Kiri Maama | Restaurant Review

Sri Lanka’s first drive-through coffee spot

A food-obsessed couple, Supahrrna Gajanayake and Natasha Samath, swapped the 9-to-5 grind for the coffee grind and opened Kiri Maama. It is a drive-through where you can get sugar-free drinks and the food is either grilled or baked. Sounds too good to be true? Well it gets better. All dishes are weighed to maintain consistency, the drinks are healthy and the portions are spot on. The uncle at the counter has become the unofficial mascot, charming folks into the queue. In conversation Supahrrna explains, “We’ve all had an uncle who always helped us out and supported us when we needed it. So that’s why it was named Kiri Maama, as a tribute to uncles who always have our backs.” 

Let’s see what this cheeky little spot has to offer. 

Drinks

Kithul Macchiato – Iced  (5/5)

If you’re looking for a sweet escape in a cup, this one’s got your name on it. The cold espresso packs a solid punch and the kithul treacle adds a lovely local flair that is almost like a dessert in disguise. It’s rich and creamy but not too sweet. That drizzle of kithul treacle doesn’t just sweeten, it gives a caramelly depth you won’t find in your regular café macchiato.

Iced Espresso Splash (3/5)

It’s chilled, milky and topped with cinnamon sugar made in-house. It is very much similar to your everyday cup of latte. Not overly complex but with a little special sparkle. We couldn’t taste the cinnamon in this drink much but if you’re looking for strong espresso flavour and a refreshing kick this is it. 

Mango Macchiato – Iced (4/5)

This one’s a wild card. Coffee and mango? It shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. The tropical mango flavour hits first, then the espresso sneaks up behind it for a surprise finish. It’s sweet, tangy and feels like summer in a cup. The creamy mango flavour is fresh and doesn’t overpower the taste of coffee but instead compliments it really well. We were scared to try this to be honest. However, we’d say his is more of a “try it once” adventure than a daily staple. 

Morning Reset (4/5)

Espresso, coke, pepper and lime? Sounds chaotic but in a good way. It’s fizzy, sharp and guaranteed to wake you up. This is the hangover cure you NEED! It gives a bit of an ayurveda kasaaya kick so it’s not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach), but it does its job. Just stop by Kiri Maama on your way to work from partying all night and you’ll be good to go.

Finiola (5/5)

This drink is basically a tropical vacation in a cup. The cola shapes its taste, while the blue curaçao and strawberry swirl adds fun and flair. This kind of tastes like the pink bubblegum we all used to chew back in the day. It’s fruity, fizzy and pretty, all in one. We could not really taste the coffee in this but otherwise it delivers!

Mains

Maama’s Hot Dawg (4/5)

Think classic hot dog, then give it a spicy Sri Lankan makeover. The bun is soft, the sausage is juicy, and the sweet and spicy secret Kiri Maama sauce is the real star. It’s simple, satisfying and addictive. Only downside? It’s gone too fast. What really caught our surprise is that secret sauce that is unlike any other sauce we’ve tried before. So if you want to try a new flavour bomb this is it.

Chicken Melt Toastie (3.5/5)

This sandwich is melty, meaty and messy in the best way. Perfectly cooked shredded chicken mixed with their rich in-house sauce. It’s juicy and satisfying without being too heavy. A solid grab and go for anyone who wants a protein-packed bite before hitting the gym.

Ambience

So there you have it! This is the kind of coffee and sandwich spot that delivers on familiarity and comfort. It’s honest, satisfying and surprisingly crave-worthy. The service is superb. Everyone is super friendly and will tell you exactly how everything is made and help you to pick stuff to match your taste.

Is it gourmet? No. But it doesn’t need to be. A perfect example of how simple ingredients can still bring out amazing flavours. Kiri Maama is mainly operated as a drive-through but if you want to stop and have a quick drink there are a few seats arranged for you to use. Whether you’re swinging by the drive-through or grabbing a quick seat, you’ll leave full, happy, and maybe even get into a chat with the uncle.