When it comes to islands, one of the things I adore is the abundance of fresh seafood. During my recent trip to Sri Lanka, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to try their renowned Sri Lankan lagoon crab. You may not realize it, but Sri Lanka actually exports its lagoon crabs to Singapore, which is where the famous Singapore Chili Crab originates. So, if you’re a fan of Singapore Chilli Crab, why not savor the taste of fresh Sri Lankan lagoon crabs? And what better place to indulge in these crabs than at the Ministry of Crab, a culinary institution in the country?
1. The History of Ministry of Crab
Now, the Ministry of Crab isn’t an actual government ministry. However, its name reflects its status as the leading establishment for crab cuisine in Sri Lanka. That’s why I consider it an absolute must-visit in Colombo. Renowned Sri Lankan chef, Dharshan Munidasa, came up with this name. The Ministry of Crab not only specializes in crab dishes but has also consistently been recognized as Sri Lanka’s best restaurant from 2016 to 2021. In fact, it holds a respectable #29 ranking on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ Asia’s 50 Best sublist.
Since its establishment in Colombo in 2011, the Ministry of Crab has expanded to other locations around the world, including Shanghai, Manila, Maldives, Bangkok, and Mumbai. Nevertheless, if you find yourself in Sri Lanka, I highly recommend visiting its original location tucked away in the city’s old Dutch Hospital. Built in 1677 by the Dutch as a hospital, this historic building now houses numerous restaurants and shops.
“We are privileged to be serving you inside a building that was constructed over 400 years ago by the Dutch. We designed this restaurant to exemplify the beauty and history of this building, using special methods to preserve the floor and walls. Your chair may wobble a bit, but we hope you will enjoy such charms!” – Ministry of Crab, Constitution: Article X
By infusing Japanese influences into its menu and ambiance, the Ministry of Crab embodies a unique Japanese flair. This is not surprising since Dharshan Munidasa is of both Sri Lankan and Japanese descent. He also owns Nihonbashi, a high-end Japanese restaurant in Colombo.
“We treat all our ingredients with the utmost respect using techniques that stem from Japanese culinary philosophies and practices. These same principles are employed at the finest Japanese restaurants around the world.” – Ministry of Crab, Constitution: Article IV
2. Choose Your Crab at the Ministry of Crab
When you visit the Ministry of Crab, it goes without saying that you must try their crab dishes. Fortunately, they provide a picture guide with the sizes, weights, and prices of each crab. Oh, how I wish I had company that night to enjoy the excitement of ordering an OMG!!! or a Crabzilla! Alas, I settled for a Medium 800-gram crab, which cost 9,200 LKR ($50 USD).
Prices range from 6,100 LKR ($33 USD) for a half-kilo crab to a whopping 39,400 LKR ($213 USD) for Crabzilla.
If you prefer prawns instead, the Ministry of Crab offers a similar scale:
- 6 Black Tiger prawns at 2,100 LKR ($11.35 USD)
- 1 Big Prawn (150 – 200 grams) at 2,500 LKR ($13.50 USD)
- Prawnzilla (500+ grams) at 6,100 LKR ($33 USD)
3. Select Your Sauce at the Ministry of Crab
Whether you choose crabs or prawns, the Ministry of Crab provides a variety of mouthwatering sauces. Assuming you’ve chosen crab, here are your options:
- Pepper crab: A delightful blend made with Sri Lanka’s prized black pepper, known as the king of spices.
- Chili crab: A sauce crafted from a range of native Sri Lankan chili peppers.
- Garlic chili crab: This was my personal favorite! A Ministry of Crab original that combines Italian olive oil, garlic, Sri Lankan chili flakes, and Japanese soy sauce. It’s where Mediterranean and Japanese culinary philosophies meet Sri Lankan crab.
- Butter crab: The menu describes this dish as the ultimate way to appreciate the full flavor of the crabs. It can either be served chilled (with 6 hours advance notice) or enjoyed warm (without notice).
- Curry crab: Prepared with traditional Sri Lankan curry.
As I eagerly waited for my crab, I couldn’t resist capturing photos of every crab-related item on my table. I tried to keep calm and “crab” on, just as my bib suggested.
A Brief Digression
Being American, I’m accustomed to receiving bibs in certain dining establishments, such as barbecue joints and seafood restaurants, to protect my clothes from potential food mishaps. However, I recently discovered from my British friends that this “bib culture” is not only foreign but also rather unsettling to them. Would you mind participating in a quick poll to assist me with my research on the anthropological and sociological aspects of bib usage? Thank you!
4. Sides to Complement Your Crab
While it’s perfectly acceptable to have a crab-focused meal, I decided to include some vegetables in my order. When I spotted KanKun Garlic on the menu (600 LKR | $3.24 USD), I couldn’t resist. KanKun, also known as morning glory or kong xin cai in Chinese cuisine, is one of my favorite vegetables in Asian dishes. It’s simply prepared with garlic, following the traditional Asian style.
If you opt for the garlic chili crab like I did, I recommend ordering their “Kade bread” to soak up all the delectable sauce. This practice is similar to Singapore’s chili crab, which is typically served with mantou on the side. However, please note that the regular order of Kade bread is designed for sharing and comes with 18 cubes of wood-fired bread. Yes, 18! You can savor all this bread for just 400 LKR ($2.16). If you’re dining with more than one person, it’s definitely worth it!
I gave my waiter my best puppy eyes and pleaded for a smaller portion. He kindly obliged and brought me a few complimentary pieces, for which I was truly grateful! Unfortunately, by the time it arrived, I was already fully immersed in my garlic chili crab and couldn’t capture any pictures.
Without further ado…
5. The Garlic Chili Crab – A Must-Try in Colombo!
Behold! The Garlic Chili Crab, all 800 grams of it, specially prepared for me.
It was absolutely delicious! Surprisingly spicier than expected and bursting with flavor. I found it even more delightful than the Singaporean Chili Crab I had tried in the past. The Ministry of Crab truly does justice to Sri Lanka’s renowned Lagoon Crab, expertly cooked and flavored right here in Sri Lanka.
Eating crab is a marathon event, so with 800 grams of crab in front of me, it took me quite a while to thoroughly enjoy every nook and cranny. Halfway through my meal, the server remembered his promise of some Kade bread. It provided the perfect balance to the richness of the sauce, offering a light and airy accompaniment.
6. Dessert at the Ministry of Crab
Although I was already happily stuffed, I couldn’t resist indulging in a dessert. The dessert menu featured only two options:
- Chocolate biscuit pudding, made with dark Belgian chocolate (900 LKR | $4.86 USD)
- Coconut creme brulee (800 LKR | $4.32 USD)
Neither of these desserts are traditionally Sri Lankan, but the coconut creme brulee offered a unique twist. It was baked directly inside a coconut shell, using delicious coconut milk. For coconut lovers like myself, it was a sweet and creamy delight!
Parting Thoughts
While Sri Lankan cuisine is generally affordable, dining at the Ministry of Crab can be quite expensive. My meal cost approximately $62 USD. However, I wanted to try some veggies and a dessert as well. As I mentioned earlier, it’s much more enjoyable to visit the Ministry of Crab with a group and explore a wider range of dishes on their menu. I would have loved to sample other items, such as prawn bisque, avocado crab salad, and crab pate, among others. So, gather some friends and embark on this culinary adventure, then report back to me!
Until then, stay safe, savor lots of delicious food, and be happy!
Need help planning your trip to Colombo?
- Arrive in Colombo city from the airport with a worry-free airport transfer.
- Looking for a nice place to stay in Colombo? Explore Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the travel club for hotel lovers!
- For more foodie adventures in Sri Lanka, consider:
- Introducing yourself to Sri Lankan Street Food with a tuk-tuk tour.
- Embarking on a walking tour of Sri Lankan Street Food.
- Joining a Sri Lankan Cooking Class to learn about the country’s cuisine and prepare your own dishes!
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Restaurant Information for the Best Restaurant in Sri Lanka
Ministry of Crab
- Address: Old Dutch Hospital Complex, 04 Hospital St, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka
- Phone: +94 77 002 4823
- Reservations Required: email [email protected]