Tired of eating the same old Chinese or Indian food? Make your way to Casa Colombo situated in Colombo 04. They opened the first Mexican restaurant in Colombo named ‘Mex.’ They are open from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. with an open bar till 11 p.m. 

Ambience - 5/5 

What I love most about this place is its interior. Casa Colombo built during the British reign is more than 200 years old. The restaurant ‘Mex’ is situated in their main dining area and was opened only a month ago. When I saw the menu I knew we were in for a treat! You have to place your order in 3 steps. First you have to pick your base which can be soft or crisp nachos, burritos, rice etc. Then you pick your filling and finally a salsa. 

Food and Value For Money - 4.5/5 

We were first served with drinks - an orange juice (Rs.450) and a papaya juice (Rs.350). Mexico is famous for their Tequila and ‘Mex’ also has its own bar with a variety. They prepared a Tequila Sunrise cocktail (Rs.650) for us and the menu includes many more cocktails and shooters all of which are tequila based. 

We were then served with two starters which consisted of Corn Chips with Sour Cream, Guacamole and Pico De Gallo (Rs.450) and Stuffed Capsicum with Jalapeno Peppers, Mozzarella and Creamy Cheese, both of which were equally delicious. 

Chef Dimuthu then prepared six different main courses for us. He first served us with the Crispy Tacos served with Baja Style Crab Meat and Mango and Pineapple Salsa (Rs. 1170) and then served with Soft Tacos served with Cochinita Pibil (slow cooked pork) and Fire Roasted Tomato and Chipotle Salsa (Rs.995). Both dishes were taco based main courses and they struck a perfect balance with the spiciness of the filling and the freshness of the salsa. 

The Quesadillas with Tex Mex Char Grilled Chicken and Green Tomato and Jalapeno Salsa (Rs. 1350) and Nachos that were served with Tex Mex Char Grilled Chicken with Green Tomato and Jalapeno Salsa (Rs.1850) were the next dishes served. We particularly enjoyed them as the filling was delicious! 

The Mexican Rice and Beans served with Carne De Asada (Beef) and Pico De Gallo Salsa (Rs.1475) was the next dish. By then we complained saying we were stuffed and couldn’t eat anymore! Chef Dimuthu assured us saying that he wanted us to taste only one more main dish, which was Enchiladas served with Vegetable De La Cruz and a Mango and Pineapple salsa (Rs.1200) He had even prepared a Salad Bowl (Rs.950) for us. 

Hospitality and Friendliness of Staff - 5/5 

What made this experience even more special is that with every dish that was served Chef Dimuthu shared with us about its history, the specialty of the ingredients and spices used and how he carefully prepares the dish. He ensured that the meat used in the dishes are marinated for more than 24 hours and then slow cooked to get the best Mexican flavour. 

Finally we were served with 3 kinds of dessert! The Passion Fruit Flan (Rs.450) was by far my most favourite dessert! It was not too sweet and the cream caramel like base with the passion fruit sauce was delicious! They also served us Churros (Rs.600) and Ice Cream with Churro (Rs.690). Both were served with strawberry and hot chocolate dips. By the end of dessert we couldn’t even move! 

Other Information 

‘Mex’ is also introducing Lunch with a set menu for business executives at a price of Rs.1500/= net. This offer is valid from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.  Anyone who dines at the restaurant is also allowed to use the Casa Colombo pool for a swim. 

So if you have a craving for authentic Mexican food you know where to go! The ‘Mex’ offers a wide range of Mexican dishes that are equally good in taste. So make your way to Casa Colombo to enjoy this new restaurant and its yummy food. 

By Jithendri Gomes 
Photographs by Pradeep Dilrukshana