Last week saw The Sunday Morning Brunch take a trip to visit the Banyan Negombo Restaurant by Sentido Heritance Negombo. The Banyan features three specialised food venues: Mad Dogs, offering fusion Mediterranean flair; Swiss Bakery, your go-to spot for delectable croissants and baked goods; and Rouge, a wine bar and lounge that captures the pulse of the night.
Brunch took the chance to sample the ware of Mad Dogs and Swiss Bakery. Both establishments offered a commendable dining experience, demonstrating genuine care and dedication to food quality.
Swiss Bakery
Swiss Bakery is ideal for pastry enthusiasts and coffee lovers. It offers a range of handcrafted croissants and other pastries, paired with various coffee and beverage options. The croissants, including classic butter, chocolate, cashew, jam and butter, and cheese and ham, are notable for their golden, flaky exteriors and soft, airy interiors.
We tried the plain croissant which was particularly impressive, with a rich buttery flavour that set it apart from regular croissants. The chocolate croissant, with its layers of buttery, flaky dough and rich chocolate filling, was another standout. We also tried the Twister – a delightful combination of pastry cream and chocolate chips – and the Chelsea Bun which was fluffy, light, and expertly baked.
Mad Dogs
Mad Dogs, a fusion Mediterranean restaurant, combines traditional Mediterranean ingredients with innovative twists. The menu features dishes such as kebabs and koftas, crafted with care and showcasing diverse Mediterranean flavours.
The falafel with lemony cabbage salad, pomegranate, and tahini provided a balanced combination of deep-fried falafel and refreshing salad. The hummus platter offered a variety of flavours, including beetroot, white beans and lentil, and roasted carrots, all served with pita bread. The spiced polenta and feta fries with mint-dill curd were a unique and enjoyable alternative to regular fries. The spice-battered squid with harissa curd was crispy and well seasoned.
The main courses at Mad Dogs were a testament to the chefs’ skill and attention to detail. The beef kofta stuffed with feta accompanied by lentil and pepper salad and harissa curd was a particular highlight, with the spiced beef meatballs perfectly complemented by the creamy feta. The meats were exceptionally well seasoned, reflecting the chefs’ expertise in handling meat dishes.
The chicken kofta with vegetable couscous and mint curd sauce was equally well prepared, offering a well-seasoned mixture of ground chicken and spices. The shawarma with mango pickle and tahini featured slow-cooked chicken with a tangy mango pickle, wrapped in soft pita bread.
The Turkish pide provided a delightful flatbread experience with various toppings like minced beef; minced lamb; egg, tomato, and cheese; or cheese and spinach. Despite not being fans of Mediterranean cuisine like falafel, we found the dishes enjoyable thanks to the chefs’ great care and attention to detail.
The Banyan Negombo Restaurant by Sentido Heritance Negombo is set to stand out within Negombo’s landscape for its determination and effort to provide a quality dining experience. Both Swiss Bakery and Mad Dogs maintain high standards, offering well-prepared dishes in a welcoming ambience.