Hotal Colombo

HK$400 per person

Hotal Colombo by Black Sheep Restaurants takes a confident stab at showcasing the myriad flavours and culinary offerings of the island nation of Sri Lanka. Executive chef and Sri Lankan native Gisela Alesbrook does her best to translate the cooking of her upbringing through a series of concisely constructed dishes that represent the core of the cuisine— one that is largely centred around rice and curry (kari, more accurately), with vibrant chutneys and sambols playing supporting acts. The menu lacks descriptions of the dishes, so you’ll have to rely on staff to talk you through the various preparations and ingredients— among the “short eats” (small plates, by any other name) is an inspired bone marrow varuval served with pol roti, the latter a kind of stodgier coconut and chilli-flecked pancake and an excellent example of classic flavours applied sensibly and sensationally to ingredients not commonly found in the Sri Lankan canon. Portions and prices are small and reasonable, and a meal here will leave your tastebuds reeling.

G/F, 31 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong TEL: +852 2488 8863 hotalcolombo.com