Try these three!
By Anjalika Abeykoon, Photos Indika Handuwala
We all make plans for great things with our friends, but seldom do they come true. However, Doner and Durum (D&D) is the product of one such plan between five friends: Abdul Ghouse, Sharanga Hettiarachchi, Nikira Senanayake, Seyed Waqar, and Atif Haariz which did come to life.
The five decided to bring down the infamous doner, which originated in Turkey, adding a touch of Europe inspired by Berlin. The founders of D&D wanted the doner to have a local twist to complement the Sri Lankan palate. Hence, the doner has gone through many tests before the launch of Doner and Durum. Also, they are very specific about providing healthier food for the customers, though they are a fast food restaurant inspired by Mediterranean street food.
The mains section of the menu features doners, durums, burgers, and rice options. There are two choices of meat: chicken and lamb, which are made in the Kebab style and cooked on a vertical rotisserie for the doners.
There are also three types of sauces to pick from according to your preference of taste: Classic (a garlic sauce), Mayanado (a mix of Tabasco, salsa, and garlic), and Thai (massaman curry). All the breads are custom-baked for Doner and Durum and they import lamb and cheese that goes into the food. Ideally a fast food restaurant, D&D at present can host about 30 diners and they also deliver via their hotline and Uber Eats.
Item 1: Doner
The marinated chicken is neatly stacked on to the rotisserie and left to slow cook for about four hours.
Meat is shaved off the chunk using a slightly long knife once an order is placed and is then stuffed inside the doner with the veggies, and then served with a side of fries, along with mayonnaise and tomato ketchup.
The classic sauce, which we requested with the doner, is not spicy and noticeably has a slight garlic taste. The doner came filled with a generous amount of vegetables and soft-marinated chicken cooked to perfection. The texture of the meat was pleasant because of the fusion of Sri Lankan, Europiean, and Turkish spices.
Item 2: Durum
Item 3: Chicken burger
Bonus: Passion fruit lassi
. Quality and quantity of the food, staff service, and the atmosphere of the cafe justifies the price and the mission of the founders
. A person can afford a hearty and filling meal with just Rs. 1,000-1,500 in hand
. Doner and Durum management has done an amazing job and the café definitely exceeded our expectations. Our heartiest wishes go out to them to keep up the awesome work!
Cheers to a good meal!
Opening hours: 5.30 p.m.-10.30 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 5.30 p.m.-11.30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Address: No. 128, Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Himi Mawatha, Colombo 5
Contact number: 077 997 7993