As Colombo rises to become the wonder city of Asia, Arcade, Independence Square stands as a shining symbol of progress. Blending historic architecture with modern lifestyle, it's more than just a beautiful spot, it's a full experience. And for food lovers, it's a paradise where you can eat to your heart’s content without emptying your wallet. So, here’s how you can spend a delicious day at the Arcade, trying some of the best food that’s flavorful, filling, and totally worth every rupee.
First Stop: Burger Hut
We started our food journey at Burger Hut, a local brand built on hard work and years of experience, serving up multicultural dishes that perfectly suit the Sri Lankan taste.
Every dish we tried was packed with flavour:
- Chicken Pasta: Creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced, the pasta was smooth with juicy chunks of chicken. It had a satisfying, home-cooked feel but with a gourmet twist. Comfort food done right.
- Nasi Goreng: This was the highlight of the meal, flavourful, spicy, and packed with that signature smoky aroma. Every bite was bursting with perfectly balanced spices and textures. Easily a must-try!
- Chicken Submarine: Soft, fresh bread stuffed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a spicy sauce that tied it all together. Every bite was juicy and mouth-watering.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Cold, creamy, and rich with deep cocoa flavour. Not too sweet, not too heavy, just the right balance to cool down after a spicy meal.
Burger Hut definitely delivered. It was filling, full of flavour, and budget-friendly. If you're at the Arcade, this is a top spot for a satisfying main meal.
Next Up: Chaiwala Colombo
After that hearty meal, we needed something warm and soothing. Chaiwala Colombo was the perfect next stop. Known for bringing authentic street-style chai to Sri Lanka, this place has a cool story and even better tea. We tried two of their signature chais:
- Cardamom Chai: Aromatic and full of flavour, this was comfort in a cup. The cardamom stood out beautifully, fragrant, warm, and refreshing at the same time. It was smooth and satisfying.
- Tandoori Chai: Bold, spicy, and totally unique. Served in a clay cup, it had a smoky edge and a strong masala kick that instantly woke up our senses. Definitely a must-try if you like your chai with a bit of drama!
Both chais were full of flavour and perfect for a quick break. The vibe here is chill and friendly, and the prices are great for what you get.
Final Stop
Sticks & Co: Best for Ice Cream
To end things on a sweet note, we headed to Sticks & Co, the go-to spot for ice cream at the Arcade. With creative flavors and a fun atmosphere, it’s perfect for cooling down after a day of walking around. Here’s what we tried:
- Nutty Fruity: A perfect balance of crunchy nuts and chewy fruit. Sweet, creamy, and full of texture. Every bite kept you going back for more.
- Nut Fantasy: Rich, indulgent, and packed with roasted nut flavour. It had a deep, buttery taste with just the right amount of sweetness. A real treat for nut lovers.
- Blackberry: Light, fruity, and refreshingly tangy. This one was a standout for its fresh taste and smooth texture. A great choice if you're looking for something less rich but still packed with flavour.
Each scoop was delicious, and the portion sizes were generous for the price. A perfect way to wrap up our Arcade food tour. Spending a day at Arcade, Independence Square doesn’t have to be expensive. With spots like Burger Hut, Chaiwala, and Sticks & Co, you can enjoy a full, satisfying day of eating without breaking the bank. Every dish we had was flavourful, well-prepared, and affordable, proof that you don’t need to splurge to enjoy great food in Colombo. If you're looking for a fun day out with amazing food, the Arcade is definitely worth a visit. Come hungry, you won’t be disappointed!
