WTF - More Than Kopi

05 April 2017

What - Fusion food
Where - Kopi Kade (15/3, Stratford Avenue, Colombo 06)
Who - Nimeshan Namasivayam
When - Wednesday (12:00 PM - 08:00 PM), Thursday (12:00 PM - 08:00 PM), Friday (12:00 PM - 09:00 PM), Saturday (12:00 PM - 09:00 PM), Sunday (12:00 PM - 09:00PM)

Today on WTF, I've been on the lookout for new places to escape from the heat these days. And right on top of Stratford Avenue, I found a little gem of a place. It's Kopi Kade run by Nimesh Namasivayam aka Nimesh who has the same problem I have with long Tamil names that have non-functional appendages at the end.

Kopi Kade is a neat pristine restaurant where everything is delicate and thoughtfully placed. The ambiance is immediately arresting because it gives you the impression that the owner thought of every last detail. The minimal style ensured that nothing was loud.. nothing except the food!

I started off my chill session with the Iced Dark Chocolate Drink which boasted 70% chocolate. And boy, did it live up to its promise! Although the glass was small, it was heaven in a cup.

Talking to the owner Nimesh was like taking a trip to his grandma's kitchen. He has a real scientific approach to cooking and it comes out in the food. Everything is presented with precision and care. He is very intimate with his dishes and you can see his Jaffna roots and Australian training combined with his present experience in Colombo infused in the food.

Nimesh went on to point out that he picked the name Kopi Kade so it can be understood by anyone in Sri Lanka speaking both Tamil and Sinhalese. And of course the TV show on ITN was a staple during his childhood.

My next try was the Matcha Tea Latte. At Rs. 500, it was worth every sip. I usually hate green tea, but this tasted like the KitKat green tea!

The Paneer Slider was made with homemade paneer and he had added a side of bacon as well. The texture of the paneer was absolute perfection while the bacon was not overdone so the flavor was preserved. Overall, a yummy appetizer.

My next dip was the Prawn Curry Slider. Oh dear, oh dear! That was a bite of pure flavour.

Time for dessert! I could not pass off on the chance to try the Salted Kithul and Malt ice creams. All the ice creams are made inhouse and has a signature taste to it! At Rs. 250 a scoop, the ice cream was a great wys to round off our sojourn at the Kopi Kade.

If I had one gripe to air, it would be that the portions were delicately sized. Everything is of such good standard and so yummy that you always want more. So when you make a stop at Kopi Kade, get ready for some delicious bite sized treats that will blow you away.

Today on WTF

Video and photographs by You’re My Favorite
Hair and make up - Capello Salons
Transport Partner - PickMe
Outfit - LOVI Ceylon
T-Shirt - JUMP

Danu Innasithamby

Danu Innasithamby is proof that one person can survive on coffee, curiosity, and an unhealthy number of WhatsApp messages. A television host, actor, producer, writer, and professional chatterbox, he’s spent years turning conversations into stories and stories into memorable television. Born in Jaffna and proudly calling Sri Lanka home, Danu has built a career around asking the questions everyone else is thinking—but with a smile that usually gets him out of trouble. Whether he’s interviewing celebrities, hosting major events, judging competitions, or chasing the next great story, there’s never really a dull moment. When he’s not on screen, he’s busy supporting local talent, championing meaningful causes through Sri Lankan Smile, or convincing himself that “just one more project” is a perfectly reasonable life choice. Known for his humour, colourful suits, quick wit, and the ability to make almost anyone laugh, Danu believes life is best lived with good conversations, great food, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. If you spot him, don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly part of an interview… or at least a really entertaining conversation.