From the very beginning, I knew that my business could only grow if my team felt valued. Good food and good service don’t come from pressure alone, they come from pride, respect, and a sense of belonging.
For more than four decades, one name has been synonymous with Sri Lanka’s evolving culinary landscape: Kanthi Jayamaha. As the founder of the iconic Tasty Caterers, Kanthi transformed what began as a hobby in her early twenties into a culinary empire that today stands as a household name. Her journey, which began in 1983 with a handful of pastries and a heart full of passion, blossomed into one of the country’s most trusted catering and dining brands.
From weddings and corporate functions to casual gatherings and street-side cravings, Tasty Caterers has become part of Colombo’s cultural fabric, serving generations with flavours that are both comforting and innovative. Yet, beyond the dishes and outlets, Kanthi’s success story is about resilience, vision, and above all, people. Her philosophy of balancing tradition with modernity, while fostering a deeply supportive workplace culture, has cemented her reputation as both an entrepreneur and an inspiration.
Q You started catering for your father’s clients as a young girl. Can you share a memorable moment from those early kitchen days that still inspires you today?
How I really started my business was not as a business but as a hobby 40 years ago. At just 21 years old, living at Skelton Road, I would experiment in the kitchen out of pure joy. My very first order was for 10 cutlets, 10 patties, and one pound of butter cake. It came from one of my father’s customers in Ja-Ela, who wanted to take the food to India. I was so excited, I remember carefully preparing everything, checking and rechecking, because I wanted it to be perfect. That order made me realize how much satisfaction I gained from feeding others. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about sharing happiness. That simple beginning still inspires me today, because it reminds me of how passion, even in small things, can spark a lifelong journey.
Q When you officially launched Tasty Caterers in 1985, what was the biggest challenge you faced transitioning from a home kitchen to a professional operation?
The transition from home cooking to running a professional operation was both exciting and daunting. Initially, I moved from my home kitchen to a small rented house on Park Road. I started with just two employees, but it already felt like a huge leap. The hardest part was learning how to maintain the exact same quality and personal touch my clients expected, while adapting to an entirely new environment. Suddenly, I had to consider health and safety regulations, invest in industrial kitchen equipment, and manage logistics for larger events. At the same time, my two daughters were just one and two years old. Balancing motherhood with a growing business wasn’t easy; it was exhausting, actually. But those challenges shaped me. Every sleepless night and every difficult adjustment helped build the foundation for the brand we are today. It taught me resilience and the importance of consistency, no matter the scale.
Q You’ve seen food trends come and go over the last 40 years. How do you keep Tasty Caterers fresh and exciting while still holding on to the traditions people love?
Food trends are always changing, fusion cuisines, new presentation styles, healthier options. At Tasty Caterers, I’ve always believed in finding a balance. Our philosophy has been “value for money with consistent quality.” That never changes. But at the same time, I know customers also want something new and exciting. So, we keep things fresh by introducing modern flavours, multi-cuisine dishes, and creative presentations. For example, while we continue to serve our classic patties, cutlets, and butter cake that people grew up with, we also experiment with international cuisines and stylish plating for events. I see it as blending the old with the new, holding on to our roots while moving with the times. This way, our customers feel comforted by familiarity but also pleasantly surprised with every visit or catered event.
Q Your staff’s well-being is a priority for you. How has building a positive work culture contributed to Tasty Caterers’ long-term success?
From the very beginning, I knew that my business could only grow if my team felt valued. Good food and good service don’t come from pressure alone, they come from pride, respect, and a sense of belonging. At Tasty Caterers, I’ve always fostered an environment of trust, teamwork, and continuous learning. Many of my employees have been with me for decades, and I’ve watched them grow not just as professionals but as people. When they feel supported, they go the extra mile for our customers. And that spirit is what clients feel when they come to us. It’s not just a catering service; it’s a family delivering warmth through food. I take immense pride in seeing my staff thrive, because their passion fuels our success. I truly believe that when our people grow, the company grows with them. That’s the heart of our longevity.
Q In your view, what makes Sri Lankan cuisine unique, and how have you showcased that through Tasty Caterers?
Sri Lankan cuisine is special because it carries so much history in every dish. It’s a tapestry of spices, flavours, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. From a simple rice and curry meal to festive sweets like kavum and kokis, every dish is tied to memory, culture, and celebration. At Tasty Caterers, we’ve always embraced that uniqueness. We celebrate Sri Lankan food in its authentic form but present it in ways that also appeal to modern sensibilities. For weddings, we might create lavish buffets that showcase traditional curries alongside international favourites. For corporate events, we balance Sri Lankan flavours with contemporary presentation. What matters most is tailoring the menu to the client’s occasion, whether it’s a baby shower, bridal shower, BBQ, anniversary, or corporate gala. Whatever the event, our goal is always to make it memorable, rooted in both authenticity and innovation.
Q Looking back at 40 years of Tasty Caterers, what achievement are you most proud of?
When I look back, what gives me the most joy is seeing how far we’ve come. From a single order of cutlets and butter cake to becoming one of the country’s most recognized catering names, it feels surreal sometimes. But what I’m most proud of is consistency.
For 40 years, we have maintained the trust of generations. Children who grew up eating our pastries now order from us for their own children’s birthdays and weddings. That continuity across decades, that bond we’ve created with families and communities, is my proudest achievement. It shows that food is not just about taste but about relationships, memories, and trust.
Q What’s next for Tasty Caterers? Are there any exciting new projects, menu items, or expansions on the horizon?
If I reflect on the past 40 years, I see a journey that was slow, steady, and filled with challenges, but also incredible rewards. My passion for this industry has never left me, it still drives me every single day. Looking ahead, I would love to see Tasty Caterers expand internationally. We’ve built a brand that Sri Lankans love and trust, and I believe it has the potential to make its mark abroad as well. More than just food, it’s about carrying the hospitality and warmth of Sri Lanka to the world. And through all of this, I must acknowledge the hand of God. My faith has carried me through every trial and triumph. Without His grace, none of this would have been possible. My journey is not mine alone, it’s one that I share with my staff, my customers, and my Lord who guided me.
From her first butter cake order to serving thousands at grand functions, Kanthi Jayamaha’s story is one of vision, grit, and heart. In a country where food is so deeply tied to culture, she has not only preserved tradition but also redefined it for modern generations. More than building a business, she has built a community of staff and customers who remain loyal because they feel the warmth behind the brand. As she looks to the future, Kanthi continues to dream big, with her sights set on taking Tasty Caterers beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Her legacy, built on passion and perseverance, is already a part of the island’s culinary history, and it promises to inspire the next generation of food entrepreneurs.
