Known for being at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s culinary scene and for its dedication to serving fresh produce, Nihonbashi is a restaurant with an international mindset. Founded 20 years ago by Dharshan Munidasa who is of mixed Japanese and Sri Lankan heritage, the restaurant has not only served consistently excellent authentic Japanese food, but has continued to go from strength to strength. In a country where too often restaurants are happy to imitate a pre-existing model, Nihonbashi has always tried to do something a little less conventional.

This June, Nihonbashi crosses another milestone as it marks two decades of serving over a million guests. The restaurant has continued to grow from strength to strength and has served consistent excellent Japanese food since its inception. It is for these high standards that Nihonbashi has been invited to cook on multiple occasions in countries such as Dubai, Maldives, and India. Expressing his thoughts on the 20th anniversary, Dharshan Munidasa said, “We are very proud to stand 20 years old today and we have had the privilege and honour to receive many accolades over the years. Over the years, the team at Nihonbashi have gone from strength to strength thanks to your patronage and belief in us and we look forward to a greater future and bigger things for Nihonbashi.”

Nihonbashi intercepts Japan grade export tuna (European grade tuna not being of sufficient quality) before it is sent to the famous Tsukiji fish market in Japan, a fact which has drawn the attention of Hong Kong’s Crave magazine. Not only does Nihonbashi provide authentically prepared Japanese classics, but also pushes the envelope to create new and exciting dishes and combinations of flavours. The Karapincha Tempura is one of many dishes unique to Nihonbashi. It exemplifies the bridging of two cultures signified in the restaurant’s name (Nihonbashi means ‘Japan Bridge’) in taking Sri Lanka’s traditional curry leaf and frying it in a typically Japanese tempura batter.

To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, Nihonbashi is offering a special Anniversary Bento Box that consists of Maguro Sashimi, Shake Aburi Sushi, Agedashi Tofu, Yasai Gomae, Tensabi Temaki, Chawanmushi, Miso Soup and Gohan for the months of June and July. Additionally enjoy a 20% discount from June 28 to July 3. Both the Anniversary Bento Box and the 20% offer are exclusively available at the Main Restaurant (Honten).

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe