Epi-Q

Homecooking perfected!

Epi-Q is one of the newest cafes to open up in Colombo. Nestled in Jawatta Road this charming little eatery is the realisation of a dream of two amazing home cooks who happen to be sisters. Epi-Q focusses mainly on North Indian cuisine with additions of some of their favourite dishes from all over the world.

The food is adventurous but comforting and the hand of a home cook is apparent in every bite. Whether you are looking for an entire meal or a quick snack Epi-Q has someone for everyone.

The most remarkable thing about the restaurant at first glance is its interior which I fell in love with. It’s primarily quite industrial with a neutral colour palette but the warm lights add a homely feel to the environment. The kitchen is open and when the food is being prepared the whole cafe is filled with the wonderful aroma. The service was super fast with dishes coming in rapid succession and the staff too was super friendly.

Drinks 

Cardamom Tea – LKR 200

Tea is a staple in Sri Lanka and a good cup of tea can be amazing either after a good meal or a hard day so we had to try this. The combination of the fragrant spice of the cardamoms with the astringency of the tea made for a perfect combination.

Masala Tea – LKR 250

I’ve heard about the famed Masala Tea but this was my first time having one and it was so good. The masala packed with a spicy, floral punch with a savoury undertone transformed a simple cup of tea into an experience. This is something I will definitely be going back for.

Mains 

Pepper Beef Kathi Roll – LKR 380

As a big fan of beef, I was rather excited for this dish and with the first bite, I fell in love with it. The beef was tender and almost melted in my mouth and the punch of the pepper was accompanied by the deep flavour of the spice blend which was totally unique and amazing. The crispy roti added an extra layer of texture which I always enjoy.  

Tandoori Chicken Kathi Roll – LKR 350

For those who are not a fan of beef or want something a bit lighter, this delivers on everything the previous dish delivered with the added flavour of tandoori chicken. The spice mixture added a herby base to the filling which was quite enjoyable.

Smoked Chicken Pizza – LKR 1300

Pizza is something everyone loves and the range of pizzas on their menu added a more variety to the repertoire. As soon as the pizza was served fresh out of the oven the first thing I noticed was the thin crust of which I’m a big fan of. The sauce and overall flavour were not too intense so the flavours of each component were able to be savoured.

Biriyani – LKR 400

This was one of the best Biriyani dishes I’ve had ever! The recipe belongs to the owner’s mother and the flavours of this dish are comforting and immensely fulfilling. The portion was quite big and for the price point, it’s totally worth it. This is one of the reasons why I’m glad that they are on Uber Eats.

Desserts 

Snow Ice (Pineapple, Rose, Ice Cream with Milk) – LKR 260

Snow ice is one of those desserts that is rustic, comforting and is appropriate to eat at any time. Epi-Q has a wide range of snow ice flavours and this flavour combination that was recommended to us by the owner is a rather traditional Indian combination and I was loving it. The flavours reminded me of a fancy Faluda and the snow made for a refreshing treat.

Snow Ice (Strawberry, Blue Lagoon and Ice Cream) – LKR 200

This flavour combination is a personal favourite of the owners and it was intense! The combination of fruity and almost childlike flavour and is weirdly nostalgic. It was super sweet so if you have a sweet tooth you need to try this out.

Choco Berry Crepe – LKR 700

This was the best thing I had at epi-Q and it was unlike anything I had ever before. The Thai style crepe which the owners love is remarkably different from the french crepe that we are familiar with. It’s incredibly crispy but delicate at the same time. The crepe was slathered with Nutella which is always a good thing and the strawberries helped add a new dimension. This is unlike anything you will have in Colombo and it’s something you have to try out.

Brownie Waffle – LKR 600

There is something extremely satisfying about a thick rich brownie and the brownie waffle delivered on all my expectations. The waffle iron helped crisp up certain parts of the waffle adding to the texture and the flavours were super-rich. The portion was also quite big and it’s not something a single person can finish.

Epi-Q is a cafe I honestly fell in love with. Its charming interior, good food and large portions make for a truly remarkable dining experience. Whether it’s a casual date or a catching up with friends the space offers exactly what you need and if you’re on the lookout for some truly wonderful food this is where you should go to. 

Tip – You have to try out their biriyani and crepes.