Many of you Colombo folk must already be familiar with Aura Café as they have been in business since November, last year. Their food has been getting better each time we’ve dined there. Like any new café or eating establishment, there’s always teething issues at the beginning and we are glad to note that Aura recognized this and has done well to correct a lot of things from when they began to date. The place is non-pretentious, the food is wholesome, yet comforting and the prices are not going to burn a hole in your pocket.
We understand that the place is owned and run by Malisha Kumaranatunge who was in Australia for six years, of which four years was spent on an undergrad degree in Business Management whilst the last two years was spent at the prestigious William Angliss Institute, Melbourne, on a Diploma in Hospitality Management.
Their menu consists of two pages, a beverage, sorbet and desserts section and a café menu which consists of soups, salads, appetizers, mains, burgers and sandwiches. We find this concise menu a refreshing change to most cafes in the city that go overboard with the menu items and leave the customer confused or spoiled for choice. The menu at Aura is largely thought of by Malisha and we understand that she trained her staff to prepare all the dishes.
We have been to Aura Café several times and therefore we have a few favourites. From the appetizers the Salmon and Avocado Salad (Rs. 900) and the Peri Peri Chicken Salad (Rs. 750) are our recommendations. The Salmon and Avocado salad is served cold and it really surprised us as it was an utter treat of flavours and quite filling. The Peri Peri Chicken is presented so beautifully and has generous amounts of well seasoned Peri Peri Chicken along with Avocado, Feta, Sun-dried Tomatoes and a Peri Peri dressing. This too can be had as a main as it’s a generous portion served in a medium sized shallow bowl.
Another of our favourites is the Pulled Pork Panini (Rs. 750) and the Chimichuri Beef Panini (Rs. 800). Both sandwiches are extremely tasty and gives you a sense of comfort while sinking your teeth into them. We also love the Pesto Chicken Panini (Rs. 700), anything with Pesto tastes amazing and this is no exception. We really love these three paninis.
For mains we recommend the Jamaican Style Jerk Chicken (Rs. 950), the Seafood Marinara (Rs. 1400), don’t forget to ask them for extra mozzarella, the Grilled Angus Steak (Rs. 2450) and the ever so succulent Beef Burger (Rs. 900)which we think by the way is one of the best beef burgers in town right now. Don’t be afraid to seek out the chef and ask him to prepare the burger patty to your liking as we asked for a medium well patty and he did not disappoint. A juicy beef patty, well spiced and a no frills burger as it was served on lettuce with a slice of tomato and a single slice of cheese. It was perfect as it did not take anything away from the patty which was the hero of this burger. We absolutely loved it and totally recommend you go there just for this divine burger.
It is quite apparent that we are rather fond of Aura Café, located at No. 4 Bullers Lane, Colombo 07. They have a BYOB policy for wine which is great as it’s the perfect spot to chill with a bottle of wine and some amazingly tasty and indulgent food after work or on a weekend.
Words and Pictures by: Surovi Salgado