We were a family who rarely ate from out, as my mum was and still is someone who promotes homecooked food be it rice and curry, cakes and desserts or short eats. There was a short list of food items which were not homemade, that we were allowed to indulge in as kids, and among them was the Nippon Mutton Rolls from Hotel Nippon. So naturally, we had to give them a try.
“Hotel Nippon has been around for a while. In fact, I believe it was one of the first five hotels in Sri Lanka amongst the likes of The Grand Oriental Hotel, The Galle Face Hotel and The Grand in Nuwara Eliya,” says Vishnu V. Vethody, Director, Hotel Nippon (Pvt.) Ltd. He goes on to add, “Even though a lot has changed since its inception, and even though the initial theme and food styles may have altered over time, there's one thing that has remained rock solid and unchanged – the recipe of our Nippon Rolls. Especially the Nippon Mutton Rolls.” Vishnu says hearing about the stories in relation to the rolls over the last few weeks have been overwhelming, “People get absolutely nostalgic and swear that the first bite of the Mutton Roll just takes them decades back into their past, to one of their fondest memories.”
The hotel which has remained with Vishnu’s family for decades is also preserved by the Archaeology Department as a ‘Heritage Building’ and has undergone a massive facelift to bring it back to its former glory while also revamping its image and bringing in the customers of old and welcoming in the new. The hotel is home to The KAFÉ which in turn, is home to the famous Nippon Rolls. In time to come, they will be introducing Kerala street eats at the café.
Taste and value for money - Nippon Mutton Roll (5 stars)
Among their current range of pan rolls are Mutton (Rs. 140), Beef (Rs. 110), Fish (Rs. 80) and Vegetable (Rs. 60). The first bite of the Mutton Roll and I was transported back to my childhood and I was teary eyed! Packed with meat and not a piece of potato in sight, it was everything it was then! They have stayed true to the filling in terms of flavour while the pancake helps enhance and lock in the flavour of these deep fried goodies.
Taste and value for money - Other items (4.5 stars)
The KAFÉ has expanded their menu to include a Tuna Melt (Rs. 300), Chicken Bechamel (Rs. 200) and a Spicy Tandoori Wrap with Chicken (Rs. 300). Just like their rolls, these too are packed with meat and are extremely delicious. The soft breads are baked in house while the Chicken Bechamel stays true to its title by being creamy and delicious while the hint of mint in the wrap gives it a real wow factor.
Another favourite of ours was their Sausage Bun (Rs. 200), mind you, this isn’t your ordinary sausage bun as the bun is thin and glossy while the large sausage is the real star. They also dish out a decent Mini Chicken Pizza (Rs. 150).
Don’t forget to give their pack of Kerala Kokis (Rs. 350) a try and wash it down with a yummy Iced Coffee (Rs. 200).
The desserts are all priced at Rs. 220 of which our pick was the Blueberry Baked Cheesecake. It is easily one of the simplest yet delicious baked cheesecakes you can find, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet and a healthy serving of blueberries it really is a good deal.
Unlike the usual dry sponge cakes, these guys serve up a moist Opera Cake with a light cream and strong hints of coffee, while their Chocolate Fudge Cake (Rs. 220) is commendable. Their Oreo "Kiri" Cake is said to be a best seller but was sadly unavailable for tasting. The KAFÉ also serves delectable Macaroons (Rs. 70 per piece) sandwiched with chocolate cream.
Toilets - 5 stars
Friendly staff - 5 stars
Parking - 4 stars
Address: 123, Kumaran Ratnam Road, Colombo 2
Tel: 011-243-1888
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.kafe.nippon/ and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Nippon/213659545326306?
Instagram: the.kafe.nippon
Photographs by Kanishke Ganewatte
7 Reviews
Amara Ranabahu says:
Nov 16, 2016 at 11:13 pmUnforgettable yum Nippon mutton rolls!!!keep the flavor! keep it going! I'll be there when I get back to Sri-Lanka and introduse it to all my friends too.great news! Best Wishes Hotel Nippon!
Malithi says:
Nov 16, 2016 at 11:47 pmA great disappointment. Is there no one presently at Nippon who really remembers the taste, the smell, the size and the shape of the rolls that were so popular , in the day? Nippon sure has to take more interest in putting out something at least close to the original product. Further, the pricing is absurd. Rs. 140/- for a small mutton pan roll? And Rs. 110/- for a beef roll? Crazy!! 5 stars for value for money? What nonsense!
Anton says:
Nov 18, 2016 at 09:40 amI too agree.The size of the mutton rolls has become smaller and the price has gone higher. This is absurd. I still remember during my school days we used to love them and the taste was simply awesome. Anyone who has tasted the earlier Mutton Rolls will not say its the same and better now. Dear Nippon Don't disappoint your old customers.
Sangaralingham says:
Nov 18, 2016 at 10:28 amEverything changes price of meat labour all up so product smaller price higher. All must include labour. Make your pancake cook your meat beef mutton favourite to your taste .,my wife cook dry lamb or beef place it in the pancake. Roll it carefully.fry and freze or eat and enjoy.taste differ but good. I had it for snack lunch share it with beer tea juice
Sonali says:
Nov 19, 2016 at 08:11 amI totally agree with Malithi. Took my mom so she could tell me if the roll tasted the same as when she had it in her younger days. She was pretty mad at the taste, size and price. Had to calm her down cos' she was going to give them a piece of her mind.
I used to come to nippon as far back as 1960 to ha says:
Nov 20, 2016 at 04:36 amI now live in Canada I have not been to Nippon since 1974 I wish you all good luck Nimal Attapattu
Raj Sridharan says:
Nov 22, 2016 at 11:30 amI went on the day the kafe opened for business with a friend Mr. Farman Cassim. I live in Australia and have not had the Nippon rolls for the past 3o years. As a youngster i used to frequently visit and enjoy the mutton rolls. the taste is the same and i thoroughly enjoyed them during my visit. Cheers