Taprobane — Restaurant in Adelaide

Ah, Taprobane. If you're in pursuit of a curry experience that transcends the ordinary, a voyage into the wild, untamed landscape of flavor, then this, my friends, is your new wonderland of culinary reverie.

The moment you take the handle of the elephant's trunk and heave open those grandiose doors, you’re not merely entering a restaurant. No. You’re stepping into an enchanting realm where Sri Lankan tradition and gastronomic artistry collide in a harmonious symphony of spice. It's not Adelaide anymore, it's Ceylon, the land of fragrant mysteries and flavor-packed treasures.

The decor? Imagine if Gandhi himself had a private sanctuary, surrounded by the most elegant wood-carved elephants, gleaming brass ornaments, and a majestic wall of clay pots that could stop even the most stoic soul in their tracks. The room is a tribute to heritage, yet filled with a charm that welcomes, with open arms, every hungry pilgrim. The furniture, oh, it’s as though the Taj Mahal decided to meet an inviting lounge suite. Comfort and culture, so splendidly intertwined, you may never want to leave.

Now, sit. Sink into the plush seating. You find yourself at ease, yes, but also perhaps just a tad intimidated by the vast menu that looms before you. A thousand flavors beckon. But fear not, dear adventurer, for the gracious waiters are here, your humble guides through this epicurean jungle, ready to elucidate the culinary journey that awaits. A symphony of sambals, biriyanis, roti, hoppers, kottu – all of it.

You will learn that curry is no longer just "curry." No, no. It is a carefully curated procession of flavors, a parade of accompanying dishes, each one more memorable than the last. It is an unforgettable experience, a taste of Ceylon itself, tucked away in a corner of Adelaide. Welcome, my friend, to Taprobane, where every bite is a passage...

This Sri Lankan restaurant brings a unique concept to Adelaide, which is what made me try it shortly after their opening. It had a pretty hyped-up vibe, and I was genuinely interested in experiencing the food.

From my first visit, the fish rolls, hot butter calamari, hoppers, and watalappan were all good. However, the koththu which I requested to be spicy turned out to be a bit sweet. I also noticed that the condiments served with the hoppers were in very small portions. At $26 for two small egg hoppers and two plain hoppers, it felt quite pricey, especially considering hoppers are traditionally affordable Sri Lankan street food.

On my recent visit, we ordered the isso vadai, which had a great presentation but was very dry in the middle. For mains, we had the pol roti and it had good flavour, but the texture was rubbery, and again, the condiments were not provided in adequate quantities. The chicken biriyani was served in a bamboo stalk, which looked appealing, but the flavour was bland. The only dish I really enjoyed was the fish curry, though the fish was slightly overcooked for my taste.

Moving on to the cocktails, I had the 'Saima Cut Wela', which was very good and punchy. The espresso martini was also decent, but the 'Ceylon Colada' was overly syrupy and not enjoyable at all.

The service was excellent during my first visit, but I didn’t get the same vibe or attentiveness the second time around. Portion sizes range from small to average, depending on the dish. The atmosphere is visually appealing, and it's clear they've invested in creating a Sri Lankan-inspired vibe. However, there was no heating during my visit, and I felt quite cold which was something I also noticed mentioned in other reviews.

Overall, while the concept is unique, I personally found it overrated...

Taprobane is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of Adelaide, offering an unforgettable culinary journey through the flavors of Sri Lanka. Having had the pleasure of dining there twice, I can confidently say that each visit left me utterly impressed.

The first time I stepped into Taprobane was to try out their lavish buffet spread, and I was simply blown away. The variety and quality of dishes showcased the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine in a way that truly exceeded my expectations. From aromatic curries to mouthwatering seafood delicacies, every corner of the buffet was a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka.

On my second visit, I delved into their à la carte menu, and once again, Taprobane did not disappoint. The attention to detail in each dish was evident, with flavors that danced on my palate and left me craving for more. The chefs at Taprobane have truly mastered the art of Sri Lankan cooking, and it shines through in every bite.

Beyond the exceptional food, what sets Taprobane apart is the ambiance they have crafted. Walking into the restaurant feels like stepping into a slice of Sri Lankan paradise, with décor that beautifully captures the essence of the island nation's culture. The time and effort invested in creating such a captivating atmosphere are truly commendable and add an extra layer of authenticity to the dining experience.

As a proud Sri Lankan living in Adelaide, I wholeheartedly recommend Taprobane. It's not just a restaurant; it's a journey through the flavors and traditions of Sri Lanka, meticulously curated to offer an unparalleled dining experience. So, to all my non-Sri Lankan friends, I urge you to embark on this culinary adventure and discover what is undoubtedly the best Sri Lankan food experience in Adelaide. You won't be...