What - KIKU Colombo
Where - 32, 01 B, Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha, Colombo 4
When - Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm | Sunday 12 – 6 pm
Who - Jacqueline Samarasinghe
How I visited this place? The WTF Team and friends who are like family, Ryan and Jonny treated me for my birthday here and I fell in love with everything about this place. I can describe everything in one word, SIMPLE. KIKU boasts an absolutely remarkable setting with pastel shaded sofas and the glass open look makes every pic come alive on Instagram.
Located above Shirohana on Dickmans Road, KIKU has a separate entrance. It's super easy to find, and parking is normally not an issue.
I met up with Jacqueline Samarasinghe who is one of the owners and runs it like her pride and joy. You see all that passion on the plate.
The idea to open KiKu came after an inspiring trip to Holland, where Jacque and her partners encountered many flower shop / café / workshop spaces.
WHY?
When I asked her why did it all start, this is what she had to say.
“Initially it started out as an idea for a ‘creative workshop’ studio that would host artistic DIY and floral arranging classes in a beautiful minimal space. There was also a desire to provide a space for educational events and private functions. As time went on however, it evolved into a concept cafe designed for those who appreciate their surroundings and are interested in a fusion inspired menu”
MENU?
Their menu is small and perfectly formed, with Japanese and Scandinavian influences providing a unique and interesting selection of light bites and tasty snacks to eat in or take away. They have Japanese sandos, homemade bagels and a red pom pom dessert on the menu right now. They are expanding it soon.
DRINKS
I found the collection on the beverage menu is fascinating,
It's minimal and they keep flavours subtle and not overpowering. They have tea based sodas made with a soda stream, green tea based cold press juices, classic coffees and KIKU coffees. The tea they use is sourced from a farm outside Kyoto, whereas the coffee comes from South America and is roasted here in Colombo. The bestsellers are berry tea soda with orange and a charcoal latte! A MUST TRY.
All dishes have a nice balance of flavors, but a few have won Colombo’s heart. The best sellers are the Teriyaki Chicken Bagel and the Cucumber Salad with sticky garlic rice and miso soup.
I had the chicken katsu sandoon sourdough and the cucumber salad with sticky garlic rice and miso soup. The dishes are always made with fresh herbs, edible flowers and a selection of vegetables that are sourced from the Shirohana flower farms.
The lady who adds all the fun to the food is a true sweetheart, chef Lakna Thalpawila is super passionate about Japanese cuisine and culture!
She and Jacqueline schooled at Wycherley International School together. She obtained a culinary arts degree from Sunrise Global Chef Academy in Singapore after which she got the chance to work at a fine dining grill and bar thereafter working at fine dining establishments in Colombo. Her passion for food is very visible in the flavours on the plate.
You can call on 0771087123 and place an order for takeaway or pick it up. Or you can just enjoy the place and dine in. Simple and tasteful
Photographs and video by – you’re my favorite
Hair and Make up – Capello Salons
Dressed – Licc
Look by – Double XL
0 Comments