Sri Lanka is an island nation of breathtaking beauty, yet for decades, it was overshadowed by a brutal, protracted civil war. In season 5 of No Reservations (2009), Anthony Bourdain traveled to the capital city of Colombo during the final, tense days of that conflict. The episode offered a rare, nuanced look at a country attempting to maintain its vibrant culture amidst political turmoil, showcasing a cuisine that is a rich tapestry of indigenous traditions and colonial influences. Bourdain’s exploration of Colombo was defined by this underlying tension, but the food provided moments of profound connection and relief. Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its intense spice profiles, complex curries, and unique street food, drawing on Indian, Dutch, and Portuguese heritages. He sought out the comfort of late-night street vendor staples, the refined flavors of traditional Sinhalese cooking, and the lingering remnants of colonial social clubs. It was a journey into a complex culinary landscape that thrives despite the odds. Here are the essential spots that provided a taste of Sri Lanka’s resilient spirit.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Colombo on his show No Reservations, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is No Rseervations, season 5, episode 9. It first aired on March 2, 2009.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN RIO DE JANEIRO : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON A COOK’S TOUR
DISH – Chicken Biryani
WHAT IS IT?
They had mixed pickle atchara made of capsicum, onions, peppers, curry leaves and food paste; liver, peas and cahsew curry, moldy fish with oil, samba rice with raw chicken and spice like biryani masala then sealed with dough and chicken biryani.
“Oh yeah, it’s delicious. Moist, spicy and good.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
New Rifka Catering
302,D Gothami Mawatha, Wellampitiya, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
DISH – “Traditional Sinhalese Cooking”
WHAT IS IT?
They had Sinhalese black curry with roasted and grinded coconut.
“Great meal, really enjoyed. Thank you. An amazing meal and a peaceful setting. It’s almost as if the guns and closeness of Colombo have disappeared,,,almost” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Barefoot
704 Colombo – Galle Main Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
DISH – “Sri Lankan Spirit”
WHAT IS IT?
They had a spirit distilled from coconut.
“The Dutch Burgher’s are now more of a social club than management class but here they are, still sipping their arrack’s and gin and tonic, still banging balls around the snooker table and the slowly moving ceiling fans.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
The Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon
VVW5+WH2, 114 Reid Ave, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
DISH – Kottu – No Reservations Colombo
WHAT IS IT?
They had kottu or Sri Lankan chicken curry made of diced vegetables, raw egg, chopped roti bread, and curry sauce with gravy.
“Late night Colombo, the regularly cooler temperature, the quieter streets, the kind of convivial atmosphere that comes after many cocktails and a mess of delightfully junky street food.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Hotel De Pilawoos
No. 21,, Galle Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
READ MORE: MY IMPRESSIONS OF SRI LANKA: THE BEAUTY OF THE COUNTRY IS RENEWED
DISH – “Sri Lankan Low Country Specialty” – Anthony Bourdain Colombo
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain visited the Foundation of Goodness located at Colombo.
They had red rice, yellow lentil curry, claypot simmered tuna with chili and onions, coconut sambal, and jackfruit curry.
WHERE IS IT?
Foundation of Goodness Head Office, Colombo
30, 32 Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
READ MORE: KOLKATA AND MUMBAI: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON NO RESERVATIONS
The Colombo episode of No Reservations is a prime example of Bourdain’s ability to use food as a lens for understanding complex political realities. By visiting during such a volatile period, he highlighted the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, showing how daily life, culture, and incredible cuisine persist even in the shadow of conflict. His genuine delight in the intense, multifaceted flavors of dishes like kottu and black curry brought well-deserved attention to a culinary tradition often overlooked in the West. It stands as a testament to the idea that some of the most memorable meals are found in places the rest of the world tells you to avoid. When you travel to this beautiful island, be sure to hit the streets late at night for an unforgettable culinary experience.
