Raring to try a cuisine that’s really hard to find in Singapore? Little India is where you need to be.
But you think I’m referring to the diverse range of Indian eateries, think again.
![kunthaville](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kunthaville-conserved-shophouse-facade-scaled.jpg)
It’s high time you tried something different for a change at Kunthaville, a restaurant and tea room housed in a century-old conservation shophouse. The multi-concept lifestyle and dining destination specialises in the underrepresented Sri Lankan, or “Ceylonese” cuisine — all plant-based.
![](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kunthaville-Tea-Room--scaled.jpg)
Step past the outdoor patio and into the restaurant, which boasts charming black and white colonial-style interiors (history fact: the British ruled in Ceylon before it was renamed as Sri Lanka).
![kunthaville](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kunthaville-Cocktail-Lounge-scaled.jpg)
There are two sections: the elegant Tea Room for dining, and a more eclectic Cocktail Lounge for those who wish to imbibe in locally-inspired concoctions and Kunthaville tea.
![](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Entree-2a-scaled.jpg)
Interiors aside, you’re in for real treat in the form of vegan-friendly Sri Lankan dishes made using authentic family recipes, but with a contemporary twist.
And don’t let the word “vegan” put you off, because I can assure you that you won’t miss the meat.
![kunthaville](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/kunthaville-4-scaled.jpg)
Firstly, we got to try tasting portions of the Kunthaville Vallavu Spicy Beetroot Cutlets with Mango, Avocado, and Green Salad in Lime Mustard Dressing (S$12), as well as the Jackfruit Roll (S$14), and both really, really surprised me.
I couldn’t get enough of the fried beetroot cutlets, that were deceptively spicy (but in a good way), infused with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, onions, and chilli.
![](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/kunthaville-7-scaled.jpg)
If you’d rather play it safe, The Colonial Soup Tureen Cream of Roasted Butternut Pumpkin (S$12) is the epitome of “comfort food on a rainy day”, but taken up a notch with ginger, turmeric, and nutmeg — very autumnal.
![kunthaville](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/kunthaville-1.jpg)
Those who’ve only tried the thin, crispy version of appam are likely to find themselves agreeing with the Colonial Dutch Oven Sweet Gundappam (S$14 for five). Gundappam — think a mini, fatter and chewy version of appam — is accompanied by a coconut chambal (otherwise known as sambol or sambal) and a drizzle of coconut milk.
You’re supposed to enjoy each gundappam with a small serving of chambal, which guarantees perfect bites every time.
![](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/kunthaville-5-scaled.jpg)
The dish I’d recommend to those new to the cuisine is the Signature Curry Leaf Coconut Rice (S$28); it’s one that encapsulates the essence of a traditional Ceylonese lunch feast. Fluffy Sri Lankan rice is paired with jackfruit curry, sauteed green beans, raw mango chambal and cucumber chambal, yielding a meal that’s wholesome and nutritious, yet packed with flavour.
![](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sweet-Landings-Treasures-of-Ceylon-2-scaled.jpg)
Dessert is no less exquisite, with options like the Treasures of Ceylon, chilled sago pearls with ruby and emerald jelly in a luscious coconut cream, and Fresh Fruit Steeped in Cinnamon Laced Syrup.
![kunthaville](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kunthaville-Tea-3-scaled.jpg)
Given that Sri Lanka produces some of the finest tea in the world, washing everything down with a pot of Ceylon tea is a must. You can choose from an exclusive selection of 10 handpicked varieties, including blends like Midnight Vanilla, Masala Chai Magic, and the luxurious Paris Rose.
![](https://confirmgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_1389_jpg.jpg)
Pair your tea of choice with a slice of Vegan Cheesecake (S$9) if you like. I may not be a connossieur of vegan cakes, but this was honestly one of the best and most “legit-tasting” renditions I’d ever tried. Seriously.
Need I say more? It’s high time you dipped your toes into the world of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Reservations can be made here.
Kunthaville
Instagram | Website
📍 18 Veerasamy Road, Singapore 207326
🕒 10am–9pm (Daily)
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨