Dips & Spreads
Dips & Spreads, as the name implies, does dips and spreads. They have some super interesting takes on hummus, along with a few butter varieties, as well as energy balls and nibbles. Their Nai Miris Hummus is one of the best takes of hummus we've seen, which leaves a lovely spicy kick on the palate.
Chooty's Kitchen
Chooty's Kitchen does chicken right. Wings, legs and lollipop – this home cook prepares them well with their range of homemade sauces, and delivers. Each and every sauce they whip up has a unique zing to it, and there wasn't a scrap of dry meat in sight. Ditch your forks and knives and dive in with your hands, because there's no pretty way of eating them, but we guarantee that they deliver the utmost satisfaction for the price you pay for it.
How to order: Available on Uber Eats and PickMe Food.
Jah's Hummus
Jah's Hummus makes hummus, and some really good ones at that. But, instead of just sticking to the classic version of this Middle Eastern delicacy, they add a bunch of delicious, modern twists to it. Sun-dried Tomato, Beetroot, and Roast Garlic to name a few. With the silky smooth texture, but not too mushy, and delivering the promised flavours they check all the right boxes.
How to order: You can simply DM them on their Instagram page, with 24-hour notice in advance.
Brown Sugar
Brown Sugar is many things, but the best part about them is the beautiful doughnut bouquets they make. I mean, look how pretty this is! Slightly crispy to the bite, these deep-fried babies are puffy, soft and cooked with a dose of motherly love, and come with a range of interesting toppings and fillings. This is easily the best doughnuts you will find in Colombo, and these bouquets are a sweet gift, even it's from you, to yourself.
How to order: DM them on their Instagram page, and they'll guide you through the ordering process, and then delivery.
The Happy Baker
The Happy Baker will happily whip up some superb and compelling flavour combos for you. They have items like kiribath, kadey paan, waffles, paratha and egg muffins, which most of them are stuffed/paired with some superb meaty delights made with pork, mutton, chicken and mackerel.
How to order: Available on Uber Eats, and you can pre-order and pick it up from their home as well.
Burger Hangover
Burger Hangover does burgers, and some really juicy, meaty ones at that. They're made with quality in mind and the big-serving sizes coupled with generous amounts of ingredients, at its price, burgers from here is definitely a steal. We highly recommend you try their Beef Double Double Burger.
How to order: Available on Uber Eats.
Mad Curry Skills by Chari
Craving for Nasi Lemak or Lamprais on a weekend? Mad Curry Skills by Chari is a safe bet. Keep in mind that the minimum order requirement is 4 packs.
How to order: Reach out to them through their Instagram. Make sure you do that early as possible as they tend to get booked so fast.
Hari Bao
White, fluffy and adorable as hell, Hari Bao does cloud-like baos, stuffed with delicious mixtures of meats/veggies. Their Pulled Jackfruit is a must-try, and trust me you're not going to miss your meats in this one.
How to order: Available on Uber Eats after 5.00 PM every day.
The Bear Necessities
Photo credits: The Bear Necessities
Cheesecakes are all over town, but finding a good one is a lot harder than one would think. Which is why we're super glad to introduce this home-baker who is all about cheesecakes!
The number of cheesecakes that The Bear Necessities whips up is truly impressive. They've got the Classics – Blueberry, Raspberry, Passion fruit and the likes, and also not-so-common toppings like Lemon, Peach, Oreo, and Cookie etc. From the presentation to texture to flavours, these cheesecakes tick all the right boxes.
How to order: Drop a WhatsApp message to +94773958663 with the cheesecake/s you want, three days in advance, and confirm the order by depositing/transferring the amount to the bank account number provided by them. Delivery and pick-up (Ratmalana, and Colombo 07) available.
Bellissima
Photo credits: Bellissima
Bellissima has been around for many years now, with their unique range of chocolate biscuit pudding. In fact, they're the first ones to introduce boozed-up CPB. So far they've released 10 innovative flavours – Arrack & Chocolate, Arrack & Orange, White Chocolate Raspberry, Salted Caramel, Baileys, Mint Chocolate, Matcha, Virgin Pina Colada, and Sri Lankan Milk Coffee, covering all the flavour bases possible.
How to order: Grab them up from one of the following restaurants – Black Cat Café, Life Food. Roccos, Ramen Misoya Colombo, Brew 1867 by Dilmah, De Vos Cafe and Kopi Kade. DM them through Instagram or simply drop a WhatsApp text to 0766267777 for bulk orders.
Persian Cove
Photo credits: Persian Cove
Persian Cove whips up a biriyani to turn your world upside down. Known as Maqlooba, it's a treat originated in the Middle East and quite common in countries like Palestine, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. But this is the first time we're finding it in Sri Lanka. A pot full of rice-based, meaty delight enriched with spices, flipped over to serve on a plate. According to Persian Cove, who whips up this delicacy at their home-base, it's a recipe that has been in their family for almost 40 years and available in both beef and chicken.
Every single portion is freshly made in separate pots keeping the authenticity and flavours in check. If you're thinking of having people over for dinner/lunch, this is one of the best bets you can go for.
How to order: Reach out to through their Facebook/Instagram page, or simply give a call to 0772493562, at least two days in advance. The main pickup location is in Boralesgamuwa, but check with them whether they have other spots that are convenient for you. Plus, they do deliveries to all areas in Colombo.
The Chutney Kade
Whether it be making a sandwich, toning down a fiery curry, smothering some grilled meat, serving on the side of a cheese platter, or simply just eating with a plate of buth, chutneys are a fantastic pickled condiment. The Chutney Kade is all about that, and they make 9 varieties of them – Pineapple Chutney, Pineapple & Mango Chutney, Seeni Sambol, Maldive Fish Fry, Achcharu, Beef Fry, Garlic & Onion, Sprats Fry, and Kunisso Fry.
How to order: You can grab a bottle (or two) of these goodies by DMing them on their Instagram page. They have islandwide delivery too.
The Donut Delight
The Donut Delight is another home-based venture that whips up some superb doughnuts. Deep-fried to perfection so it produces that layer of crisp, these doughnuts are delightfully soft, fluffy and come with a heap of toppings.
How to order: Through Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp (077 737 6416). Available on Uber Eats too.
The Porky-Nator
If you like pork, try the Porky-Nator. This home cook selects the excellent quality pork, prepares it deliciously, and delivers. However, they do not come in podi portions. The minimum order is 1 kg, so you have plenty to share among.
How to order: Call or WhatsApp at 0777371730. Check out their Instagram to get an idea about the porky-goodies they sell.
Just Baklava
Just Baklava does, well, baklava, and they're so darn good! These puffy cubes are drenched in honey but despite that, they give the most satisfactory crisp, followed by a generous layer of pistachio – and that's just the Turkish one. They do a bunch of other flavours too – Nutella, and Greek etc.
How to order: DM on their Instagram page, simple as that. Delivery is only available during weekends, but you can always pick them up from their base in Kalubovila.
Homie Pickle
Homie Pickle's take on pickles and chutneys is truly different and has a very Lankan touch to them. The Polos Pickle had a playful sourness to it, the Amberella-Veralu Chutney was delightfully sweet and sour, while the Dates-Capsicum Chutney packed a wave of spiciness. They make it without any preservatives or artificial flavours, which is another plus point. Aside from that, they recently introduced a couple of fruity sauces – Annasi (Pineapple) and Mango-Kochchi (Mango and Bird Chilly) that carry some brilliant flavour profiles.
How to order: Available at Milk & Honey Cafe, JustGoodness.co online store, and JustGoodness.co store in Saturday Good Market, and at Warm Boutique in Galle.
Cinnabrown
Cinnabrown is completely dedicated to serving up a range of cinnamon rolls in various guises. Our favourite was the Sugar Glaze, that comes with a beautiful dusting of cinnamon powder and glazed with sugar.
How to order: Facebook or Instagram – you can get in touch with them through these social media channels. Delivery is available and entitled to a fee.
Swingz Kitchen
Swingz Kitchen is specialised in air-fried chicken wings, lollipops, and satays. All of their sauces are made in-house, and if you're looking at something heavier, they've got burgers.
How to order: Available on Uber Eats. They provide pick-up (from their home-base in Nugegoda) and direct delivery services too.
My Sister's Kitchen
Fit Meals
Chocolate Works
Chocolate Works is your one-stop for all kinds of chocolatey cravings, especially if they involve some brilliant CBP and Chocolate Mousse. Plus, their servings are pretty decent too. Priced under Rs. 800, each portion is easily enough to feed four people.
How to order: Available on Uber Eats.
Luscious Cream
Last we checked, Colombo has around 13 independent ice cream parlours, but would we dare say no to another one of that kind? No, absolutely not!
Che Che's
When Che Che's went MIA a couple of years ago, our hearts were broken. But thankfully, they are back now, doing what they do best – dumplings. They do both boiled and pan-fried dumplings and our favourite was the latter. Stuffed with three kinds of meat – chicken, beef and pork, as well as veg, these silky shells are beautifully thin, very smooth and goes down the throat without any effort.
How to order: You can reach out to them via Facebook or call at 0773508492 to place your order. It's safer to do so one day in advance as the offerings are subject to availability. Delivery is entitled to a delivery fee, but they have the takeaway option as well.
Froyo Colombo
Froyo simply dedicates themselves for serving up homemade froyo, and they claim to make them without preservatives, artificial flavourings or sugar. Their flavours include a few fruit-based variants and basic flavours like chocolate, coffee and vanilla, and also sugar-free froyo. You can grab them as 125ml cups, 500ml and 1-litre tubs.
How to order: Call them up (077 486 5166) or drop them a message on Facebook. Delivery is available within city limits, but you can also pick them up from their base in Kollupitiya.
King Cone Ice Cream ²
It's highly doubtful that you'd find a local brand that would beat the creamy, luscious and rich flavours of King Cone Ice Cream2. This home-based ice creamery uses the best quality, imported ingredients, and they are free of gelatine, egg, artificial flavours, artificial colours, and alcohol. This might look like an expensive option for ice cream but considering the flavours and textures they deliver, we'd say it's worth it.
How to order: If you prefer King Cone Ice Cream2 in a massive tub form, you can simply give a call to 077 827 8855, or reach out to them through their Facebook page. The single servings can be found at Isso, and 24 Seven.
Kaha Bath Gedara
Kaha Bath Gedara simply does the best kaha buth you'd come across in Colombo. These kaha buth packets are usually offered with parippu, batu moju, cutlet and some crispy papadum, along with a protein of your pick. We have always loved their Negombo Style Prawn Curry and the Ambul Thiyal and now they've added a few more meaty delights to their menu – tandoori chicken, and black pork curry etc. Their kitchen is in Battaramulla, and from what we gathered, now have a takeaway outlet in Colombo 7 too.
How to order: Order through Uber Eats, or place your order via their Facebook page or call/text this number (077 786 2672).
Frutti Natural
Yet another home-based venture that excels at creating some creamy ice cream boasting with rich flavours. No preservatives, stabilizers, or artificial colourings/flavours are added here, which is another plus point. Every tub comes with around 3 full scoops of ice cream, and priced around Rs. 500. We particularly enjoyed the Almond one that carried lots and lots of almond bits, and the Kulfi.
How to order: All you need to do is call them up and place your order and if not, they're also available on Uber Eats. Go through their Facebook/Instagram page for the flavours they offer.
Saladgram
Salads are tricky stuff, and honestly, it's not for everybody. It could be your last resort after gobbling down weeks of carb, but we assure you that the stuff done by Saladgram will change your idea on that. Their array of salads are customizable according to your preference and comes with different proteins like chicken, egg, tuna, and beef etc.
How to order: You can place your orders via their website or call at 076 670 0035.
Choco in a Jar
For any sensible Sri Lankan, discovering a good CBP creates great happiness. And that's exactly what we felt when we came across Choco in a Jar's Facebook page. It's not just the classic kind they make – they put some delicious spins on them with peanut butter, and Baileys in the best way possible.
How to order: Connect through their Facebook page, or simply give a call to 077 976 1796. Delivery available.
Snackers Sandwiches
If you're looking for a quick, filling snack without having to step out of the house or squeezing your wallet dry, check out Snackers Sandwiches. Each sandwich they make features four slices of bread and is so generously stuffed. Our favourites were Cheesy Chicken and Chocolate Melt.
How to order: Available on Uber Eats.
Biscuit Pudding Company
Biscuit Pudding Company is another home-chef that crafts up jarsful of good CBP. They've got all of your favourites – Classic, Toblerone, KitKat, Oreo, Nutella, Ferrero and Snickers.
How to order: Call at 0776989067, or DM them on their Instagram page. It's pick-up only – from Wattala and Dehiwala.
Salad Maps
Layers and layers of rainbow coloured veggies and meats, neatly stacked inside a massive jar, exploring Salad Maps is one fine experience. These salads take inspiration from many different countries which you'd be able to observe through the names and flavours – Japanese Sushi Salad, Greek Salad, and Mexican Taco Salad etc. They're fresh, delicious, and needless to say, super healthy!
How to order: Available on Uber Eats and PickMe Food.
Soup Mama
Soup Mama is a home chef dedicated to making just soupy foods. Each bowl of soup is easily sharable between two and tastes homemade as artificial flavours are not involved in the scene.
How to order: Available on PickMe Food and Uber Eats.
Thus ends our long list of unique home cooks in Colombo. If we're missing anyone, please do let us know in the comments.
