Machan Kitchen Croydon

Pt. 3

Captivated by the enchanting fountain and pond outside the main house 🌊✨ The fountain dances with elegance, reflecting the serene charm of this hidden sanctuary in Sri Lanka's natural paradise 🌿🌺

Pt. 2

Every corner of Brief Garden reveals a story of artistic vision and natural splendor🌿 Bevis Bawa's legacy shines through the vibrant flora and tranquil landscapes. An unforgettable escape into Sri Lanka's rich botanical heritage. 🌺🌴

Brief Pt. 1

Immersed in the captivating beauty of Brief Garden, a tropical eden in Sri Lanka🌿🌺 This stunning estate, once home to renowned artist Bevis Bawa, is teeming with exotic plants, serene pathways, and breathtaking vistas. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts! 🌴

Whenever you order a velvety rich curry, don't forget to have it with a side of crisp, coconut roti to soak up the gravy.

Balance out the indulgent gravy with a side of Pol Sambol for a kick of zesty heat and freshness 🎇

Sri Lankan condiments enhance flavour, texture and ultimately, overall satisfaction. If you order a mild but rich and creamy curry, pol sambol or lunu miris will provide a tart and spicy kick (with lunu miris on the spicier side)🌶

Order a largely savoury dish and the sweetness provided by seeni sambol will give balance and depth of flavour⚖️

Mix and match to your liking!

If you're planning on visiting, feel free to message us and have a chat about what you like and what we recommend and we can tailor your experience at MK together!
🌴🌺

Kottu on it's own is the Sri Lankan equivalent of kebab after a night out. The carb heavy dish consists of a soft roti, chopped up and tossed with egg, veggies, chicken and gravy from the chicken curry🐔

Kottu is usually enjoyed with another curry on the side for added satisfaction. For a spicier, fattier and richer flavour, we recommend our black pork curry. For a flavour that is mild, creamy but just as rich, try it with our crab curry

Follow along for more combinations at MK!

When it comes to Sri Lankan food, the whole is truly greater than the sum of it parts.

The combination of curries you order extensively elevates your experience when enjoying Sri Lankan food. Although preferences change largely, here's a suggestion that we think works wonderfully:

Crab Curry🦀with Coconut Roti🥥and Pol Sambol - Roti has a slightly crisp exterior and a soft but chewy interior. As it is denser than bread, soaking the roti in the gravy of the curry is an ideal way to eat it. A zesty sambol with fresh onions and a slight heat provides the perfect medium to cut through the riches of the curry and provide a perfect balance of flavours

Follow along for more combinations at MK!

Lunuganga Pt. 3

Before the estate was used for rubber, the grounds were littered with cinnamon plants during the Dutch Colonial period. Although Bawa wanted Lunuganga to be a weekend retreat, it turned into a lifelong passion project🍃🪻

When walking through the lush green land, Bawa's use of tropical modernism shines through as you feel the warmth of the equatorial sun, whilst surrounded by comforting building facades that blend immaculately into their environment.

Lunuganga Pt. 2

Bawa acquired Lunuganga in 1947 and transformed this abandoned rubber estate into the serene gardenscape we see today.

The variety of gardens across the plot have their own character which adds to the atmosphere. These include water gardens, tropical gardens, vistas and even hidden pathways that lead you to unexpected discoveries🌿

Lunuganga Pt. 1

Today we will delve into the world of the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. He was one of the few that was able to seamlessly incorporate the natural world into his designs and create the perfect balance between structure and greenery🌴

Many of his works can be visited and explored during your next trip to Sri Lanka. Come back to the MK page this week to see more pictures of Lunuganga.

Amongst a plethora of other short-eats, Mutton Rolls stand as a staple at bakeries across the island 🌺🌴

A tender spiced meat and vegetable filling is breaded, fried and sprinkled with a touch of salt. These rolls are best eaten piping hot but do not fret, our long list of cocktails can cool you down after every bite🍹

Next time you order our Crab Curry, make sure you get a side of this Bitter Gourd Salad as well 🍅

This fusion dish gives bitter gourd another dimension of depth when paired with green apple, gherkins, pomegranate and a fresh coconut lime dressing🥥

This salad pairs flawlessly with any rich creamy curry, as the acidic pop of the the gherkins and the tart and subtly sweet green apple will provide the perfect balance of freshness on the side 🍏

No Sri Lankan would take a leisurely stroll down Galle Face Green in Colombo, without treating themselves to a piping hot Isso Wade🦐

This crispy bite is a deep fried lentil fritter, crowned with a whole prawn until each Wade turns a glorious hue of golden orange

Happy Mother's Day!

Our founder Roshan, created MK and continues to further his dream with none other than his mother's love in mind.

Whether you're out and about or having a quiet, wholesome Sunday at home, don't forget to shower your mum with love and endless appreciation (preferably in the form of wine🍷chocolates🍫 and flowers💐)

Bring your Mum to MK and reflect on everything she has done for you. But why not reflect whilst sipping on two of these passionfruit arrack cocktails? (aka "The Old Ceylon"🥥)

This crowd favourite has a vibrant tropical taste that is discreetly augmented by a smooth coconut flavour, and rounded out with a kick of arrack that will sooth your mind, body and soul 🌴🌺

Book your table for mother's day today!

With Mother's Day closing in, MK is definitely the place to be🌴🌺

Treat your mum to the feast that she deserves. Shower her with flowers, unconditional love and Sri Lankan food (for good measure)💐

We recommend our Batu Mojuwa. Sweet, sour with a subtle warmth of chili that pairs wonderfully with the soft sautéed aubergine.

Time to make your way to Croydon, MK will be adding new items to their menu🎉

This seabass🐟 is marinated with a tantalizing blend of secret aromatics. Wrapped in banana leaf to secure all of that flavour. Tender, flakey fish coupled with a squeeze lime for an acidic pop, will be sure to awaken your senses✨

Kandy Chronicles Pt. 3

The reflective waters of the Kandy Lake are undisturbed in this photograph from the 1900s🕰. Roshan recollects his walk along the lakeside, holding his childhood sweetheart's hand, stopping for short eats and a Coke at the Kandy corner. He looks back and feels the bittersweet nostalgia of the warm breeze, weaving through the branches of the tree lined streets.

Roshan's memories of the valley, sheltered by the mountains of home, sparked the vision that brought MK to what it is today.

Follow along to learn more about our little island paradise 🌴🌺

Kandy Chronicles Pt 2.

The Queens Hotel in Kandy has a 160 year history and which persists to this day. Located on the edge of the Kandy Lake, Roshan reminisces about his days spent back in Sri Lanka, walking through these very corridors.

Roshan's memories of Sri Lanka were what molded his vision for MK. He wanted everyone across the world to share his passion for Sri Lankan food and what better place to achieve this, than in the diverse communities of London🌴🌺

Experience the flavours of Sri Lanka's past at MK.

Kandy Chronicles Pt. 1

Roshan, the founder for MK, is originally from the serene city of Kandy. Enveloped by the Knuckles and Hanthana mountain ranges, Kandy is a tranquil tapestry of emerald green and vibrant blue 🍃

Historically, Kandy was a thriving center where the rich, fertile soil and optimal climate made this area and the central regions of the country, ideal for the growth of various spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, pepper and more

The remnants of this history still remains in the spices we use at MK. Every spoonful takes us back to the flavours of our youth 🍲

Salty, light, fresh and crisp sprats 🐟 on a bed of seasoned onions. Tingling spices that let you taste the flavours of the Indian ocean 🌊 and the spices of the global south.

Sprats are found in abundance in the Northwest of Sri Lanka, in Mannar. This town overlooks the gulf, where the Rama Setu bridge of limestone shoals connecting India and Sri Lanka exists. The geological origins of the bridge are disagreed upon, but for the locals, this bridge is steeped in rich ancient lore.

Light and flakey egg hoppers with the perfect golden yolk adorning the center, surrounded by the warm heat of the coconut sambol🥥and lunumiris🌶 These flavours are balanced by the sweet and rich caramelised onion seeni sambol.

Don't walk to MK, run. 🌴

When a local Lankan wants to visit a friend, grab a quick bite or meet for coffee, nothing quite satiates our hunger like a wide platter of "short-eats" to choose from🥯 This phrase has been used over the years when referring to any assortment of pastries, buns, savory bakes and more.

Come to Machan Kitchen to try our very own selection of short-eats. We recommend the mutton rolls, deep fried until gloriously crispy with a warm, spiced meat filling . We promise you, eating them will be far from short when you order seconds, thirds, fourths...

Valentine's Day Pt. 3

Today is a day to celebrate love between families, friends, significant others and most importantly, self-love. Come to Machan Kitchen and revel in the love we all share❤

We wish that the love that you give and receive is as strong and persevering as the love that Nanda and Piyal had for each other. Happy Valentine's Day from everyone at Machan Kitchen🌴

Valentine's Day Pt. 2

We keep following Nanda's story as the years go by. Come back to find out how her story ends and the name of this famous tale💘

Valentine's Day Pt. 1

At Machan Kitchen we celebrate the strength of love overcoming tragedy, as seen in this 1960s romance❤️. Come back tomorrow to learn more about Nanda's Story over the days that lead up to Valentine's.

Book a table at Machan Kitchen and enjoy your Valentine's surrounded by the love, hospitality and delicious food we have to offer 🌴

Egg Hoppers are a Sri Lanka staple. Enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a steaming hot cup of black tea to warm you up this winter, and make you feel like you're standing on the sandy beaches of paradise as you take each sip 🫖. This dish is a delicious textural delight and not to mention, a personal favourite of Sri Lankans across the world.

Book a table now, before the Valentine's rush. Call us or use our website

https://machankitchen.co.uk/

We cannot wait to see everyone soon 🌴

Machan Kitchen will be bringing you a new level of content based on everything Sri Lanka has to offer. This will include travel tips, notable Sri Lankans that have contributed greatly to the food, art and culture and more! Whilst tasting a slice of Sri Lanka at our restaurant, follow our account to learn more about the food that you can enjoy. Want to learn about everything our Resplendent Island has to offer? Can't book a flight just yet? Follow us for a truly immersive experience into Sri Lankan life. 🦚🌴🌺