We were a family who rarely ate from out, as my mum was and still is someone who promotes homecooked food be it rice and curry, cakes and desserts or short eats. There was a short list of food items which were not homemade, that we were allowed to indulge in as kids, and among them was the Nippon Mutton Rolls from Hotel Nippon. So naturally, we had to give them a try. 

“Hotel Nippon has been around for a while. In fact, I believe it was one of the first five hotels in Sri Lanka amongst the likes of The Grand Oriental Hotel, The Galle Face Hotel and The Grand in Nuwara Eliya,” says Vishnu V. Vethody, Director, Hotel Nippon (Pvt.) Ltd. He goes on to add, “Even though a lot has changed since its inception, and even though the initial theme and food styles may have altered over time, there's one thing that has remained rock solid and unchanged – the recipe of our Nippon Rolls. Especially the Nippon Mutton Rolls.” Vishnu says hearing about the stories in relation to the rolls over the last few weeks have been overwhelming, “People get absolutely nostalgic and swear that the first bite of the Mutton Roll just takes them decades back into their past, to one of their fondest memories.” 

The hotel which has remained with Vishnu’s family for decades is also preserved by the Archaeology Department as a ‘Heritage Building’ and has undergone a massive facelift to bring it back to its former glory while also revamping its image and bringing in the customers of old and welcoming in the new. The hotel is home to The KAFÉ which in turn, is home to the famous Nippon Rolls. In time to come, they will be introducing Kerala street eats at the café. 

Taste and value for money - Nippon Mutton Roll (5 stars) 

Among their current range of pan rolls are Mutton (Rs. 140), Beef (Rs. 110), Fish (Rs. 80) and Vegetable (Rs. 60). The first bite of the Mutton Roll and I was transported back to my childhood and I was teary eyed! Packed with meat and not a piece of potato in sight, it was everything it was then! They have stayed true to the filling in terms of flavour while the pancake helps enhance and lock in the flavour of these deep fried goodies. 

Taste and value for money - Other items (4.5 stars) 

The KAFÉ has expanded their menu to include a Tuna Melt (Rs. 300), Chicken Bechamel (Rs. 200) and a Spicy Tandoori Wrap with Chicken (Rs. 300). Just like their rolls, these too are packed with meat and are extremely delicious. The soft breads are baked in house while the Chicken Bechamel stays true to its title by being creamy and delicious while the hint of mint in the wrap gives it a real wow factor. 

Another favourite of ours was their Sausage Bun (Rs. 200), mind you, this isn’t your ordinary sausage bun as the bun is thin and glossy while the large sausage is the real star. They also dish out a decent Mini Chicken Pizza (Rs. 150). 

Don’t forget to give their pack of Kerala Kokis (Rs. 350) a try and wash it down with a yummy Iced Coffee (Rs. 200). 

The desserts are all priced at Rs. 220 of which our pick was the Blueberry Baked Cheesecake. It is easily one of the simplest yet delicious baked cheesecakes you can find, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet and a healthy serving of blueberries it really is a good deal. 

Unlike the usual dry sponge cakes, these guys serve up a moist Opera Cake with a light cream and strong hints of coffee, while their Chocolate Fudge Cake (Rs. 220) is commendable. Their Oreo "Kiri" Cake is said to be a best seller but was sadly unavailable for tasting. The KAFÉ also serves delectable Macaroons (Rs. 70 per piece) sandwiched with chocolate cream. 

Toilets - 5 stars 
Friendly staff - 5 stars 
Parking - 4 stars 

Address: 123, Kumaran Ratnam Road, Colombo 2 
Tel: 011-243-1888 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.kafe.nippon/ and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Nippon/213659545326306? 

Instagram: the.kafe.nippon 

 

Photographs by Kanishke Ganewatte