Chinese Dragon Cafe, Bambalapitiya See all (5) Branches ›

Chinese Dragon Cafe, Bambalapitiya

One of Sri Lanka's oldest and most talked about Chinese restaurant by far. Generations have dined at this restaurant and to day still attracts a steady crowd of people daily. The food was never out of this world but it always managed to satisfy a craving for Chinese food. The signature hot butter cuttle fish (which incidentally is a very Sri Lankan-Chinese dish) is certainly one to try. Then again, a Chinese restaurant isn't really a Chinese restaurant if this is not on the menu, no matter how good or bad the dish really is.

It must be said however that the original owners of this restaurant are no longer stake holders and ownership has changed hands to a completely separate group of businessman. Only time will tell whether this traditional restaurant will keep to its quality and image and continue to improve or simply become of those things that collapses without the nurturing of its traditional owners.

So far so good though. The original restaurant down Milagiriya avenue seems to be getting a much needed facelift and 2 new outlets in Rajagiriya and Fort seem to be a step in the right direction

Environment

Milagiriya Avenue is still very basic. Then again one does not expect a five star like setting. The linen and cutlery need an upgrade and the place needs a general facelift. The odd stale smell needs to be attended to.

Fort and Rajagiriya are very nice locations. The decor is not the most aesthetically pleasing but is certainly very clean and pleasant overall.

Judging by the new outlets I am sure Milagiriya Avenue will get a facelift

Service

The staff at all the outlets are very friendly, obliging and inviting. Milagiriya Avenue has got it right, but some of the staff at the new outlets need a bit of polishing up. Don't get me wrong, they try hard but I think it will take a little bit of time to get up to speed with the level of service. The food arrives fairly quickly, but would prefer all the food being served at the same time. In some instances, the rice arrives 6-7 mins after the rest of the dishes and that is not acceptable

Food

Like I said earlier, the food is not the best Chinese in the world but certainly fulfills a craving for Chinese food. Cashew Chicken, Hot Butter Cuttle Fish and the Garlic Prawns are a must.

Value For Money

The food portions are good value for money and the price is on par with other Chinese restaurants around.

Overall

Pleasant place, one of my favorites. I would not go there every time I feel like Chinese but is a place that certainly crosses my mind when I do have a craving for Chinese food. To the new management team - Look after the place guys, its got a fair bit of tradition attached to it. Plenty of parking at outlets, very important aspect