came in a bamboo cup with a reusable steel straw which we thought was pretty cool. The whole look ties in with what Cafe Kumbuk is all about. The smoothie was very refreshing (more so on a warm day!!) and was supplemented by the perfect marriage of flavours. While the narang dominates initially, the other flavours (especially that of the coconut water and mint) surface gradually with subsequent sips. 

We tried the Fattoush Salad (Rs. 600) next, which came in a fairly large portion coupled with sesame bread, salad and hummus. While we thought the texture was generally pretty good for both the hummus and the salad, they were both a little too salty for our liking. 

Our main, Malu Malu (Rs. 900), consisted of pan-fried tuna fish with lemon potato salad and a mint yoghurt dressing. The fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The potatoes tasted a little bit bland, but eaten with the salad and fish, the flavours balanced and worked pretty well. 

Our dessert, the Key Lime Pie definitely lived up to the hype and tasted amazing. The lime wasn't overpowering, and worked perfectly with the condensed milk. The pie itself was very light and the sprinkle of lime zest added some texture, as did the biscuit base. 

Overall, the food tasted pretty good (especially considering they are still finding their groove, having been in operation for a mere week), presentation was great and portion sizes were generous with good value for money. Although their menu is concentrated, it does include vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. They also introduce new items to their menu based on the seasonal produce available at the time. 

In sum, Cafe Kumbuk is an ideal place for a relaxed rendezvous with family and friends. 

Ambience: 4.5/5
Food: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5 

By Rihaab Mowlana 
Photographs by Indraratne Balasuriya