Tucked away in the charming Park Street Mews, ‘Chambers’ is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with dishes that are works of art, bursting with rich flavours. Prepare to embark on a colourful flavour adventure through the world of Middle Eastern cuisine! Chambers has a fascinating family legacy. Inspired by two decades of living in the Middle East, the owners transformed their grandfather’s law chambers in Galle Fort into a vibrant Middle Eastern restaurant named ‘Chambers’ in 2015. This passion project continues with a second branch at Park Street Mews, carrying that heritage forward.  The menu at Chambers features a curated selection of popular Moroccan, Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes, each crafted using fresh ingredients and spices sourced directly from the Middle East.

Ambience

Chambers dazzles with colourful hand-picked Moroccan plates, intricate lamps, and vibrant artwork, transporting you to the heart of the Middle East. It is a calm, peaceful and beautiful space.

Art on a plate Mezzes (appetizers)

Chambers surprised me! The food was so beautifully presented, it looked like art on a plate. For a moment, I almost forgot to dig in and just admired the artistry. The menu at Chambers is quite interesting and exciting. While brief descriptions are provided, the friendly staff is happy to guide you through your options, so that you choose the perfect meal for your taste. I started off with the Hummus (Rs. 990) that comes with crispy fresh Arabic bread. The Hummus was classic, light and fresh. Generously drizzled with olive oil and a rich tahini flavour, it was the perfect combo with the warm and fresh Arabic bread.

The Muhammara (Rs.1400) was an explosion of flavour in every bite. You could really taste the tangy, rich, smoky flavours all coming together beautifully with the fluffy Arabic bread. I particularly loved the textural contrast between the creamy dip and the pop of pomegranate seeds, it was a delight. This dish is a must-try, you don’t want to miss out on this.

Next up, the Cheese Sambousek (Rs. 1220). This is a traditional Lebanese fried pastry, filled with a blend of cheese and spices. It comes with a delicious and fiery harrara sauce. The sambousek itself was fantastic but that sauce steals the show. Definitely try it out when you visit Chambers. The Musakhan Rolls (Rs.1550) were delicious. These crispy Palestinian delicacies come with a filling of sumac spiced chicken and pine nuts. The creamy dip complements the flavours perfectly.

Most of the Mezzes are vegan, making Chambers a vegan’s dream come true.  Another standout main dish is the Nurbanu Sultan Kebab Half Platter (Rs. 5300). This platter features a trio of perfectly grilled kebabs, tender Turkish chicken, badhnjan kebab (eggplant and mutton), and classic chicken kebab. All juicy and bursting with flavour thanks to the deep and complex spices. It’s served with a refreshing salad and crispy fries, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

The Tagines (Mains)

You can experience Moroccan tradition at Chambers with their Tagines. It is a stew, slow-cooked in aromatic spices and presented in beautiful, intricately painted clay pots, just like they’ve been enjoyed for generations. Be prepared to be wowed! The Apricot Tagine (Rs.2400) is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The succulent chicken infused with rich spices and the sweet tang of apricots tastes exceptional.

The Harissa Tagine (Rs. 2080) lives up to its reputation as one of Chambers’ most popular dishes. This fiery creation delivers on all fronts. It has a unique spicy flavour (thanks to the special Harissa spice) and a depth of taste that explodes in every bite. No wonder it’s a crowd favourite! Chambers offers an array of Tagines with the option of rice pilaf or couscous, featuring Mutton & Chickpea Tagine, Zucchini Tagine, Seafood Tagine and Chicken with Preserved Lemon Tagine. Which one will you choose? 

Drinks

The drinks are just as colourful as the food! The Blue Lagoon (Rs.980) is a cool, bright blue drink made with pineapple and blue curaçao, perfect for a hot day. Equally refreshing is the Black Knock (Rs. 790), a bubbly mix of lime, black currant syrup, and Sprite.

Dessert

My absolute favourite part of the evening was the desserts. The Baklava (Rs.1300) is flaky layers of phyllo pastry filled with nuts soaked in sugar syrup. It was my first time trying this and I loved every bite of it. The Mahalabiya (Rs.800) is an absolute star. It is a creamy milk pudding infused with orange blossom water with a sprinkle of pistachios and rose petals. This was so good, it’s practically addictive. A definite must-try.

Service

The team at Chambers shines just as brightly as their food. The friendly team took the time to explain each dish’s speciality, guiding me through the menu with helpful recommendations. Overall I loved every minute I spent at Chambers. Got me planning a trip to Galle just to check out the place where it all started and try Mahalabiya in Galle Fort. The experience was a symphony of colour, flavour and Middle Eastern charm. Truly a feast for the senses.  

By Jessica Mathiasz

PIX BY: KUSHAN PATHIRAJA