If you are craving rich, flavorful Indian food while in Sri Lanka, Indian Summer is the place you must visit. Since 2014, Indian Summer has been serving the finest North Indian cuisine across several cities including Colombo, Kandy, Galle City, Galle Fort, and Nuwara Eliya. The restaurant is not just about filling your stomach, it’s about creating warm memories with food that touches your heart.
Walking into Indian Summer is like stepping into a beautiful corner of India. Right from the entrance, you are welcomed by a peaceful fountain and the scent of delicious spices. The interior is Indian-themed, with wooden tables, blue cushioned chairs, and a shelf filled with traditional Indian ornaments. The decorations are unique and reflect the different cultures and regions of India. Soft Tamil music plays in the background, adding to the relaxing and homely feel of the place. The ambience is pleasant, cozy, and perfect for enjoying a meal with loved ones.
What’s amazing is how lively the place is. I honestly didn’t expect such a large crowd, but the restaurant was fully packed. People kept coming and going, and the energy was exciting. It clearly showed how popular the place is, and for good reason.
One of the special things about Indian Summer is their team of chefs who come from all over the world. These are culinary experts, and you can taste their experience in every dish. Every meal is prepared with care and great attention to detail. The result is what they call an “Asian Masterpiece,” and it truly lives up to that name. You can enjoy both Indian and Chinese cuisine here, each with its own special twist.
To start, we ordered a strawberry mojito, and it was a perfect beginning. It tasted exactly like fresh strawberries, sweet, cool, and refreshing. It didn’t feel artificial at all and was a nice way to cleanse the palate before the spicy dishes arrived.
One of the most delicious starters we tried was the sizzling chilli fish. The plate arrived hot and steaming, and the aroma was mouthwatering. The fish was fresh, soft, and cooked perfectly. It had a lovely balance of spice and flavor that made each bite a delight.
For the main course, the highlight for me was the boneless chicken pot biriyani. Biriyani is already a favorite for many, but this version felt unique. It had an authentic taste, with perfectly cooked rice and chicken that was both juicy and tender. The spices were just right—not too overpowering, and every mouthful was full of flavor. It was comforting, filling, and absolutely satisfying.
To go with it, we had butter naan, and it was so soft and fluffy. It had just the right amount of butter, making it rich but not heavy. It paired beautifully with the biriyani and other dishes on the table.
We also tried the tandoori chicken, which had that classic tandoor flavor. It was smoky, spicy, and juicy. The seasoning was perfect, and the chicken was grilled just right. It went so well with both naan and biriyani, and the taste stayed with me long after the meal.
A surprise favorite among our group was the dynamite prawns. Everyone loved them. The prawns were crispy outside and tender inside, coated in a rich, cheesy, and slightly spicy sauce. It honestly tasted like something from a luxury hotel. The flavor was bold and exciting, a real treat.
From the Chinese side of the menu, the seafood Szechuan noodles truly stood out. They were spicy and full of flavor, just the way Szechuan dishes should be. The noodles were soft but not sticky, and they were packed with fresh seafood, prawns and fish. The sauce had a tangy heat that made each bite feel alive. It was comforting yet exciting, and definitely one of the best dishes we had.
For dessert, we ordered hot gulab jamun, served with almonds. It was soft and sweet, soaked in sugary syrup. The almonds on top added a nice crunch and a nutty flavor. It was the perfect end to a rich and hearty meal.
We also tried a lime and mint mojito, which I didn’t enjoy as much. It was a bit too sour for my taste, though it was still cool and refreshing. It might suit people who enjoy strong citrus flavors, but for me, the strawberry mojito was definitely the better option.
Another fun and relaxing feature at Indian Summer is their Shisha Lounge, located in a cozy garden café. They offer a range of flavours like double apple, grape, mint, lemon with mint, watermelon, and paan rass. It’s a lovely spot to unwind, especially in the evening when the air is cool, and the setting feels calm and elegant. The shisha is served with a gentle ambiance and makes the entire dining experience more enjoyable. Prices start from Rs. 2250, with a milk base option available for a slightly higher cost. A 10% service charge is added, but for the quality and the atmosphere, it feels worth it.
Indian Summer isn’t just a popular restaurant, it’s a recognized one too. They received a Certificate of Appreciation for helping to promote tourism in Sri Lanka and were awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor in 2019. These awards reflect the dedication and quality that go into every part of their service, from the food to the setting.
In the end, Indian Summer gave us more than just a meal. It gave us a beautiful experience. The service was friendly, the ambience was comforting, and the food was unforgettable. Every dish felt like it was made with love, and each bite was packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Indian spices, looking for fusion cuisine, or simply want a good night out with friends or family, Indian Summer is the place to go.
If you ever find yourself in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, or Nuwara Eliya, make time to visit Indian Summer. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a happy heart, and a desire to return again.
