Colombo’s Secret Japanese Gem 🏮 Humble Abode

When you push open the polished bamboo curtain of 「 (Humble Abode)」, a breeze carries the scent of plants—an ink-brushed couplet reading “Though this abode is humble, virtue makes it fragrant” hangs from wooden beams, its strokes tinged with pine smoke; around the corner, a Kyoto-style dry landscape garden, white sand raked into waves around mossy stones, sunlight through paper lanterns casting golden fragments on the ground. A Chinese owner weaves Tang-Song zen into Japanese wabi-sabi, carving out a little haven to slow down amid Colombo’s bustle. 🍱 Seasonal Bites: Gentle Collisions of East and West The menu is thin but refined, all fresh picks by the owner according to the season—no misses: Grilled Eel Donburi Eel is killed and grilled to order, oily over charcoal. Its skin crisps into an amber shell, splitting at the touch of chopsticks, while the flesh inside oozes richness. The glaze, subtly sweet (the owner says it’s spiked with local palm sugar), coats every inch, layered over vinegar-seasoned rice—each grain soaks up the eel juice, mixed with nori crumbs. First comes char, then tenderness, finally rice’s mellow aftertaste. You’ll scrape every last drop of sauce from the bowl. Thai-style Salmon Sashimi Norwegian salmon meets Southeast Asian lemongrass in a delightful harmony: thick, pink-tinged slices melt like butter on the tongue; served with lime wedges and lemongrass shavings, a squeeze and sprinkle (awaken) it with crisp, herbaceous freshness. The salmon’s fat is tamed just right, with a hint of herbal cool—like chewing a tropical breeze. Kale Salad A surprising standout: finely chopped kale, tossed in freshly grated wasabi (sharp but clean), mixed with burst-juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds. Every bite “crunches.” The owner notes, “Local organic kale, picked this morning from the farm”—hence its earthy freshness, a palate-cleansing finish. 🌿 Ambiance: Photo-Worthy Details in Bamboo Shade The courtyard is more charming than expected: Tatami seats by the window, with cotton mats, bamboo-filtered sunlight streaking the eel donburi—even rice grains glow, Instagram-ready; The owner sometimes brews tea behind the counter, pu’er fragrance drifting. Spotting guests eyeing the couplet, he’ll smile: “My dad wrote that, brought it all the way here”; Best at dusk, when paper lanterns glow, dry garden sand shimmers softly. Share eel donburi with friends, listen to wind through bamboo—you’ll forget you’re in Colombo. Perfect for cozy dates or student escapes—here, no rush. Just at the courtyard, letting eel’s richness and tea’s aroma linger through the afternoon. 📍 Humble Abode (a Colombo hidden spot, search “Humble Abode Colombo” on Google) Seeking a “storied café” in Colombo? Lift the curtain, and you’ll get why “humble” is a compliment～ #ColomboEats #WabiSabi #JapaneseFood #HiddenCafes #TravelVibes