Rauf Nana’s is the premier dining venue on Colombo’s premier public space (the Galle Face Green). OK, this just means it’s a semi covered shack rather than an open cart but it’s still good, inexpensive, food with a great location.
You are just feet from the sea and the super-attentive staff rustle up some satisfying Sri Lankan (Muslim) soul food. The grilled chicken – half teriyaki, half tandoori – is tasty, the prawn and chicken kottu (Rs 350) is one of the best kottus in the city, and the fried fish (Rs300) with a bottle of ginger beer is hard to beat. There are plenty more offerings available, just go up to the stall, see what looks tasty and point.
While you enjoy the classics of Colombo street food, the ecosystem of the Galle Face Green- promenading families, kite flyers, vadai vendors, the acharu man – buzzes all around. You can watch the moonlight float on the Indian Ocean and contemplate a post dinner run on the beach.
This is a great Colombo experience in the very heart of Colombo.
As an added bonus they are open virtually all night so its always a good time for Nanas.
Note- once there was only one Nanas now there are many. I prefer Rauf Nana’s, the second of the two if judging distance from the Galle Face Hotel.