It’s back! That evergreen Green Cabin
Cosy and intimate: Bringing back the ambience of the old familiar restaurant
Since its inception in 1884, Green Cabin had been a favourite spot for countless Sri Lankans spanning five generations; so there was collective dismay when the restaurant in its original form shut down on July 31, last year. Everyone had their favourite dish, from their hot hot hoppers to Lamprais to their ultra popular Pineapple Gateau that the older generation still rave about. A beloved part of Sri Lankan food culture, the news that the old Green Cabin has reopened, albeit in a new place, will have many rejoicing.
Turn right onto Visaka Road from Duplication Road (just before the original House of Fashion), go down until you’re just about to hit Galle Road and there it is — the familiar sign beckoning you to Cyril Rodrigo’s Green Cabin.
With the newly relocated and refurbished restaurant, Green Cabin aims to elevate their dining experience with a whole new ambience that sets diners at ease and makes them feel at home. What better location for a homely atmosphere than a 100-year-old house, converted to suit a restaurant setting but without losing that relaxed feeling.
Stepping across the threshold feels like visiting an old friend, and diners are greeted by the hustle of the open air action kitchen on the right, where chefs prepare local favourites like kottu, godhamba rotis, and charming flower-shaped hoppers with skill and flair. From there, diners can choose to sit at tables that are indoors, in an inner courtyard or ‘meda midula’, or in a covered patio. Though it feels small and intimate, the restaurant can seat up to 50 pax.
Director and CEO Chirath Devasurendra
It was important not to lose that well-known old world charm, says Director and CEO Chirath Devasurendra, who is part of the fifth generation of the family to continue the proud Green Cabin brand. Many will be familiar with the Green Cabin Restaurant in Kollupitiya, and he tells us this new venture aims to combine that classic experience with a few modern influences at a remarkably low competitive price point.
Most of the recipes go back a hundred or so years, having been passed down through the family. Every family recipe has their own special twist to it, and dishes like Achchi’s Chicken Curry and Seeya’s Beef Jaggery Curry have big hits of flavour and a hint of sweetness that is fairly unique.
Alongside the old favourites are many new and exciting additions to the menu, from bites to mains. The menu is predominantly Sri Lankan in both heritage and flavour profile, from the fresh burst of ocean salt with a hint of spice in the Gratinated Oysters, to the well-seasoned richness of the Lobster Kottu.
All on the menu: From local favourites to exotic oysters
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. for lunch right up to dinner, with two different menus. The lunch menu includes their popular Lamprais with a choice of mutton, chicken or vegetable, as well as a rice and curry set and Kaha Bath with a choice of Black Coconut Pork Curry, Prawn ‘Thel dhala’, Chicken Curry or Cadju Curry.
The bites are a great start to a meal, with timeless dishes like Hot Butter Cuttlefish, Fried Handello, Isso Wade, Stuffed Capsicums and more. They pair well with the eclectic drinks menu, particularly the homemade Ginger Beer, the surprisingly refreshing Karapincha and Lime Twister or the Fresh Caramelised Pineapple Juice.
The dinner menu includes the bites as well as a wide variety of Sri Lankan staples. Pair your hoppers, stringhoppers, pol roti, godhamba roti and more with a selection of curries, like the sumptuous Lagoon Crab Curry. The kottu is a must try, particularly the Prawn Kottu that is bursting with flavour and topped with a huge, perfectly grilled river prawn.
To end the meal on a satisfying note, the menu includes classic desserts like Cream Caramel, the ever popular Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce and Nougat, or the Green Cabin Chocolate Mousse with a soft chocolate base. Round it off with their signature Tin Kiri Tea or Tin Kiri Kopi (or plain tea or coffee if you’re really full), and it’s a surefire hit that’ll have you planning your next visit almost immediately.
Overall, it’s the ideal dining spot for anyone – from families and couples wanting a relaxed dining experience, to groups of friends and the working crowd eager for a good meal on a busy day. Call 0115 501 501 to reserve a table.