Sudharshan Veg promises to serve you authentic Indian food. It has a variety of both North and South dishes. It opened its doors on Monday the 16th of May. 

The restaurant failed to make a good first impression as it was hosting a TV show that was doing a live recording in the main dining area. Despite that, the owner Mr. Thushan Habeeb and his colleague Dr. Firoz Jamshedji found the time to host us. 

Speaking to Life Online; they both emphasized the lack of a good restaurant that serves authentic Indian food in Sri Lanka, which in turn inspired Mr. Thushan to open Sudharshan Veg. Dr. Firoz, being an Indian restaurant veteran himself offers his guidance in the kitchen department. He also spoke to us about how the interior and layout of the restaurant was done in keeping with their Vasthu beliefs. 

Food and Value for money – 4.5/5 

We first tried two mocktails on their menu. The Pomo & Basil Vojito (Rs.465) and the Green Apple on the Rocks (375). The beverages were a little too sweet for our palate but we found it to be worth for the price and refreshing as it was served chilled. It also took them more than an hour to serve the beverage. (It may have been delayed, as they were busy with the recording.) 

We were then served the salad (Rs.300), which we found to be overpriced and disappointing. But it was followed with an appealing main course. Had the food been served whilst it was still hot it would have tasted better. 

The highlight for me was the Subzi Dum Biriyani (Rs.565) served with Butter Masala Paneer (Rs.595) and Dhal Makani (Rs.555). It was absolutely delicious and the portions were big enough for two. 

They also served us three other side dishes which comprised Veg Seekh Kebab (Rs. 475), the Thawa Wali Subzi (Rs. 575) and the Lasooni Panner Tikka (Rs. 545). They were all unique and quite tasty as promised. 

The main course was followed by Phirini (Rs. 285), a dessert which was light and delicious and the perfect end to the meal. 

Parking & Facilities– 5/5 

The restaurant also has a conference room, family rooms and a spacious garden that has the capacity to host around 50 people. There is also ample parking space. 

Mr. Thushan also spoke to Life Online about his favourite aspect of the restaurant. They hope to open a counter that will serve breakfast packs from 6 to 10 a.m., which will include famous Indian dishes like Idly, thosai and poori. They will be priced the same for convenience and will be similar to a drive through. The counter will also serve the same in the evening from 3.30 to 6.30 p.m. The idea, he said was inspired by his own family front whose likes vary greatly. 

If you want to indulge in some delicious vegetarian Indian food make your way to Sudharshan Veg located at No. 08, Frankfort Place, Colombo 04. They are open every day from 11am to 11pm and can be contacted on (011) 4 801 901, for any inquiries and reservations. 

By Jithendri Gomes 
Photographs by Nisal Baduge