Cover Sri Lankan chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa of the world-renowned Ministry of Crab empire lets us in on the coastal gem of Galle, Sri Lanka (Photo: Ministry of Crab)
Sri Lankan chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa of the world-renowned Ministry of Crab empire lets us in on the coastal gem of Galle, Sri Lanka (Photo: Ministry of Crab)
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The Sri Lankan chef-restaurateur behind the Ministry of Crab empire lets us in on the best ways to experience this post-colonial gem of a holiday destination
Galle isn’t just another pretty post-colonial outpost; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting 400-year-old Dutch ramparts and surroundings of pristine Indian Ocean waters.
For Sri Lankan chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, mastermind behind the world-renowned Ministry of Crab empire, this fortified coastal gem is where countless memories between childhood holidays and modern indulgence are made. His fondest? Spotting a local spear fisherman wrestling a 3.5-kilogram cuttlefish off Rumassala’s coral reefs, which he bought and transformed into a sashimi dish right on the spot.
This very spontaneity and unfiltered culinary encounter define Munidasa’s relationship with Galle. For discerning gourmands or simply those chasing the next surf, the Crab King’s guide to Galle promises both coastal exploration and exceptional seafood.
Read more: Hélène Darroze’s insider guide to eating and drinking well in Paris
Above The Galle Lighthouse, Sri Lanka’s oldest light station, by the fringes of the Dutch Fort (Photo: Getty)
The Galle Lighthouse, Sri Lanka’s oldest light station, by the fringes of the Dutch Fort (Photo: Getty)
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The first thing I do when I arrive in Galle is...
visit the Dutch Fort and see the small eateries, boutique hotels and villas within the Fort. I've walked around the Fort countless times, and I still discover new places. The architecture is centuries old, timeless and unique. There's something about walking those historic ramparts that immediately grounds you.
My favourite hotel to stay in is...
Amangalla. It captures the essence of colonial Sri Lanka with such refinement that it feels like you're directly stepping into a (vibrant) chapter of history.
Exterior facade of the Amangalla (Photo: Amangalla)
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For a first‐time visitor to Galle, you shouldn’t miss…
surfing in Weligama, further south of Galle. This is a must-visit surfing hotspot for both beginners and seasoned pros.
My favourite restaurant in Galle is...
Persian Kitchen, which is located a few kilometres south of Galle, in Thalpe. This is where you will find some of the best grilled meats with rich Persian flavours. Apart from that, I also recommend The Tuna & The Crab, which is a combination of Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab.
My favourite date‐night spot is...
Aqua Forte within the Galle Fort. They’ve got amazing Italian cuisine within an old building, making it a unique location for a date.
In case you missed it: The most romantic restaurants in Singapore for date nights
Above Ambulthival is the iconic black tuna curry from southern Sri Lanka (Photo: Gemini)
Ambulthival is the iconic black tuna curry from southern Sri Lanka (Photo: Gemini)
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The one dish in Galle I can't leave without eating is...
Ambulthival, the iconic black tuna curry from southern Sri Lanka. This local sour fish curry is made to a bone-dry state, and it can be preserved for weeks in the same clay pot. You can find it at most local joints.
The best bar I’ve been to in Galle is...
Smoke & Bitters. While it isn't in Galle and is located a few kilometres away, the award-winning Hiriketiya-based bar is worth the trip. In my book, it is the best bar in the world.
Above Smoke & Bitters is an award-winning Hiriketiya-based bar, approximately an hour away from Galle (Photo: Smoke & Bitters)
Smoke & Bitters is an award-winning Hiriketiya-based bar, approximately an hour away from Galle (Photo: Smoke & Bitters)
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My favourite way to spend a day in Galle is…
going a few kilometres north of Galle and a few kilometres south of Galle. There are amazing villas by the Indian Ocean, some are old and antique, deeply rooted in history. Rent a villa and absorb the tranquillity and serenity of the southwest corner of Sri Lanka. Always an amazing feeling.
Above The stilt fishermen along the southern coast remain an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage (Photo: Getty)
The stilt fishermen along the southern coast remain an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage (Photo: Getty)
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Don’t leave Galle without trying...
a walk on the rampart of the Galle Fort; catch a game of cricket at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, one of the most iconic cricket grounds in Asia; and do your shopping at the antique shops of south Galle.
The best thing about being in Galle…
is the combination of fine beaches and historical buildings left behind by the Dutch. Being in Galle means constantly being surrounded by stories. It’s a city that teaches you to slow down, observe and appreciate heritage and nature.
