(Story and photos by Rushana Anosh, a Sri Lankan food blogger based in the UAE)
DUBAI: With over 250,000 Sri Lankans living in the United Arab Emirates, more and more Sri Lankan restaurants have opened in the Gulf Arab state with a few of them even setting up shop amid the pandemic to serve their compatriots.
The Sri Lankan restaurants cater to different tastes and different budgets, allowing customers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of culinary delights, from weekend buffets to special breakfasts, yellow rice combo to lamprais. and not to forget the short eats, from malu paan to kimbula bunis.
Chef Lanka is one of the oldest Sri Lankan restaurants in the UAE, having opened their first restaurant in Dubai, the gastronomy hub of the region and home to cuisines from different countries and cultures, while Lucky Star Restaurant, which opened its doors in October 2020 in Sharjah is the latest addition to the many Sri Lankan eateries in the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
CHEF LANKA
One of the oldest Sri Lankan family restaurants, famous for their Saturday rice and curry buffet, they also have a variety of bakery products and special dinner dishes. Over the years they have definitely maintained high standards in food and customer service. The restaurant in Karama in Dubai has beautiful Sri Lankan inspired interior with painting and masks. An ideal spot for a get-together with family and friends.
Location: Al Karama and Al Quoz, Dubai & Al Nahda, Sharjah
Tel: 04 3353050
THUSHANIS
Known for their perfectly delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry, Thushanis’ weekend special is truly a treat. Rice and curry wrapped in banana leaf with real Sri Lankan flavours is a must to try. They also have a variety of dinner items and healthy breakfast options.
Location: Discovery Gardens, Dubai & Al Nahda, Sharjah
Tel: 04 4539996
FOOD SHACK
Apart from the traditional Sri Lankan food served to diners, Food Shack’s key focus is catering to high demand from office workers. Hence, the restaurant is busy handling daily deliveries to offices.
Location: Morocco Cluster, International City, Dubai
Tel: 04 3683001
THAMBAPANNI
The restaurant is conveniently located in the food court of Lulu Hypermarket, Al Barsha, and serves Sri Lankan rice and curry and snacks.
Location: Al Barsha, Dubai & Al Nahda, Sharjah
Tel: 058 5817453, 058 5717453
ARALIYA RESTAURANT
Another restaurant that has been around for several years in Dubai, this eatery too serves a variety of traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner. Araliya Restaurant has moved to a new and easily accessible location just opposite City Centre Al Shindagha.
Location: Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tel: 050 2865003, 054 7090176
AL SHAM KING
Located in a quiet corner of Al Rashidiya in Dubai, this restaurant serves a wide range of Sri Lankan dishes and snacks.
Location: Al Rashidiya, Dubai
Tel: 04 2858171
LUCKY STAR RESTAURANT
Opened in October 2020, Lucky Star has quickly become a hotspot for Sri Lankan cuisine, especially for their fast-moving lamprais, which is available on Fridays, and extensive dinner items.
Location: Al Qasimiya, Sharjah
Tel: 052 3644588
COLOMBO BAKERY
Launched in Ajman in 2000, Colombo Bakery has opened a branch in Al Qulaya’ah in Sharjah. True to its name Colombo Bakery specialises in bakery products and snacks but also provides lunch and dinner.
Location: Industrial Area 1, Ajman and Al Qulaya’ah, Sharjah
Tel: 06 7439186 050 3864249
AL KHALAF
Serves traditional Sri Lankan dishes throughout the day and until closing time at 11.30pm
Location:Rolla, Sharjah
Tel: 06 5613553
MIAMIX RESTAURANT
Having launched their first restaurant in Al Nahda in Sharjah, Miamix has expanded with two branches in Dubai due to popular demand for their extensive range of Sri Lankan food.
Location: Al Nahda and Satwa, Dubai & Al Nahda, Sharjah
Tel:054 4226626, 06 5256677
You may follow Rushana Anosh on Instagram or visit her website for recipes and food reviews.
