BreakOut Lounge.

Overlooking the Kotte Pond and Kimbulawala Jogging track lies BreakOut Lounge – a new restaurant that offers good Sri Lankan fare with an air of serenity. They're still at their soft launch, so we decided to drop in for a First Look. 

Ambience

It's like a walawwa from a storybook of T. B. Ilangaratne, but modernised to match with this era.

With crisp white walls, old-timey wooden windows, elegant furniture and a giant overhead roof at the entrance, the ambience here was graceful and has a very homely vibe. As you enter the place, you'll spot the giant rooms on your left and right, occupied with wooden furniture, which caters to the dining needs. 

They also have this beautiful, breezy garden area shaded with massive trees. Quite calm, quite beautiful. 

Food 

This is not a restaurant you can just walk into when you feel like it. As I said, it's still the soft launch and they are on a "minimum food waste" policy, so you have to make a reservation before you go in. While doing so, you can check what's on the menu, as their offerings are subjected to availability, and they tend to add specials to the menu as they can.

On the day we visited, they had the introductory Rice & Curry with Fish (Rs. 400) and Chicken (Rs. 400). We tried them both, along with the complimentary appetisers they offered. 
Resembling the flavours of pol roti, but very thin to the point that it breaks into pieces like a biscuit, the Coconut Strips were one of the appetisers. It paired really nicely with the dynamite lunu miris they provided

Whether it be soothing a fever, comforting an upset stomach, or improving the digestion, Thambum Hodi is a wonderful cure that we Lankans go for. BreakOut's take on this gravy was leaning towards the sour side, followed by a delightful wave of spiciness.

*Pictured above (from the top left corner) – Red Rice, White Rice, Pol Sambol, Winged Beans Curry, Snake Gourd Curry, Mukunuwenna Mallum, Fried Keeramin, Kohila Sambol, Onion Sambol, Chicken Curry, and Thalapath Fish Curry

Our Lankan palates are not used to the simple pepper-salt combo. We need something beyond that, which is why our buth plates are comprised of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. The folks at BreakOut Lounge seem to have understood it well, and the spread they offer here is enough proof of that. 

At Rs. 800 (for both Chicken and Fish), we couldn't believe the massive spread of rice and curries that landed before our eyes. I mean, look at it! Each rice portion was accompanied by four vegetable curries (snake gourd, winged beans, potato and green gram), three sambols (kohila, pol and onion), a mukunuwenna mallum, the protein of your choice, and the condiments of fried keeramin karawala, papadum and fried chillies. Given how generous they're with the portions, this is probably the best deal for rice and curry we've gotten so far. Four people can easily feast on this. 

*Pictured above – Potato curry (left) and Green Gram curry (right)

Immersed in creamy coconut gravy, all the vegetable curries were well-executed and had a lot of curry flavour to taste. They did a good job balancing out the spiciness of the meal. 
Oozing out with a nice peppery hit, the Thalapath fish curry had two massive chunks of fish, cooked to perfection and was dunked in a thin, spicy gravy. The fish tasted fresh, and despite being smothered with spices, the seafood-y flavours nicely emerged through. 

Featuring four sizable chunks of chicken wrapped in a chockfull of goraka, tamarind, pepper, and karapincha, the chicken curry was superb too. It contributed to the sour side of the meal. 

*Pictured above (from the top corner) – Fried Keeramin, Onion Sambol and Kohila Sambol

Freshly made, the kohila sambol had bits of onion, tomato, and a sprinkle of pepper slipped in, while the onion sambol had lots and lots of umbalakada. The whole thing was soaked in a splash of lime making it very sour to the taste, but not in an annoying way. 

Salty, yet packing a spicy punch from green chillies and chilli flakes, the fried keeramin was as good as it can get.

*Pictured above – Mukunuwenna Mallum (left) and Pol Sambol (right)

The Mukunuwenna Mallum added for a good crunch, while the pol sambol providing a spicy kick. 

Our dessert was a Rulang Pudding (Rs. 350) which was served with a bunch of cut-up fruits – mango, papaya, orange, grapes, and watermelon. Dense, yet creamy in texture, the pudding itself had only a little amount of sugar in it, along with a few dried plums. Pairing it up with the fruits certainly made it more interesting. 

Drinks

As for drinks, we got the Belimal with Hakuru (Rs. 150). Very much like black tea, but with a stronger bitter note, it was good. The kithul hakuru they serve is of very high quality, which acts as a sweetener that tones down that bitterness. 

Service

The waitstaff at BreakOut Lounge was welcoming, polite and accommodating. They were happy to answer our questions about the food and did not forget to check back with us time to time to ensure that we're having a good time. 

Conclusion

This is one of the finest rice and curry experiences we've had. They're planning to add more items to the menu, while becoming a fully functioning restaurant that's not limited to reservations. 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

The Sweetest Valentine’s Treat from The Sweet Room!

by Shamrina Carim February is here and love is in the air—So is the irresistible

Kamu

Sawan for Seven! A Gigantic North Indian Meal from Rosewood Ceylon

By Shamrina Carim If you’re craving an indulgent North Indian meal that brings together bold

Kamu

Culinary Adventure at Long Feng by Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo : The Chinese Food Festival 2025

If you’ve never journeyed to China, a  grand opportunity to immerse yourself in its true

Kamu

Cheers Pub at Cinnamon Grand Colombo: The Ultimate Spot for Great Vibes, Delicious Food, and Fun

By Sharon Nonis Looking for a place that blends great food, refreshing drinks, live music,

Highlights Kamu

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Cinnamon Red Colombo invites you to a blessed Iftar – bring 3, 4th dines free

This Ramadan, Cinnamon Red Colombo warmly welcomes guests to experience a truly special Iftar –

Trending

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo Celebrates Women’s Day with Exclusive Culinary Delights and Special Offers

This Women’s Day, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo invites guests to indulge in a series of exclusive

Trending

Iftar Buffet at The Kingsbury’s Harbour Court

The Kingsbury, Colombo invites you and your loved ones to break your fast with an

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel’s Poya Market Returns March 13 with Relaxing Painting & Vegan Buffet

Since its inception in January 2024, the Mount Lavinia Hotel’s Poya Market has been a

Trending

Hilton Colombo Presents ‘A Middle Eastern Flair’

Hilton Colombo invites guests on a gastronomic journey through the heart of the Middle East

Trending

Iftar Deals for Great Value in 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, Iftar doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious! Whether you’re craving

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

Yamu Guide.

Iftar Deals for Great Value in 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, Iftar doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious! Whether you’re craving

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

IFTAR Buffet List – 2025

by Fathima Rukaiya, As Ramadan 2025 approaches, food lovers and families are on the lookout

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

Colombo’s BYOB Gems: 15 Perfect Spots to Pair Your Drink with Delicious Food

by Vimasha Weerawansha Are you on the hunt for dining spots where you can bring

Yamu Guide

14 Romantic Places to Spend  February 14th – Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for the perfect place

Highlights Yamu Guide

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him 2025

by Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect way to show your special guy how much

Highlights Yamu Guide