Heladiv Tea Club | Restaurant Review

“THE place to crack open a cold one after work”

In the heart of the Dutch Hospital Precinct, Heladiv Tea Club is a stylish escape from Colombo’s buzz. Just across from the World Trade Centre, this flagship blends old Ceylon charm with modern flair, serving dishes and drinks infused with a Sri Lankan twist. Warm lighting, an open kitchen, and indoor or open-air seating set the mood for anything from after-work drinks to a late dinner. Friendly service, great flavours, and a relaxed vibe make it a spot worth lingering in.

Appetisers

Hot Butter Calamari  – LKR 1,000 (5/5)

Heladiv’s Hot Butter Calamari takes this well-loved dish to a new level. From the first glance, the generous portion size promises a satisfying meal, topped with a colourful sprinkle of fresh spring onions, chilli flakes, onions, garlic and their perfect hot butter sauce. 

The calamari itself is perfectly prepared. Each piece has a beautifully crispy edge that gives way to a perfectly chewy and bouncy texture. The flavour profile is a complex yet delightful journey with an initial hit of sweetness and spice, followed by a bright, tangy kick from a bilin chutney that enhances the flavours without overpowering them. The salty aftertaste remains just long enough to balance the other flavours, creating an addictive combination. 

It’s a dish that lives up to its 5/5 rating and will have you planning your next visit just to have it again.

Heladiv Pork Bite – LKR 950 (4/5)

Inspired by Sri Lanka’s beloved black pork curry, Heladiv’s Pork Bite is a flavour-packed twist on a classic. Slow-cooked until tender, the pork is infused with a rich blend of local spices and a subtle tang from garcinia cambogia (goraka). A warm peppery heat builds with each bite, balanced by the gentle sweetness of fried onion paste. Topped with crispy fried curry leaves, it is as beautiful as it is aromatic. Best enjoyed with a cold pint of beer, it is a menu standout for anyone craving a modern take on a timeless Sri Lankan favourite.

Tangy Chicken Twist  – LKR 650 (4/5)

As the name suggests, this tangy chicken twist is definitely an imaginative dish that feels both nostalgic and excitingly new. This dish is a clever and satisfying fusion, combining the spicy kick of devilled chicken with the delightful tang of Sri Lankan achcharu.

Fried to perfection, the chicken is tossed in a sweet and spicy blend that grabs your attention immediately. The spice is expertly balanced by a tangy punch from traditional achcharu ingredients like veralu and lovi. This tanginess is surprisingly gentle, not overwhelming, and adds a bright, refreshing layer to the dish.

The dish is a treat for the eyes as well, with vibrant bell peppers, red pepper, and green chillies creating a colourful medley that is topped with fresh spring onions. 

Hot Butter Mushroom  –  LKR 450 (5/5)

This dish may appear simple, but one bite is all it takes to understand why it’s a perfect five. The hot butter mushroom is a masterpiece of flavour and texture, featuring thinly cut mushrooms in a crispy batter, tossed in a fiery chilli garlic butter sauce.

What is truly impressive is how the mushrooms maintain their satisfying crispiness, even after being coated in the rich, savoury sauce. This is one of the spiciest dishes on the menu, delivering a bold heat that is both addictive and thrilling.

Topped with chilli flakes and fresh spring onions, the dish proves that you do not need a long list of ingredients to create something memorable. The taste is a powerful combination of spicy, buttery, and savoury notes that will leave you wanting more. 

Mains

Penne Al Mare – LKR 1,100 (5/5)

A perfect pasta dish is all about balance, and Heladiv Tea Club’s Penne al Mare hits every note. This dish is a generous serving of perfectly cooked penne, gently tossed with a medley of prawns, fish, and tender calamari. The portion size is hearty and well worth the price.

This dish is a delight for the senses. It’s creamy and cheesy, yet still allows the fresh taste of the seafood to shine through. The flavour is enriched by a perfect touch of spice from a hint of pepper and a scattering of chilli flakes and finely chopped tomatoes, and the result is a vibrant, colourful dish that is as delicious as it is appealing. The seafood itself is cooked to perfection, tender and soft with every bite.

Drinks 

Tropic Tease Bubble Tea — LKR 1,100 (4/5)

This is a bold and juicy celebration of flavour, a tropical tango featuring locally sourced zesty passion fruit and Heladiv Soursop Ice Tea Syrup.

The drink is a perfect antidote to a hot day, with its refreshing qualities allowing the natural fruit flavours to shine through. The sweetness is just right, never overwhelming, and there is a delightful tangy aftertaste that leaves you feeling energised. The agar-agar pearls add a wonderful, chewy texture that makes every sip an experience. It’s the ideal choice if you’re feeling tired from the heat and need an uplifting pick-me-up.

Lovi and Berry Lush Bubble Tea — LKR 1,100 (4/5)

The Lovi and Berry Lush is a refreshingly unique iced tea that takes you on a flavourful journey. This thick, zesty drink combines the sweet and tangy essence of locally sourced lovi with the aromatic Heladiv Blueberry Ice Tea syrup.

With each sip, you get a surprising and delightful sour taste from the lovi, a flavour that is perfectly complemented by the subtle warmth of cardamom. The chewiness of the agar-agar pearls adds a playful texture that makes the drink even more satisfying and the blend of fruits, spices, and tea creates a complex yet harmonious profile that is both delicious and refreshing.

Red Cuba – Cocktail — LKR 1,350 (5/5)

A modern take on a classic, the Heladiv Redcuba cocktail is a must-have from their beverage menu. This drink is a wonderful combination of smooth vodka with the vibrant sweetness of Heladiv Strawberry Ice Tea syrup, all topped with a splash of lime and soda.

The cocktail is sweet and perfect for anyone who enjoys a sugary twist in their drinks. The tea syrup provides a lovely flavour that blends perfectly with the vodka and soda, creating a balanced and refreshing taste. It’s the ideal choice for a relaxing evening, offering a burst of fruity flavour that’s both pleasing and cheerful. 

Ambience

Heladiv Tea Club offers a distinct and relaxed experience, perfect for enjoying good food, drinks and company. The space itself pays homage to the colonial era, with high roofs, grand arches, and large windows that flood the interior with natural light. The blue couches and vast mirrors on the walls, reflecting the warm glow of the lighting, create a cosy yet elegant atmosphere.

Whether you choose to sit inside or enjoy the open-air setting, the experience is complemented by the carefully curated music. Beyond the dining area, a dedicated tea display allows you to purchase Heladiv’s tea syrups and other tea products, bringing a piece of the experience home.