VOC Cafe — Restaurant in Colombo

VOC Cafe, nestled within the Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon, stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic and delicious cuisine in Colombo. During my brief stay in the city, I had the pleasure of dining at VOC Cafe twice, and it undoubtedly delivered the best lamprais I've ever tasted. Beyond the renowned lamprais, the menu boasts an array of equally impressive dishes and beverages.

The cafe offers both indoor seating and a picturesque outdoor area, providing guests with the option to dine in a charming setting that suits their preference. However, given the popularity of their signature lamprais, it's advisable to make a reservation ahead of time, especially as this dish tends to sell out by late afternoon.

Whether you're a local or a traveler exploring Colombo, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the culinary delights at VOC Cafe. The blend of authentic flavors, warm ambiance, and efficient service makes it a standout dining destination in the city. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in their delectable offerings and immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka's Dutch...

It's sort of a love-hate relationship with VOC. Right now it's not so great. We've dined there many times. We keep going back because we have a taste for their food. But it's always a gamble. Their ghee rice and beef smore with mash are our favorites. But the last outing the ghee rice was useless. Going on a day and at a time when they're busy is not a good idea - that's usually when their meals suck. Going after hours - you risk certain dishes to be unavailable. Their juices, though have remained consistent. Their homemade ginger beer and naran juice are out of this world. They claim authenticity of their lamprais, even taking a dig, on their menu, at other restaurants who serve lamprais - but I dunno, didn't seem the greatest, quite dry also. Or maybe I don't know what real lamprais should taste like. Service-wise their waiters are friendly, but takes a while to get their attention once they serve the food - mainly because they're rushing about. The atmosphere is nice, giving off a laid back, a slightly poshish Sri...

We recently visited the VOC CAFE and had a largely positive experience regarding the ambiance and service. The staff was attentive, and the atmosphere was pleasant, contributing to an enjoyable visit. However, the Dutch Lamprais, which this cafe is known for, was unfortunately quite dry and lacked the rich flavor we remembered from our visit last year. This was a bit disappointing as we had looked forward to it.

On a brighter note, their homemade Ginger Beer remains a highlight – it was excellent and wonderfully refreshing.

To conclude our meal, we were hoping for a cup of Ceylon Coffee, especially given Sri Lanka's heritage. We were a little surprised to find that only "Americano" was offered. While the Americano itself was fine, it felt like a missed opportunity to not feature local coffee, particularly since the cafe's name seems to nod to historical Dutch connections in Ceylon, and Ceylon coffee was indeed introduced to the island by...