- Autarch opens at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
Nestled within the historic Dutch Hospital in Colombo, Autarch aims to redefine Sri Lanka’s dining scene with a unique fusion of Japanese and Thai cuisine, offering a refreshing change – a dining experience that merges two beloved Asian cuisines under one roof.
The restaurant, which opened its doors recently, is the brainchild of Janaka Dias and Upeksha Seneviratne, a husband-and-wife duo with a shared passion for authentic, global flavours. For Upeksha and Janaka, the journey towards opening Autarch was both personal and professional. While Janaka’s experience in the food industry laid the foundation for the restaurant, Upeksha’s desire to remain rooted in Sri Lanka gave the project its initial spark.
“I love Sri Lanka and didn’t want to migrate, but I was also looking for something that would keep me passionate about staying here,” Upeksha shared. “That’s when we started seriously considering opening a restaurant. I had a Thai friend who introduced me to the rich culinary traditions of Thailand, and Janaka already had extensive experience in Japanese and Thai cuisines. It felt like the perfect combination.”
The head chef, Khamla Sangson, whose many years of experience span kitchens across Thailand, Korea, and Morocco, emphasised how the fusion concept came naturally to them. “I’ve worked with both cuisines for so long that it made sense to bring them together in one space,” he said. Upseksha added: “We love Thai food, but we’re equally passionate about Japanese dishes like sushi and tempura. It’s hard to find a place in Sri Lanka where both cuisines are prepared authentically, so we decided to create that space ourselves.”
A culinary philosophy grounded in authenticity
At Autarch, authenticity reigns supreme. The restaurant’s menu is meticulously curated to include only the finest dishes from Japanese and Thai cuisines, with an emphasis on traditional preparation techniques and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The couple’s shared vision was to bring an authentic experience to Colombo’s food scene – one that would satisfy even the most discerning palates.
“We take pride in the fact that our dishes are crafted with authenticity in mind,” Janaka explained. “Our chef has worked in the industry for nearly three decades and has mastered both Thai and Japanese cooking. That’s quite rare, even internationally. We’re offering our customers a chance to experience the best of both worlds.”
The decision to offer a fusion of these two cuisines was born out of a desire to stand out. “Sri Lanka has fantastic food options, but when it comes to Japanese or Thai, it’s often one or the other,” Upeksha said. “We wanted to offer a place where you can enjoy both, without compromising on authenticity.”
What’s in a name?
Choosing the name Autarch wasn’t just about creating a catchy brand. For Janaka and Upeksha, the name carries significant meaning. The word ‘Autarch’ symbolises the restaurant’s independence and self-sufficiency. Upeksha explained: “That concept is at the heart of what we’re doing here. We didn’t want to follow any trends or compromise on the integrity of our food. It’s about doing things on our own terms – giving people an experience that’s unique to us and our vision.”
The restaurant’s logo, designed by one of Upeksha’s close friends, is also symbolic of the restaurant’s ethos, blending elements from both Thai and Japanese cultures. “It’s a reflection of the duality we’ve embraced with our menu and concept,” Upeksha added.
A constantly evolving menu
One of the defining features of Autarch is its commitment to innovation. While the restaurant already boasts an impressive menu featuring everything from classic Thai curries to delicate sushi platters, the founders are constantly looking for ways to evolve and surprise their guests.
“We don’t want to stay static,” Janaka said. “Next year, we’re planning to introduce new dishes and change the menu periodically. We want to keep things fresh. That’s part of the experience we’re offering – customers can come back time and again and always find something new to try.”
However, this evolution will not come at the expense of the restaurant’s core philosophy. “We’ll always stay true to the authenticity of both cuisines,” Upeksha clarified. “The menu might change, but our commitment to quality and tradition will remain the same.”
The dining experience at Autarch
Set against the charming backdrop of the Dutch Hospital, Autarch offers more than just a meal – it’s an experience. The warm, minimalist interiors reflect the restaurant’s philosophy of blending two distinct cultures, with subtle nods to both Thai and Japanese aesthetics.
“We wanted the space to feel welcoming and relaxed,” Upeksha said. “Dining here should be an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the flavours and traditions of these two incredible cuisines.”
While the restaurant is relatively new, it has already garnered attention for its unique concept and the care taken with every dish. “We’ve had a great response so far,” Janaka noted. “People are excited to have a place where they can experience the best of both Thai and Japanese food.”
As Autarch continues to make its mark on Colombo’s dining scene, both Janaka and Upeksha are focused on ensuring that the restaurant remains a destination for food lovers. “This is just the beginning,” Upeksha said with a smile. “We want Autarch to become a place where people know they’ll get an unforgettable meal – whether they’re in the mood for Thai or Japanese.”
With plans for future menu innovations and a continued commitment to authenticity, Autarch is poised to become a culinary landmark in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a fan of the subtle umami of Japanese cuisine or the bold, vibrant flavours of Thai food, Autarch offers a good dining experience that brings the best of both worlds to your plate.
Photos Venura Chandramalitha