Where the vibrant streets of Colombo meet Singapore's culinary landscape, Kotuwa Singapore transforms traditional Sri Lankan cuisine into an immersive celebration of spice, seafood, and heritage. Chef Rishi Naleendra's passionate homage to his homeland delivers the island's most authentic flavors through a modern lens that honors tradition while embracing contemporary dining.

Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient since 2021, Kotuwa emerged from humble pandemic beginnings as a takeaway concept before evolving into Singapore's premier Sri Lankan dining destination. Chef Naleendra, the acclaimed culinary mind behind Cloudstreet and former Michelin-starred Cheek Bistro, channels his Colombo roots through dishes that showcase Sri Lanka's remarkable culinary diversity. Named after Colombo's central business district—meaning "fort" in Sinhalese—the restaurant symbolizes the cultural crossroads that define Sri Lankan gastronomy. Naleendra's mission transcends mere dining; he's pioneering Sri Lankan cuisine's recognition in Singapore's competitive fine dining scene.

The menu reads like a love letter to Sri Lanka's coastal abundance and aromatic spice heritage. Crab takes center stage in multiple incarnations: delicate crab croquettes, robust crab rotis, and the signature crab curry perfumed with cumin, fenugreek, and coconut—a dish where balanced, layered flavors showcase cinnamon's subtle warmth. Traditional hoppers, those crispy fermented rice pancakes, provide the perfect vehicle for curry exploration. Street food classics like kottu roti and mutton rolls share space with refined interpretations of Jaffna duck curry and lamb shank in red curry. Vegetarian offerings shine equally, from cashew curry to baby jackfruit kottu, while essential condiments like pol sambol and seeni sambol add authentic complexity. The watalappam tart—coconut custard enriched with jaggery and pistachio—provides a memorable finale.

Relocated to the elegantly restored New Bahru grounds in 2024, Kotuwa's atmosphere captures Sri Lankan street culture's vibrant energy within sophisticated surroundings. Architectural elements inspired by Geoffrey Bawa blend traditional motifs with contemporary comfort, creating an inviting space for communal dining. The service philosophy mirrors Sri Lankan hospitality—warm, knowledgeable staff guide diners through portion recommendations and flavor profiles. The casual yet refined setting encourages exploration, with sharing-style presentations that honor the social nature of Sri Lankan dining culture.

Kotuwa represents more than exceptional Sri Lankan cuisine—it's Singapore's gateway to understanding an often-misunderstood culinary tradition. Reservations are recommended for this intimate space where every dish tells the story of an island's rich gastronomic heritage, expertly translated for discerning Singapore palates seeking authentic flavors and cultural immersion.