Doner & Durum, one of Colombo’s leading Mediterranean and Turkish restaurants, has quickly established itself as a culinary delight since its inception in 2018 in Thimbirigasyaya. Recently expanding to a second location in Thalawathugoda, the restaurant has garnered a loyal following among food enthusiasts for its unique blend of Mediterranean flavours tailored to suit the local palate.

Founded by university friends Seyed Waqar Moulana, Sharanga Hettiarachchi, Nikira Senanayake, Abdul Khaliq Ghouse, and Atif Haariz, Doner & Durum rose from a shared vision to fill a gap in Sri Lanka’s food industry. Recognising the limited availability of gourmet fast food options, they sought to introduce the diverse and vibrant tastes they experienced abroad to the Sri Lankan market and opened a small outlet on Thimbirigasyaya Road which quickly became popular. 

The original Thimbirigasyaya location, cherished for its intimate setting, continues to be a popular choice for Colombites, accommodating up to 20 diners and catering well to small gatherings and medium-sized events. Recently, however, Doner & Durum took a new step forward with the opening of its Thalawathugoda branch.

The Sunday Morning Brunch visited Doner & Durum’s newly launched location, which presents a larger and more vibrant ambience compared to its cosy predecessor in Thimbirigasyaya. The new restaurant in Thalawathugoda offers an enhanced dining experience with its spacious two-storey layout. 

The dining area comfortably seats over 40 guests and features a welcoming foyer with a high ceiling, an open-bulb chandelier, and tasteful plant decor. Inside, the dining space is adorned with wooden tables, Turkish carpets, and captivating wall paintings. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows bathe the area in natural light, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the Mediterranean and Turkish culinary delights on offer.

Managing Director and Co-Founder Moulana spoke to Brunch about Doner & Durum’s journey and what had driven it, stating: “We were hugely inspired by the rich flavours of Mediterranean heritage and the vibrant spices of traditional dishes, especially street food. We aimed to introduce a fresh and gourmet culinary experience to Sri Lanka.”

He highlighted the dedication and innovation that went into developing their menu, adding: “Through extensive experimentation and dedication, we’ve perfected our recipes to cater to our customers’ tastes.”

Brunch also spoke to Co-Founder Hettiarachchi, who echoed Moulana’s sentiments about the journey of establishing Doner & Durum, describing it as a labour of love, acknowledging the initial challenges they faced but emphasising their perseverance and eventual success. 

Hettiarachchi expressed: “Now, you can expect a feast for the senses. From kebabs and doners to a colourful array of beverages, sides, and appetisers, every visit promises an unforgettable experience.” 

Elaborating on their culinary techniques, he said: “Our marination and vertical rotisserie cooking style lock in the flavours, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste in every bite.” He further highlighted how the team’s dedication to delivering not only delicious food but also a memorable dining experience was rooted in meticulous preparation and quality ingredients.

Brunch sampled a variety of dishes during our visit, with some highlights being the flavourful falafel, which served as one of the appetisers, and the classic kebabs. 

Doner & Durum is particularly renowned for its combination dishes like the snack pack, which offers a substantial and satisfying meal at a reasonable price point. Another standout was the hummus pack, boasting hummus that it takes great pride in, which certainly lived up to its reputation. 

Each Doner & Durum dish is packed with unusual Turkish and Mediterranean flavours as well as a kick of spice. The meat used is cooked to perfection on the rotisserie and often makes the dishes feel sinful. 

Among its array of beverages, our personal favourite was the Narang Burst, with its refreshing citrus notes, closely followed by the zesty Lime Fizz. Each dish and beverage we tried showcased Doner & Durum’s commitment to quality and innovation, making our dining experience both enjoyable and memorable.