An open kitchen in the heart of an urban jungle

Exotic and attainable

By Nizla Naizer

I’ve always been attracted to the word ‘fusion’; from the meeting of East and West, to a combination of modernity with the traditional, and nothing promotes ‘fusion’ like a well thought out menu that brings the best of both worlds under one roof. On a quest for that elusive and ideal meal I found the perfect restaurant that turns fusion cuisine to reality at the aptly named Urban Kitchen.
Located in the heart of Colombo’s bustling commercial district, Urban Kitchen is situated adjoining the Hyde Park Arpico Super Centre and within the four months since its inception has become the popular choice for a meal for both those who are on a shopping mission and would like a meal out and for those like me, on a quest for fine fusion cuisine without the ‘fine’ price tag.

Jerome La Brooy

The world of urban dining
Urban Kitchen Founder and Director Kitchen, Jerome LaBrooy has brought the best of his diverse experience across the globe to this spacious, comfortable and cozy ‘food factory’. With three decades of experience in the industry spanning all parts of the world from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe to Australia, his venture to capture the hearts (and stomachs) of the Sri Lankan diner comes in the wake of his successful restaurant operations in Australia. “We observed the cuisine available in Sri Lanka and we decided to give the people of Colombo fine food, produced with local ingredients at reasonable prices.”
And the result? Culinary masterpieces that elevates the Urban Kitchen from just another food court, to a restaurant that is well thought of and definitely worth a visit. Along with Chef de Cuisine, German Dimano, who joined LaBrooy from Australia to bring the best of all worlds to the Colombo diner, the team at Urban Kitchen has created a menu that is at once exotic but attainable, delicious and definitely fulfilling. From the cheese filled and article inspiring Chicken Schnitzel to Sea Food Laksa which is a noodle soup that is filled with the tantalising aromas and flavours of the East, the food at Urban Kitchen defines fusion cuisine with their range of dishes.

Space-ship seats and neon lights
The ambience at the restaurant is just as unique. Comfortable, spaceship like bucket seats encourage lounging with a coffee from the Urban Kitchen’s diverse beverage menu while neon coloured chairs and modern lights brings an avant-garde feel to the entire restaurant. The bright open kitchen ensures an interactive experience as diners keep peering at the chefs to see what they whip out while the music is uplifting and fun, just like the restaurant. “People are more comfortable with the open kitchen because they can see their food being prepared and our staff is motivated to provide their best effort,” LaBrooy explained.
Coming back to the cuisine, some of Urban Kitchen’s signature dishes which have been established as favourites among the diners of Colombo include the Flame-Grilled Salad, Char Kway Teow which is stir fired rice noodles with delicious prawns and chicken and the Hot Roast Lamb Baguette. My personal favourites however were the Smoked Chicken Sandwich which is the ideal perky-meal when you’re in a hurry and the Mezze Plate for a diverse range of salads and roti you can dip in a bowl of taste-bud teasing hummus.
For desserts, try the Chocolate Cinnamon Torte or the absolutely delicious Coffee Cream Mousse made from roasted coffee beans picked in the hills of Bandarawela. “At Urban Kitchen we always ensure the freshness of our ingredients,” LaBrooy tells me, “That’s what makes the food so special.”
The team at Urban Kitchen intends to bring a more global flavour to Sri Lanka with Spanish Nights of eating out in the open and Jazz evenings in the future, but for now, if you’re in the mood for a meal from the flavour filled South East Asia while your better half craves for the sophistication of the Mediterranean, head to Urban Kitchen and find a restaurant that satisfies both.
Urban Kitchen is situated at 69, Hyde Park Corner, Colombo 10 and is open for operations from 10 am to 10 pm.