T R E A T
Having attended a couple of Chef-owner @rishinaleendra’s fundraiser pop-ups in the past where he served his heritage cuisine, I was thrilled when news of him opening a Sri Lankan restaurant broke.
Although now is not the best of times to launch an F&B establishment, Chef Rishi has rolled out @Kotuwa.sg with a pick-up and delivery menu from its temporary premises at @Cloudstreet.sg. His Sri Lankan concept is “live”, aided by the support of the team there too (Cloudstreet happens to be closed during this “Circuit Breaker” period). I for one, thank the heavens for this decision because the food is so immensely enjoyable, it needs to get out there ASAP.
At first bite, I was speechless at the audaciousness of the flavours. A few more and I realised the magic lives in the nuances of the unique blend of spices. Each dish, even the hottest of them, was also well modulated so there was no burning tongue to extinguish.
Here’s a rundown of the meal the team prepared for me:
1. Dallo Baduma ($22) - My favourite of the lot, this featured battered and fried calamari tossed in a savoury and spicy chilli butter.
2. Beetroot Curry ($16) - Never have I had beetroot prepared in a spicy way but here was a stellar rendition redolent in toasted cumin and fresh green chilli.
3. Kaju Curry ($16) - Cashew nuts were cooked till rather soft in the sweetish curry. When chewed, they became wonderfully creamy. So good.
4. Chicken Kottu ($20) - A hearty creation I enjoyed, it featured chicken prata chopped up, and mixed with chicken and vegetables.
5. Dhal Curry ($8) - Made with red lentils and black mustard, this dhal stood out for its body and robust flavour. No insipidness here that’s for sure.
6. Black Pork Curry ($22) - Mildly spicy, the boneless pieces of meat were braised in a thick and fragrant gravy of blackened Sri Lankan spices.
7. Pol Sambol ($8) - Sri Lankan food is meant to be enjoyed with assorted sambols and piquant pickles. To me, the dryish, seasoned grated fresh coconut that is the Pol Sambol was all kinds of wonderful. A little went a long way with this dynamite.
8. Seeni Sambol ($8) - A Sri Lankan style of caramelised onion relish, it was perfect for when the urge to sweeten a spoonful of food arose.
9. Wambatu Moji ($8) - Though nowhere as sharp as achar, the pickled eggplant brought on subtle brightness.
10. Beef Rolls ($12 for 2 pcs) - The large bolsters were crumbed pan rolls stuffed with spiced beef so there was a crunch-and-cushion thing going on.
11. Crab Cutlets ($12 for 4 pcs) - A slightly spicy, moist filling of Blue Swimmer crab was the star in the round Sri Lankan-style croquettes.
12. Malu Pan ($12 for 2 pcs) - Loved these soft milk buns stuffed with spiced fish brandade. I could snack on them anytime.
13. Yellow Jasmine Rice - No better carb than this to pair with all the above dishes.
14. Chocolate Biscuit Pudding ($12) - The only dessert in the menu (for now I assume), it has Marie biscuits layered with Valrhona chocolate parfait and topped with candied orange.
If you are keen to try any the above and more, please go to:
https://kotuwa.com.sg
