Crispy on the edges, smooth in the center with a variety of lovely (and spicy) fillings to choose from, Hoppers are, hands down, my favourite Sri Lankan dish. These delightful pancake-style dishes are only found in Sri Lanka, and although there are different varieties you can have for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner, many locals have them for breakfast on a weekend, when they can take out their hopper pans and make them at home.
Hoppers (also called Appa) are another food native to Sri Lanka, served mainly for breakfast or lunch and often accompanied by Lunu miris, a fiery hot mix of red onions and spices. Hoppers are made from a fermented batter of rice flour, coconut milk and a dash of palm toddy, which lends a sour flavor and fermentation ability. If toddy is not available, yeast is often used. The batter is left to rise, then cooked in a hemispherical wok-like pan. There are many types of hoppers including egg hoppers, milk hoppers, and sweeter varieties like vanduappa and paniappa.
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Written by Antonella on August 17th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Colombo, Cuisine, Galle Fort, Hotels, Restaurants, Sri Lanka
One of the best things about the Dutch House, is that it is more like a graceful colonial home than it is a hotel. A short walk (or drive, in a charming vintage car no less) up the high Dickson Road, The Dutch House is perched on a tranquil space overlooking Galle Fort, in close proximity, yet set apart from it’s more lively sister hotel, The Sun House.
At first sight, though, one could come to the conclusion that the simple architecture and “no-frills” look of faded yellow ochre (again, unlike it’s flirty sister in white, The Sun House) could be less than welcoming. But once you enter your suite, you are thankfully proven wrong. Far from being austere, the huge four-poster beds are invitingly draped with mosquito netting, with the antique wooden doors opening up to the landscaped gardens or croquet lawn, definitely adding a feeling of warmth and relaxation. More »
Written by Antonella on May 28th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Boutique Hotels, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury
If you find yourself in the bustling capital city of Colombo and are looking for a charming place to stay for a few nights, and are looking for something a little larger and more anonymous than our previous recommendations of two “boutique hotels“- Park Street and Casa Colombo, then the Galle Face Hotel is our pick. It is easily the most interesting and historical large hotel in the city, and is well worth a stay. Oozing with style and elegance from a bygone era, the Galle Face was built in 1864 during the British colonial era and throughout it’s colorful history has played host to celebrities, literary legends, royalty and leaders from all over the world. Princess Alexandra of Denmark once said:
“The peacefulness and generosity encountered at the Galle Face Hotel cannot be matched”
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Written by Antonella on May 12th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Colombo, Galle Fort, History, Hotels
In our opinion, there are few hotels more luxurious than those of the Aman group, and luckily in Sri Lanka, you have a choice of two fantastically luxe places to visit. Previously, we talked about the colonial-inspired gem that is Amangalla in Galle Fort, and now we bring you another slice of Aman-heaven, this time in minimalist splendor on the pristine beaches of Tangalle.
Guests staying at Amanwella will enjoy the way the modern design blends seamlessly with the eco-friendly surroundings (think of sea turtles, waterfalls and coconut groves) creating a comfortable feeling of tranquility with stone, timber and clay touches.
The restaurant, for instance, is perched eight-meters above sea level and thus has excellent views toward the ocean and the coconut trees by the idyllic pool. Inside there is also a grass-covered courtyard awash with frangipani trees and reflecting pools – the perfect setting for a meal any time of day. If al fresco dining is more your style, you can also opt to dine in the Beach Club area, where homemade churned ice cream and coconut charcoal barbecues are a specialty.
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Written by Antonella on April 29th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Aman Hotels, Beach Holidays, Eco-friendly, Hotels, Sri Lanka, Tangallle
In a previous post, we featured Helga’s Folly, our pick for an unusual place to stay in Kandy. However, this is not everyone’s cup of tea and many people do find it lacks the necessary comforts. And so here we feature our second top choice in Kandy: Kandy House. Even if you do stay at Helga’s Folly and have the time, this beautiful boutique hotel is evidently well worth checking out. The hotel is located 12km from the center of Kandy and about a three and a half hour drive from Colombo airport. It is extremely tastefully and elegantly decorated and set amidst an authentic jungle.
Formerly the grand ancestral home of one of Kandy’s most influential aristocratic families, Kandy House sits on 6 acres in a quiet village area close to Kandy. Filled with antique furniture, there are nine suites set around a central two storied courtyard and a ninth room in the garden. From the veranda where guests have breakfast and dinner, the garden descends to a palm fringed infinity pool designed in the shape of a traditional paddy field. More »
Written by Antonella on April 22nd, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Boutique Hotels, History, Hotels, Kandy, Luxury Travel, Tours
In a previous post, we gave our top accommodation pick for Colombo: Park Street. If that happens to be full or you fancy something a little different, here is our second top pick for a boutique hotel in Colombo to suit the luxury traveler: Casa Colombo. This hotel is very conveniently and centrally located down a private lane just off the Galle Road.
Casa Colombo is a stunningly restored 200 year old Moorish mansion originally built by one of the wealthiest Indian trading families of the time. Combining old world charm with contemporary design, Casa is a tribute to the creative talents of its owner: Lalin Jinasena who innovatively custom designed everything from the cutlery and crockery to the furniture and fabrics- solely using craftsmen and materials from Sri Lanka. With no reception desk, Casa Domos personally look after you during your entire stay by taking care of any needs that may arise be it getting you a poolside drink, taking you on a city tour or sending an important business fax. More »
Written by Antonella on April 6th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Bars, Boutique Hotels, Colombo, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka, Tours, Travel
Up in the leafy hills of Kandy in the central part of the country, you’ll find the most extraordinary hotel- a technicolor vision of the old-world-meets-Goth, called Helga’s Folly. It’s a hotel and restaurant you’ll either love or hate – where literally every inch of space is painted or decorated with bright colours, fantasy murals, dripping candles and glitzy accessories crossed with the traditional – old paintings, antique furniture, stuffed animal heads and a wind-up gramophone playing Ella Fitzgerald.
Helga’s Folly is presided over Helga herself, a glamorous Anglophile in Jackie O sun glasses, with a tendency towards the eccentric:
“This is my home and I want everyone who visits it to feel at home. That is the point. I call it an Anti-Hotel! We give our in-house guests complimentary afternoon tea and before dinner serve cocktails and canapes. I try to make it feel like home. The main thing is that people must come back! And we are lucky enough to have a few that do return!”
Helga was described by the Times as “a benevolent Cruella deVil, complete with pet dalmatian” and the hotel was the home were she was raised. In those days, guests were people like Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and the Ghandis. These days it is fashion/rock star-types (Paula Yates reportedly loved it) and travellers looking for something different. Very different indeed! Helga comes from an illustrious family, and is the mother of British designer Selina Blow. Her history and exciting life is seen throughout the house, which is full of interesting memorabilia in every room.
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Written by Antonella on March 16th, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Filed under Boutique Hotels, History, Hotels, Kandy, Restaurants, Travel
