Zambar | Restaurant Review

Toasting to All Things Sri Lankan… Cheers! 

Zambar, dedicated to bringing a proper pub culture to Sri Lanka, is the brainchild of Chairman Vinodh Viswalingam and Yohan Manoj Rathnayake, the founder of FHIIT. Yohan’s passion for fitness drives his belief in a balanced lifestyle rather than strict restrictions, leading to the creation of Zambar.

Opened in December 2023, Zambar is quickly becoming a popular hang-out spot with its unique take on Sri Lankan food and eccentric cocktails with quirky names. Unlike other pubs, Zambar exclusively promotes Sri Lankan food and local spirits, reflecting Yohan’s belief in the potential of Sri Lankan products. They aim to turn this concept into a franchise and introduce Sri Lankan pub culture internationally.

Let’s see what all the hype is about!

APPETISERS

Calbora Beef – LKR 2,390 (4/5) 

You won’t find “Calbora” on Google because it’s a completely original concept and one of Zambar’s signature dishes. It’s not your typical beef curry. Instead, it features tender beef pieces cooked in a white cheesy sauce, perfectly thick to complement the hearty meat. The dish is finished with a dusting of cheese and a garnish of basil leaves. This unexpected pairing is a delightful surprise. It comfortably serves two and can be enjoyed as bites or a side dish to your main meal.

Chicken Satay – LKR 2,690 (5/5) 

These pot stickers were delectable, though we wished there were more than five per plate. Zambar uses a secret seasoning paired with peanut butter to create a sticky, sweet marinade for the chicken. The succulent chicken is sprinkled with sesame seeds and just falls off the stick. The real showstopper was the sweet chilli sauce, perfectly balanced with sweetness and spice. In fact, I requested to pack some to take home!

Loaded Nachos (Chicken)  – LKR 2,390 (5/5) 

It may sound cliché, but these nachos were loaded with flavour. Each crunchy bite was a burst of deliciousness, topped with tomatoes, jalapenos, melted parmesan, spicy chilli sauce, chicken, capsicum and basil. The spicy-sweet nachos were balanced by their very own pepper mayo sauce, drizzled generously across the plate. Each serving included eight bite-sized nachos.

MAINS 

Yellow Rice (Beef)  – LKR 1,690 (4.5/5) 

This dish from their lunch menu left us impressed—a simple plate of kahabath. The yellow rice was flavourful and aromatic, with a touch of green chilli pieces. The heat from the chilli paired perfectly with the soft rice. The beef curry was tender and mildly spiced, complementing the rice without overpowering it. Accompanied by papadam dusted with chilli powder, the rice was topped with brinjal baduma and peanuts for a satisfying crunch. 

Two Grilled Chicken Whole Legs with Mashed Potatoes – LKR 3,250 (4/5)

At first glance, you’ll be blown away by the presentation and portion size. This dish can easily be shared between two. The meat has a dark char and is drizzled with BBQ sauce, intensifying its smoky earthiness with a sweet, tangy flavour. It’s paired with the same amazing sweet chilli sauce that accompanied the Satay dish. The side of well-seasoned mashed potatoes and cucumber slices cuts through the dish’s heaviness, making it perfect for BBQ lovers.

DRINKS 

King Ragnar – LKR 2,490 (4/5) 

The gin shone through the earthy flavour of the burnt tangerine slice. I recommend taking a bite of the tangerine slice before sipping the drink to enjoy the cocktail as intended. The apple, citrus, and mint add a fresh element, counteracting the dehydrating nature of the gin.

Loki – LKR 2,100 (5/5) 

As a Marvel fan, I was thrilled to try this vodka-based cocktail mixed with blackcurrant and pineapple juice—a surprising and delightful combination. Initially, you taste the bitterness of the vodka and blackcurrant, followed by a sweet undertone from the pineapple. A slice of charred pineapple adorns the rim of the glass, adding extra sweetness when bitten into.

Floki LKR – 3,400 (3.5/5) 

This tequila-based cocktail is the perfect way to enjoy tequila, rather than as a shot. It features triple sec, blackcurrant and passion syrup, with the passion syrup enhancing the tequila’s flavour. The hint of sourness is a welcome addition, and it’s garnished with mint leaves. Although the creativity of this cocktail was commendable, as you keep drinking it, the sour note increased and was more than my palette could handle personally. But if you’re into more citrusy flavours, this is for you!

Milo Martini – LKR 3,900 (4/5)

This only had three elements, Milo, vodka and Baileys but man, did it pack a punch. Honestly, not suitable for day drinking. The vodka and Baileys contrast yet harmonise as you sip. It’s not overly sweet, with the Baileys evoking the Christmas season. A nice touch is “Zambar” dusted on it in Milo powder, making it one of their more popular cocktails.

AMBIENCE 

As you step inside, the first thing that catches your eye is the Robin Hood-inspired Herne (the same one that inspires the letter M in their logo) mounted at the bar, surrounded by local spirits. Further emphasising the Robin Hood theme are two medieval knight armours on either side of the room. 

Though smaller than most pubs, the speakeasy bar vibe is accentuated by chocolate-coloured settees, high chairs and a wooden floor. The unfinished look of the brick wall and ceiling adds to the cosy, minimalistic theme.

The constant music playing through speakers sets a relaxed mood, making it ideal for a family outing, after-work drinks with colleagues, or a chilled night out. The staff are friendly, accommodating, and provide great service.