Tucked away on Torrington Avenue in Colombo 7, Holy Dumpling opened its doors in September 2023, quickly becoming a destination for anyone seeking authentic Asian comfort food. Founded and operated by Jehan Jayakuru, the casual dine-in restaurant has since expanded to Crescat Boulevard and Rajagiriya, bringing its signature dumplings, wontons, noodles, and bao’s closer to more diners. What sets Holy Dumpling apart is its dedication to freshly made dishes that are best enjoyed hot, straight from the kitchen, allowing the flavours to shine at their peak.
Before opening Holy Dumpling in Colombo, Jehan, along with his wife Kiko Lin, opened Little Red House in Mirissa. Kiko Lin was also involved with Holy Dumpling in its early stages, although she did not participate in daily operations. Drawing from years of culinary experience and having grown up around the kitchen, Jehan’s approach is rooted in authenticity and care. Inspired by his father, who was a chef, he has always understood the importance of ingredients, timing, and technique. When moving to Colombo, Jehan decided to focus entirely on a menu built around dumplings, wontons, noodles, and baos. Each dish on the menu is inspired by a different part of East Asia, with spice levels carefully adjusted to suit the Sri Lankan palate, blending authentic flavours with local sensibilities.
The Chicken Dumplings are the cornerstone of Holy Dumpling’s menu. Each dumpling is handmade and steamed to perfection, ensuring that every bite delivers a burst of warm, savoury goodness. Juicy and aromatic, the filling is perfectly balanced, with subtle seasonings that enhance the natural flavour of the chicken. These dumplings are meant to be eaten immediately, while hot, when the dough is soft, and the juices are still locked inside. Waiting even a few minutes can alter the experience, so timing is everything.
Equally satisfying are the Prawn & Egg Wontons, served with a delicate soy and sesame sauce. The prawns bring a sweet, oceanic freshness, complemented by the rich creaminess of the egg. The sauce adds a gentle nuttiness, enhancing the flavours without overwhelming the filling. The combination creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience, one that is impossible to replicate when the dish cools. Diners often find themselves savouring each wonton slowly, fully aware that the warmth of the dish elevates every flavour.
Another highlight is the Chicken Fresh Noodles, served with a generous coating of peanut sauce. The noodles are freshly made, offering a smooth, slightly chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the nutty, lightly sweet sauce. Every strand carries the flavour of the sauce, creating a comforting, hearty dish that feels both satisfying and indulgent. This is a dish that encourages slow, deliberate bites, allowing diners to enjoy the harmony of textures and flavours.
For those craving a mix of sweet and spicy, the Prawn Bao Bun is a must. The soft, pillowy bao cradles tender prawns dressed in a sweet chili sauce. The contrast between the airy bun and the slightly crisp prawns creates a texture that is both playful and satisfying. Best eaten hot, the bao retains its signature softness and absorbs the warmth of the filling, enhancing the overall eating experience. Each bite is a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness.
To conclude a meal, the Hawaiian Butter Mochi Cake offers a subtle, delightful finish. Chewy, buttery, and lightly sweet, the cake reflects the Japanese dessert tradition while adding a tropical twist. Served warm, it releases its buttery aroma and invites diners to take a slow, comforting bite, a perfect ending to a meal built on freshness and care.
What makes Holy Dumpling unique is not just the food, but the philosophy behind it. Jehan is committed to simplicity, freshness, and authenticity. While some ingredients are imported to maintain quality, local meats and produce are used wherever possible, blending convenience with integrity. Each dish is crafted to be enjoyed at its prime, emphasizing the experience of eating hot, freshly prepared food.
The menu is intentionally concise, allowing the kitchen to focus on quality and precision. By honing in on dumplings, wontons, noodles, and baos, Holy Dumpling ensures that every dish meets its high standard, without diluting attention across too many offerings. This focus is part of why the restaurant has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
In a city where casual dining options abound, Holy Dumpling has carved out a niche by offering comfort, care, and warmth in every bite. From Torrington Avenue to Crescat Boulevard and Rajagiriya, diners are drawn by the promise of freshly made, hot, and flavourful East Asian-inspired dishes adapted perfectly for local tastes.
For those in search of a meal that combines simplicity with authenticity, and flavour with warmth, Holy Dumpling delivers consistently. Each dish tells a story, of care, heritage, and passion, leaving diners with a sense of satisfaction and often a craving for more.
