FOOD + DRINK
AUTHENTIC SRI LANKAN FINE DINING , EXQUISITE COCKTAILS AND A BEAUTIFUL DINING EXPERIENCE :
COPPER CEYLON , BROMLEY
THE FIRST THING THAT REALLY STRIKES YOU WHEN WALKING THROUGH THE DOORS AT BROMLEY-BASED SRI LANKAN RESTAURANT COPPER CEYLON , IS THE YELLOW TUK TUK VAN THAT GREETS YOU AT THE DARK AND MYSTERIOUS ENTRANCE ; AN EFFORTLESS INDICATION OF THE FUN , YET SOPHISTICATED EVENING AHEAD . ONCE INSIDE YOU ARE GREETED WITH AN UPSCALE PARADISE THAT ENGULFS THE SENSES ; THE SMELL OF PRAWNS AND SPICES ARE INHALED AND MAKE THE MOUTH WATER , WHILE THE INTERIOR WAS ALSO QUITE THE FEAST FOR THE EYES , WITH A FULLY STOCKED BAR , VELVET SOFAS AND GREENERY LINING THE WALLS , IT FELT AS THOUGH WE HAD BEEN TRANSPORTED TO A CHIC TROPICAL PARADISE . BY JESS MARSHALL
Our group was greeted by the restaurant ' s owner Haran Thurairajah who was more than happy to give recommendations on his favourite food items as well as the most delectable cocktails on the menu . Needless to say we were spoilt for choice ! Although all the offerings were tempting I opted for a Trinco Tiki to accompany my meal which tasted of white beaches and crystal clear waters . Bartender Jermaine expertly took care of all the cocktails and made it difficult not to simply slurp them all up at once , though we managed to restrain ourselves .
The starter portions are the perfect size for sharing , which allows you to taste a myriad of dishes and flavours without anything becoming too overwhelming . A particular stand out was the hot batter squid - which came highly recommended by the staff themselves . The crunchy morsels along with the delectably sweet and spicy sauce leaves flavours lingering in your mouth long after the last piece has been gobbled up .
After a short break to stock up on more cocktails - I opted for the Sweet Kandy , which tasted of caramel and orange , the perfect drink for those with a sweet tooth - we perused the menu to select our main course . The menu is designed to be communal , and so , like the starters , we ended up choosing plenty of mains to share between us . I opted for the koththu roti which consisted of shredded roti cooked with delicate carrot , leeks , onions , cabbage , and succulent chicken with a side of curry and savoury rice . The mixtures of flavours both hot and savoury were simply delicious , with flavours melting together and dancing off one another in a perfect melody of spices . The sauce was spicy , but not overwhelming , the taste blending effortlessly with the rest of the meal and providing the moisture the dish needed . My guests were equally thrilled by the layers of flavour to their respective prawn red and Jaffna mutton curries ; the latter of which offered delicious , tender morsels of mutton straight from the bone loaded with spices .
We finished off our time at Copper Ceylon with a delectable mango cheesecake that was deliciously moist and fluffy with an irresistible mango sauce that added a fruity , tangy twist to the creamy dish . It left us refreshed and quietened the spice-induced tingling on our tongues .
If you love melt in the mouth seafood , bursts of radiant colours , fragrances , spices and an authentic taste of Sri Lanka , Copper Ceylon is the place to head . With friendly staff , a jaw dropping interior , delectable cocktails and some mouthwatering food , this is the perfect place to enjoy an experience with a difference .
www . copperceylon . com copperceylon
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