Recently, we had the pleasure of dining at Holybelly, Sri Lanka. Though we had to go on a wild goose chase to reach the place, the experience was every bit worth the time we spent looking for it! Moral of this experience is to use Google Maps when going to Holybelly after reading our review. Holybelly is an initiative by Shehanka Kulatunga, purely because of her love for food and travelling, which is also the reason behind the diversified menu presented to us, equipped with Far Eastern, European, American, and Sri Lankan items, spicing things up for the diners. Though the space available is limited, they have utilised it wisely to create a very calm and cosy environment. There are quotes, pictures, and ornaments around the café, providing a very unique ambience. We were at a loss as to what to pick from the menu, as everything listed looked quite amazing, so we were happy to go ahead with the suggestions of the manager; Chris Bowles. [gallery columns="2" size="ci_full_thumb" ids="11753,11756,11752,11755,11754,11751"] Item 1: Hot butter cuttlefish We were told that the HBC at Holybelly is one of the most fast-moving dishes, so we decided to try that out to see what all the ‘hoo-ha’ was about. It was indeed mouth-watering, and the best HBC we have ever tasted in Colombo. The dish came with deep fried cuttlefish, which was wok fried after, with a special gravy added, topped with onions, spring onion leaves, and capsicum. It was very well flavoured and slightly spicy. The gravy tasted a bit cheesy, although Shehanka and Chris both assured us that no cheese was added in the making. The generous amount of cuttlefish combined with the gravy that spiced it worked magic in the dish! Item 2: Herb chicken with mash We decided to try out the herb chicken with mash listed in the mains section of the menu. This dish came with marinated pan cooked chicken with herbs such as oregano, rocket leaves topped with sliced tomatoes with sautéed carrot, beans, cauliflower, and mashed potatoes. The dish was topped with a demi-glace sauce and a few droplets of beetroot sauce on the side. It was well flavoured, and the beetroot sauce added a slight hint of sweetness to the meal, which perfectly blended with the other components in the dish. The chicken was well marinated and baked to perfection. The mash was creamy, really fluffy, and amazing when coupled with everything else. There was not a drop of sauce left on the plate once we were done, because it was that good! Item 3: Blueberry pancakes In came the pancakes next, topped with a generous amount of whipped cream, frozen blueberries, and blueberry sauce. Much to our surprise, there was whipped cream spread in-between the three pancakes with maple syrup as well. Though served as a dessert for one, our opinion is that the pancakes could be easily shared among two because they are huge, stacked on top of one another with a cloud of whipped cream and blueberries. This was a sweet addition to our meal, and who are we to say no to a dreamy stack of pancakes? Bonus item: Caramel banana milkshake After a few minutes of pondering over the extensive drinks menu designed by Shehanka herself, we went ahead with the caramel banana milkshake. This comprised sliced banana on top with whipped cream, drizzled with caramel, with peanut butter, caramel, banana, and vanilla ice cream blended together. Though usually the taste of peanut butter and caramel tends to overpower the flavour of banana, this was a perfectly balanced drink! It was sweet, creamy, very rich, and filling! · Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends · Address: 30/6, Col TG Jayawardena Mawatha, Colombo 3 · Contact number: 0112 574 850 · Quality and quantity of the food, service by the staff, and the atmosphere of the cafe justifies the price · A person can afford a hearty and filling meal with Rs. 1,500 in hand · There is ample parking space, washroom facilities, and Wi-Fi · They deliver for up to 15 pax, customised dishes on request, and host small parties as well! · Holybelly has done an amazing job over the short period of time they have been open · Cheers to a good meal!   By Anjalika Abeykoon Photos Indika Handuwala