Tsing Tao tantalises again at Colombo Racecourse Promenade
At a time when Sri Lanka is experiencing an increase in the number of casual dining restaurants (CDR), fine dining, and quick service restaurant (QSR) outlets, international food brands are set to re-launch and expand their business in the country, restaurant industry sources said.
Various new-to-market restaurant companies continue to explore opportunities and make investments in Sri Lanka, a top official in the leisure sector disclosed.
Although there was a slight decline in the hospitality industry due to the present coronavirus outbreak in China, the local restaurant industry was growing at a considerable pace, Eksath Wijerathne, Group General Manager, Browns Hotels and Resorts told the Business Times.
This considerable growth in the restaurant sector was due to growing tourism, increased exposure to international cuisine, and a willingness to experiment with cuisine, particularly among Sri Lanka’s young population, he added.
Restaurants in Colombo will get more patrons with the opening of the Port City which will be a modern district for about 40,000 residents and an equal number of job opportunities, he emphasised.
"With the growing middle class and adequate incomes, there is no better emerging market than Sri Lanka for international standard restaurants such as Tsing Tao and Loon Tao, once famous Chinese restaurant chains in Colombo and the suburbs,” he revealed.
Tsing Tao is back in business now after its re-launch last Friday with a brand new approach to delight customers with Chinese authentic cuisine especially sea food, Mr. Wijerathne said.
This restaurant located at the Colombo Racecourse Promenade is the latest re-launched addition to the city’s somewhat limited fine dining options, he opined.
It has a seating capacity of 250 and each of its four dining areas can be hired out for functions which the restaurant caters to specifically, with four different party menus to choose from.
The outdoor dining space of the restaurant provides an excellent view of the rugby ground and allows access to the tiered seating where it will be possible to watch the action in the middle.
Loon Tao situated adjoining the Mount Lavinia beach and another key outlet in Brown’s Chinese restaurant chain is now under renovation and it will also be re-launched soon, Mr. Wijerathne revealed.
Operated by Excel restaurants Ltd, together with Browns Hotels and Resorts, which is part of the Browns Group, the two restaurants are among the best authentic Chinese restaurants in Colombo and suburbs, he added.