Botanik takes local flavours a notch higher with Michelin star touch
A tropical touch: The decor at Botanik
High above the concrete jungle that is Colombo, sits a rooftop bar with a tropical jungle vibe to it. Botanik, the newest entrant to the Colombo bar scene, is a rooftop bistro and bar at Fairway Colombo in Fort. Conceptualized by the lifestyle company, Cantaloupe & Co, Botanik brings to the table the best of Sri Lanka from the amazing local produce, to a Michelin star chef of Sri Lankan origin, and even the beautiful local flora and fauna by way of decor.
Cantaloupe & Co, which previously owned and operated Clique Lounge and Bar in Colombo, will be moving back into the restaurant scene with Botanik. They’ve chosen to partner with Sri Lankan-born chef Rishi Naleendra who recently was awarded a prestigious Michelin star for his restaurant in Singapore ‘Cheek by Jowl’. Chef Rishi who has worked in some of the best restaurants in Australia and Singapore, is known for his modern Australian cuisine.
With a small yet expertly curated menu, Chef Rishi aims to give diners a contemporary bistro experience on par with those found in Australia. The menu includes such dishes as braised lamb shoulder, roasted mahi mahi, coconut panna cotta, and buffalo curd parfait. Chef Rishi believes in the quality of our local produce and so with the exception of the meat which is imported from Australia, the rest is locally sourced, even the mozzarella made from buffalo milk.
Each dish at Botanik is constructed in a manner which highlights the freshness of the produce and elevates its taste, with the lightest of touches by the chefs, by way of seasoning. The butternut squash puree featured in both the Ricotta Tortellini and the Braised Lamb was silky in texture and delicious. Slightly sweet yet savoury the puree was an example of how simple elements uplift the entire dish. The buffalo Parfait with salted kitul caramel and cashew is the highlight of their dessert selection. Though it may sound like an upscale version of the classic ‘Kiri Pani’, it’s far from that. The dessert alone warrants a visit to the bistro.
The rooftop bistro and bar also features a 34 feet long island bar on its open balcony. With cane furniture and a white and blue tiled bar, the balcony has a somewhat care-free Mediterranean vibe to it. Having had a soft opening last month, Botanik currently has eight signature cocktails that depart from the more traditional mixes, with exciting drinks like the Wasabi vodka cocktail on offer.
Botanik is located on the 6th Floor of Fairway Colombo, No. 7, Hospital Street Colombo 1. For reservations call them on +94 766 445 888 or email then at reservations@botanik.lk.