Since its founding in 1995 on Galle Face Terrace, Nihonbashi has stood as a pioneering figure in Sri Lanka’s Japanese culinary scene for almost thirty years, showcasing a distinguished expertise in washoku. Translating to ‘Japan-Bridge,’ the restaurant’s core objective is to bridge the cultural gap between Sri Lanka and Japan through authentic Japanese gastronomy.
From 2013 to 2018, Nihonbashi, a Sri Lankan restaurant, consistently made it onto the ‘Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list, being the first of its kind from Sri Lanka to achieve such recognition. Pioneering the promotion of Japanese cuisine, Nihonbashi has been a source of inspiration for other acclaimed establishments like Ministry of Crab, Kaema Sutra, and Carne Diem Grill, all of which echo the influence of Japanese culinary traditions.
Recognized for his unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of washoku, Chef Dharshan was conferred with ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, a distinguished accolade presented by the Japanese Government. As Nihonbashi embarks on a new journey at Port City Colombo, an innovative urban development poised to reshape lifestyle standards and fuel global investments, a new chapter begins. Positioned as the gateway to South Asia, the city epitomizes a dynamic blend of services and opportunities, representing a thriving environment primed for advancement and prosperity.
In line with its emphasis on local procurement, Nihonbashi proudly champions ingredients sourced from nearby markets, with imports reserved for exceptional items not found in Sri Lanka. At its fresh location in Port City Colombo, Chef Dharshan remains steadfast in his commitment to prioritizing local produce and sustainable sourcing practices. Reflecting on the meticulous design process, Dharshan likens his quest for ingredients to a culinary expedition, combing quarries and bamboo forests to curate a Japanese-inspired local experience.
H.E. PRESIDENT RANIL WICKREMESINGHE & Chef Dharshan Munidasa
The restaurant’s setting features eight private dining spaces that harmoniously blend Japanese tatami and Western seating styles, including Chikurin (Bamboo Forest), Bonsai, Ikebana, Samurai, Whiskey, Wine, Sake room, and Tachinomi Bar, reflecting Dharshan’s Japanese roots. Standout elements comprise an open-air bar and what could possibly be the world’s largest Yakitori Grill. Chef Dharshan underlines, “This restaurant is genuinely incomparable on a global scale, surpassing even those in Japan. Our unique methodology of conceptualizing the menu before designing the kitchen, combined with our predominant use of Sri Lankan materials, distinguishes us” says Chef Dharshan Munidasa, the innovative mind behind Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab.
The thoughtfully crafted menu seamlessly blends traditional and modern Japanese cuisine, presenting a diverse array ranging from A5 Japanese Wagyu, Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, Teriyaki, and Nabe to a variety of yakitori selections, accompanied by Dharshan’s signature creations like Olive Oil Kake Tai Cha, Foie Gras No Teriyaki, Karapincha Tempura, and Tensabi Temaki. Located in Port City Colombo, Nihonbashi is poised to elevate the local dining landscape, serving as a hub for global partnerships with esteemed chefs and mixologists worldwide to curate unforgettable culinary experiences for both local diners and visitors exploring Colombo.
The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. MIZUKOSHI Hideaki and Mrs. MIZUKOSHI Mariko with Dharshan Munidasa and Shohei Yamane
FACT BOX
The restaurant is open daily for dinner from 5pm to 10pm (last order). For reservations contact +94 77 936 0250 or email [email protected]
(Awarded the “Best food writer in the country” by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.)
