Arts
A place to hang out with a plateful of delicious roti
A cosy cafe to share some good food. Pix by Amila Gamage
The Roti Cafe by the Travelling KOMBI was a result of the owners’ love of roti. Having done some research, they found that although roti was ranked third as a staple food in Sri Lanka there were almost no specialist roti cafes or restaurants that sold roti in an environment where it was possible to simply ‘hangout’. They trialled their idea for six months by participating in many food festivals and opened their first cafe in July 2018.
The Roti Cafe at 78A, Pamankada Road, Kirulapone is a small, cosy cafe with a great atmosphere for family gatherings, meetups with friends and even has a seperate room to host private events such as baby showers or bridal showers. It can seat 16 people outside and 12 inside. Its vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by regular open mic nights and they are also hoping to hold quizz nights, game nights and be a venue where it is possible to come and watch sporting events on a big screen. Open for lunch from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. and for dinner from 4.30 p.m. – 10 p.m., it is closed on Mondays. A night out at the cafe will cost between Rs. 500 and Rs.1500 for a main, side and drink per person. There are meal deals available for events (a drink and selected items for a set price).
Started by a group of family and friends, the service is warm, friendly and genuine. Dilumi Athauda handles service and always has a smile on her face. Anyone who walks into the Roti Cafe is free to ask her for recommendations on what to order or what rotis to pair with certain fillings; they have paratas, naan, godamba and tortillas.
Tashia Careem is responsible for the delicious recipes. Cooking has always been a great love and she has experimented with different flavour combinations and food for family and friends. The Hot Butter Mushroom Roti (Rs.340) is a family favourite and has become a bestseller along with the Sweet Chili Chicken (Rs.390).
Dilumi Athauda
Tashia Careem
There is also a choice of drinks from mocktails to milkshakes to hot beverages ranging between Rs.100 and Rs.480. The menu can be found on their Instagram and Facebook pages and their food can be delivered through Pickme, Foodie.ik, Eatts or directly from the restaurant.
The decor is very modern and keeps with the intention of the partners to be environmentally friendly; all of the wooden tables and chairs are made from pallet wood or reclaimed wood. The furniture has been made by Tashia’s husband who is interested in DIY . There are books, games and children’s toys on a shelf for anyone looking to curl up with a book and relax or entertain their children.
Tashia and Dilumi’s hope is to expand to Galle and Kandy one day.