Kochchi’s Sri Lankan street food set for Glasgow

Founders Shehan Fernando and Suki Jayaratne at Bonnie & Wild

Things will be hotting up in Glasgow this winter with the launch of Kochchi Glasgow. The Sri Lankan food specialists are opening their first standalone restaurant in the former Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

The opening in Glasgow marks a major milestone for Kochchi as the brand evolves from its street food roots, serving from a self-built horse box, into a fully-fledged restaurant and bar concept.

To mark the occasion, Kochchi hosted an exclusive event at Bonnie & Wild in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter where they have their regular concession. The evening features a lively cooking demonstration of iconic dish Kotthu by founders Shehan Fernando and Suki Jayaratne and a three-course meal to sample some new dishes.

The Glasgow menu will showcase the dishes that have defined Kochchi’s reputation at Bonnie & Wild, alongside new creations exclusive to Glasgow, including regional curries, grilled seafood, street-style snacks, and flame-fired plates that celebrate Sri Lanka’s coastal and urban flavours.

Suki Jayaratne explains to me that the restaurant will be specifically inspired by the food of the Sri Lankan capital Columbo, which holds a special place in their hearts. He says:

“Shehan’s childhood was spent among his family’s hotels in Nuwara Eliya before discovering Colombo’s kitchens and streets, where food was rhythm and theatre. I grew up in Kandy’s gardens and coastal markets but found in Colombo the energy of a city where every influence collided – from black pork curry and seafood fried rice to lunch boxes filled with dosas, sambols, and biryani.”

He adds that the through the combination of Scottish produce with authentic Sri Lankan spices, and drawing on these diverse influences, they have created a modern and unique fusion. Following the demonstration, we are delighted to sample the spicy comfort fish that is Kotthu, made by chopping up roti and stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, chicken and curry sauce.

The Glasgow branch is opening at Ruthven Lane

A distinctive dessert follows, giving a flavour of what to expect at the new restaurant – Wattalapan Panna Cotta, a palm treacle panna cotta with cardamom caramel and toasted coconut – light and smooth but not too sweet.

Read about the new restaurant here

The new venue will also have a dedicated bar area, allowing the owners to experiment with Sri Lankan-inspired cocktails for the first time. For a taste, we enjoy a Passionfruit Spicy Margarita, rich in fruit and ginger and the ideal accompaniment to the flavourful food.

I’m happy to report that Kochchi will be staying on at Bonnie & Wild in addition to the new venture, but it will be well worth hopping on the train to sample their expanded menu and experience the energy and spirit of Colombo in Glasgow.