Café Nuwara Review: A Historic Charm with a Mixed Culinary Experience

Café Nuwara, nestled in the heart of Kandy, offers a picturesque and unique dining experience. Upon entering, you're immediately welcomed by an interior rich in history and culture. The café boasts an impressive collection of paintings, including a standout portrait of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, alongside several other striking artworks. The walls are adorned with framed photographs that showcase significant historical moments of Kandy, offering guests a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.

The tables are elegantly decorated with blue lotus flowers, enhancing the fresh and clean ambiance. Adequate lighting ensures the space feels both cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a calm, relaxed meal.

The menu at Café Nuwara is designed to resemble ancient ola leaf manuscripts, adding to the historical atmosphere. The displayed prices represent single-serving portions, which was confirmed by our steward, who was particularly gentle and attentive.

The staff at Café Nuwara are exceptional—friendly, supportive, and highly professional. This level of service undoubtedly enhances the overall dining experience.

As for the food, we ordered the Devil Chicken Fried Rice and Beef Fried Rice. While the taste was average, the amount of beef in the fried rice was disappointing, especially considering its price. The Devil Chicken Fried Rice was reasonably tasty, and the portion size was adequate, but it came with only one small piece of chicken, rather than being mixed into the fried rice, which felt a bit underwhelming. Overall, the portion sizes of both fried rice dishes were quite unreasonable for the price.

On a brighter note, the Double Cheese Chicken Kottu was delicious and worth the money, though it could have included more chicken. The Spicy Cream Seafood Spaghetti was flavorful, but the seafood portion was lacking given the price. The Sausage Noodles stood out as a highlight—delicious, with a reasonable portion size, though it may not satisfy those with larger appetites. The Devil Chicken Kottu was flavorful and spicy, especially when mixed with the two gravies, providing a delightful taste experience. However, the single small piece of chicken again felt insufficient for such a flavorful dish.

It's important to note that the ongoing economic situation in Sri Lanka may be affecting the pricing. If you're looking for generous portions or are on a tight budget, this café may not fully meet your expectations. However, if you’re more focused on the ambiance, historical charm, and a cozy dining experience—perhaps for a date—Café Nuwara is definitely worth a visit.

The café offers a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) option with a separate drinking area, which is a nice touch for those who prefer to bring their own drinks. While there is upstairs seating, a notable downside is the lack of washroom facilities on the premises.

In conclusion, Café Nuwara is an ideal place for those seeking a calm, historic setting with a unique atmosphere, though the food pricing may leave larger appetites or budget-conscious diners wanting more.