Open Time:
Tuesday - Sunday, 4.30 pm to 1.30 amAddress
57/3, Matara Road, Niyadigama, Ahangama
directions
Near the People's Bank
Contact No
Delivery
Yes
What we had
Mains
Must-have Dishes
“Rooftop dining done right in the heart of Ahangama”
Hidden away in plain sight, on the main road cutting through Ahangama town, up a few flights of stairs, the Kurundu Restaurant & Bar has everything you want for a perfect evening dining experience. You have a gorgeous and clear view of the sunset and sea, a calming atmosphere, great food and friendly staff. The restaurant has already received outstanding reviews online despite being a fairly new operation, and having visited the place, we can agree that Kurundu lives up to the hype.
Serving food that stays true to our local essence with a tourist-friendly flavour profile, Kurundu doesn’t have an extensive menu, but what they do serve is excellent and left us wanting more. The relaxed atmosphere puts you at ease, perfect for conversation to flow naturally, while the soft sea breeze sets the ideal balance between classy and casual.
Sides
Roast Paan with Flavoured Butter – LKR 800 (5/5)
The ‘kade paan’ baked in a wood fire creates a soft bread that meets the perfect consistency that is chewy, but not tough to eat. As you bring it closer for a bite, the fragrant aroma of the bread is impossible to miss. Delicately spiced ‘pol sambol’ and appetising butter infused with the flavour of curry leaves enhance the flavours and aroma with each bite, making it a great accompaniment to your meal.
Burned Oysters – LKR 2,100 (5/5)
Sourced fresh from the shores by local fishermen, these oysters are charred and bathed in a kochchi-infused butter and garlic, giving a rich, creamy flavour. For those inexperienced in consuming these shelled creatures, their appearance may seem off-putting, but that is only until they try eating them. The soft meat of the mollusc is bathed in the fragrant butter, it melts in your mouth and makes for a great dish that’s so good, you might want more.
BBQ Chicken Wings – LKR 1,800 (4/5)
Great chicken wings are hard to come by, but what we tried at Kurundu was certainly some of the best. The meat had just the right level of spice with a hint of BBQ glaze, sealing in the soft aroma of the meat, which was enhanced by the herbs used to prepare it. However, the spice coating can sometimes feel dry, but that also gives these grilled wings a little crunch. When tried warm with a cocktail of your choice, we’re sure it would make a great option for the evening.
Beef Curry Taco – LKR 1,800 (5/5)
One order gives you two soft-shelled tacos filled with tender beef brisket that is slow-cooked to perfection, making these tacos a must-have at Kurundu. The beef is infused with garlic and spices, enhanced by the refreshing crunch of pickled cucumber and coriander leaves. All these flavours are complemented by the taco shell, which holds the contents of the taco intact while adding fullness to the overall flavour.
Spiced Cauliflower and Cashew Stir Fry – LKR 1,800 (5/5)
This vegan option is great for sharing but even better when enjoyed alone, perfect for someone looking for a spicy kick in their food. The crunchy golden cauliflower florets and generous helping of roasted cashews, tossed with mustard seeds and curry leaves, come with a serving of warm coconut rotis and a side of mint chutney. The warm roti was filling and satisfying, setting the perfect base for the cauliflower and cashew, while the chutney added the right amount of kick.
Mains
Kurundu Chicken Burger – LKR 2,700 (5/5)
The chicken burger at Kurundu was one of the best we’ve had, with crunchy chicken that was marinated in buttermilk. Seasoned and cooked to perfection. Biting into the soft burger bun you’ll also appreciate the perfectly blended sauces and the tang of brie cheese. To pair with our burger, we had a side of sweet potato fries which were crunchy and sweet.
Seafood Spaghetti – LKR 3,800 (5/5)
This soft and springy dish made from crab-bisque infused spaghetti set the perfect base for a hearty and fulfilling meal, packed with delectable seafood, from mussels, calamari, to prawns. Basil and parmesan cheese balance their flavours and add depth to the rich sauce coating the pasta. Rocket lettuce adds a layer of fresh crunch that prevents the rich spaghetti from overpowering your palate, making this an easy recommendation for someone looking for a dish that fills your stomach while delivering great flavours.
Sri Lankan Curry Trio – LKR 3,400 (4/5)
For those looking for a dish that caters more to the local palate, this rice dish paired with three curries, sambol and crisp papadam fits the bill. Available in seafood, chicken or vegan options, there’s something for everyone. Having tried the vegan trio, we were treated to soft, springy rice with three hearty curries. The dish is spiced mildly, with rich coconut cream in the curries, making it suitable even for those with a lower spice tolerance. However, the rice and curries might be a little dry for those who prefer more gravy. If so, it’s best to request extra when ordering.
Drinks
Red Rani – LKR 2,700 (5/5)
This signature cocktail at Kurundu uses a base of Rockland Gin, mixed with cinnamon and king coconut to create a sweet flavour with a hint of bitter undertone. The pleasing aroma of the king coconut makes the drink flow smooth, leaving a delightful aftertaste that has a hint of alcohol, making Red Rani an instant star.
Minchi – LKR 2,700 (5/5)
Described as a mix of mint and rum with a local twist. We loved the citrus tones of mint leaves that were masking the sharp flavour of alcohol to a great extent, making this a refreshing drink perfect for someone who doesn’t like the sharp flavour that comes from having alcohol in their beverages. We were also reminded of hints of kiwi with a sweet aftertaste that made Minchi perfect to pair with any dish at Kurundu.
Ceylon Lassie – LKR 2,700 (5/5)
Mixing curd with Ceylon Arrack gave us some concern over this drink, but one sip of the Ceylon Lassie and our concerns were blown away with the smooth and creamy flavour of the cocktail. Garnished with a bit of citrus, this cocktail tempers the sharp flavour of arrack with the curd, adding a hint of sourness that gave a strong kick with each sip that was thoroughly satisfying.
Ambience
Set on a rooftop with a clear view of the ocean sprawling in front of you and the busy street of Ahangama below, Kurundu sets the perfect atmosphere to casual conversations, great food and stunning ocean sunsets. Soft music in the background complements the sea breeze blowing through, while the sounds of food being prepared and the street below are heard in the background.
Did You Know?
- All the seafood at Kurundu is sourced directly from local fisherfolk to ensure that every dish is prepared with the freshest seafood.
- Wednesday night is movie night, perfect to enjoy a cosy movie while dining on the restaurant’s excellent menu.
- Walk-in customers are welcome, but as Kurundu’s popularity is rising, it might be best to call ahead and make a reservation to avoid any potential inconvenience.
- All meat used at Kurundu is certified Halal.
- For deliveries, customers can call to share their location. Kurundu confirms the delivery rate and upon agreement the payment is made before dispatch. (contact number for deliveries: 0777 515 890)
- Kurundu partners with regular tuk drivers from the local community, reflecting their commitment to supporting and giving back to those around them.
