Check in to the Hotal Colombo

Masala dosa, sambhar, coconut chutney

MTR pitch

“Genuine flavours of Sri Lanka here in Hong Kong. Aren’t we lucky?! If you want to try something different and you’re craving some heat, Hotal Colombo is the place for you. This clever menu allows you to sample the variety of dishes one can find on the streets of Colombo.”

Rating 5/5

Price point $65-85

Break it down now

For those who have never sampled the delights of Sri Lankan cuisine before, you must visit Hotal Colombo. The waiting staff are ON IT and they can seriously explain exactly what all the dishes are (despite the funny teenage ninja turtle outfits which are trying to be ‘Sri Lankan/street’).

The real talent in the Hotal comes from the kitchen. If you are lucky enough to sit by the pass, you will have quite the show whilst eating your dinner and watching them. They serve comforting flavours from the Indian sub-continent that come hot and quick!

The restaurant is well-geared towards patrons who are new to Sri Lankan tastes (without compromising on the masala), as the clever menu lists a great selection of small taster/tapas size dishes. This allows you to try a bit of everything; and sharing is caring! You won’t regret it. EVERY DISH TASTES WILDLY DIFFERENT.

If you’re a complete virgin to this, we recommend the Idli and Dosa dishes which are served with the hug-in-soup-form sambhar. The Kothu dishes will also knock you for 6; the spice blend is authentic and, if you close your eyes, you can just imagine a street-vendor smashing the ingredients onto their hot plate. It’s like teppanyaki but sooo much better. To be honest, everything on the menu is an experience (even down to the rice which tastes and smells like the fat, wild rice you can feast on in Sri Lanka). Our bill was even served with a refreshing mocktail-shot. Nice touch. Palate cleansed.

So, what are you waiting for? Ah – actually – that reminds us. Hotal Colombo is busy so do go early, pop your name down on the list and come back after a pre-drink elsewhere. Trustttt, it’s worth it.

Asian Pan likes…

  • Chicken Kothu
  • Idli, sambhar, podi, coconut chutney
  • Devilled shrimps

Breakfast at Fineprint, Peel St

Half & Half

MTR pitch

“A bakery, an artisanal coffee bar and a delicious breakfast spot. Three is the magic number for this simple but special coffee joint. Chilled vibes only!”

Rating 5/5

Price point Reasonable for coffee, premium for food

Break it down now

Fineprint coffee is up there with some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Strong, smooth and nutty, caramel tones. Especially when combined with milk. I was impressed with the offering of alt milks too (soy and oat; the two alt milks that go best with coffee in my opinion). If you go, pair your flat white coffee with oat milk and you will not be disappointed.

The breakfast menu is simple but absolutely everything you could possibly want in the morning. Feeling healthy? There is a nude bowl. Feeling sweet? There is a delightful ricotta, blueberry and honey number. Plain toast with vegemite? No problem. My personal favourite is the ‘Half & Half’ toast. One half is fresh, creamy avocado and the other half is a bright and perfectly-seasoned tomato and feta salad. Perfection.

What sets this breakfast apart? What makes it so delicious? The sourdough toast which is baked in-store. Loaves of sourdough bread are also available to take home, along with a selection of sweet bakes and energy bites.

The vibe of the shop is busy but homely. In spite of the edgy, industrial decor, it feels comforting to be surrounded by Fineprint fans who gather together on the large, middle table of the shop much like family around a kitchen island. If the shop is too busy, the ‘porch’ out front is a great place to sip/people watch.

My only criticism…I wish the shop was bigger! This is testament to how popular it is though. I’ll be back.

Asian Pan likes…

  • Half & Half
  • Flat white with oat milk
  • Sourdough loaf