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As much as Hong Kong is a world-renowned foodie haven, we don’t seem to have a lot of Sri Lankan cuisine around, and certainly even less that are aesthetically pleasing places to kick back in. It pains us to pass along the news that Hotal Colombo has announced it will be closing at the end of June – though not before throwing a month-long celebration of events in honour of its time in the city.
Located on Elgin Street with a distinctive pink entrance, teal signage, and gold lettering that’s all reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, Hotal Colombo has been knocking about since 2018, headed by one of Black Sheep restaurant group’s OG team members, chef Gisela Alesbrook (or Gizzy to those in the know). Her vision for the restaurant was always to bring the vibrant food culture of Sri Lanka to Hong Kong diners, inspired by the everyday canteens found all over Colombo’s streets known as hotals.
To look back on its success, the restaurant will be hosting a series of special collaborations as well as curating a menu of their most beloved dishes from across the last eight years. All through the month of June, the Greatest Hits Farewell Menu will feature culinary bangers such as their bone marrow varuval with pol roti, crab kothu, hoppers, and more. If you’re not ordering a side of seeni sambol for extra spice and washing it all down with a Ceylon G&T, you’re doing it wrong.
From Monday, June 8, Hotal Colombo will be partnering with Messina to present a special kaffir lime leaf yoghurt gelato, available at the restaurant and both Messina locations in Central and the Peak. Crab Club also makes a comeback on June 10, when chef Gizzy joins hands with chef Teya Mikhael of Maison Libanaise in a feast of hot butter crab with mussels, clams, and Middle Eastern zest.
Crab Club then continues at another four-hands on June 17, this time with chef Archan Chan of Peng Leng Jeng and Ho Lee Fook. They will be presenting a night of Sri Lankan-style black pepper mud crab and steamed Alaskan king crab, all served with chef Archan’s distinctive dai pai dong fieryness. Finally, chef Palash Mitra of the New Punjab Club will take over Hotal Colombo’s kitchen on June 24 for a Michelin-starred tribute to the restaurant, which promises to be a spice-filled affair. All the collaboration nights and special dinners will be priced at $448 per person.
Visit Hotal Colombo’s website to book your spot – spaces are bound to fill up very quickly!
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