Chef
Dharshan
Munidasa
Sri Lanka’s most renowned chef-restaurateur, is the mastermind behind some of the best restaurants in the country including Nihonbashi, that was one of the only restaurant in Sri Lanka to be listed on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List in 2013 – 2018, along with Ministry of Crab which had also been consecutively listed from 2015 to 2022. Ministry of Crab now has 8 overseas outposts to its name, located in Shanghai, Chengdu, Singapore, Bangkok, Maldives, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne.
His contribution to Japanese Culture was recognized by the Japanese government, when presented with ‘The Minister’s Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food’ for the year 2014 and is also an ambassador for ‘Cool Japan’, appointed by the Japanese government for spreading Japanese culture overseas.
In 2020, Dharshan then expanded Nihonbashi to the Maldives, with the launch of Nihonbashi Blue at The Marina @ CROSSROADS along with Carne Diem Grill the unconventional and avant-garde steak house.
In 2021 Dharshan was appointed as a ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’ by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan, for his continuous effort toward the dissemination of Japanese food and dietary culture overseas.
And in 2023, he received the honour of being conferred ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays’ by the Government of Japan in recognition of his distinguished contributions towards promoting Japanese Food Culture in Sri Lanka as well as contributions to enhancing the bilateral diplomatic relationships between Sri Lanka and Japan through ways of cultural exchange.
Dinners
The Charleston
Galle
8th March, 6.30pm
Nestled at the southern tip of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, The Charleston offers an unparalleled blend of history, luxury, and breathtaking natural beauty. Guests are treated to stunning panoramic views of both the historic fort and the expansive Indian Ocean.
The property boasts 9 exquisitely appointed bedrooms, each designed to offer maximum comfort and elegance. A serene swimming pool provides the perfect place to unwind, while the on-site bistro restaurant showcases the very best of Sri Lanka’s local ingredients. Guests can indulge in signature homemade cocktails, expertly crafted to complement the laid-back ambiance.
Masterclasses
Galle Fort Hotel
Galle Fort
9th March, 11am
Located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, the historic Galle Fort Hotel is housed in a Dutch mansion that dates back 300 years. Through heritage restoration, the building’s Dutch walls and facade were conserved as authentically as possible.
In its new look, the Galle Fort Hotel features 11 luxurious suites with varying themes and decor, all around a widely Instagrammed frangipani-lined courtyard.
Afternoon Tea & Bubbles
The Charleston
Galle
9th March, 4.30pm
Nestled at the southern tip of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, The Charleston offers an unparalleled blend of history, luxury, and breathtaking natural beauty. Guests are treated to stunning panoramic views of both the historic fort and the expansive Indian Ocean.
The property boasts 9 exquisitely appointed bedrooms, each designed to offer maximum comfort and elegance. A serene swimming pool provides the perfect place to unwind, while the on-site bistro restaurant showcases the very best of Sri Lanka’s local ingredients. Guests can indulge in signature homemade cocktails, expertly crafted to complement the laid-back ambiance.