Colossal Or Crabzilla: If You’re In Colombo You Have To Go To The Ministry Of Crab

Serving crab, crab and more crab, Ministry Of Crab is all about highlighting Sri Lankan culture through food. There’s also the bonus of it being a celebrity restaurant.

The brainchild of cricketers Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and restaurateur Dharshan Munidase, Ministry Of Crab in Colombo’s Dutch Hospital, is all about being crabby. They originally set out to highlight the lovely seafood of the country, and zoned in on the massive, juicy crabs one gets here. Oh, plus jumbo prawns.

You can choose the size of crab you’d like — from a half kilo one for a small eater to the Crabzilla option that is about 2 kilos and more. Pepper, chilli and curry versions are typical to Sri Lanka and come with a hit of spice, and my favourites here. But they also do a lovely baked crab that needs advance booking. Butter garlic crab is also a hit for those who don’t quite like the dish too spicy.

Anyone who likes seafood, especially crab and prawns, must go here. Since it’s quite the celebrity space, it’s also fun to just go here to say you’ve been. Cricket fans, it’s a no-brainer why you should go!

Set in one end of The Dutch Hospital, an old building from the Dutch era that’s been restored to be an upmarket food and shopping centres, it’s got chilled out vibes typical of Sri Lanka. They have an inside space as well as seating in the courtyard. The walls have photographs of chefs with crabs or images of interesting catches. With bright orange tablecloths, serviettes and bib {yes, you get those because you’re meant to tuck in}, it’s all quite cheery.

Crab. And Chicken Curry rice if you must.

It’s really worth going to for the experience. It’s rather an iconic restaurant now, so if even if crab isn’t your favourite, then go here. Service is swift, friendly and what’s most fun is that you get a bib to go with your meal, if you order a large crab. Being messy, and really getting your hands dirty is encouraged here, so I was very pleased to tuck in, minus the fork and knife, of course! The cricketers drop by quite often, so keep your camera handy for a quick photo-op.