By Ravini Perera
Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with the use of fresh produce and world-class spices, blended with the innate knowledge and techniques acquired from our elders, has left an everlasting mark on both local and global communities.
Among some of the most innovative figures to dominate the food industry of Sri Lanka, Koluu Ranawake has secured a significant place. This versatile character and celebrity chef requires no introduction. His impact and representation of our humble flavours have put Sri Lanka on the world map. This week, Brunch chatted with Koluu on his many ventures and his experiences of over four decades in Sri Lanka’s colourful (and flavourful) food industry.
A hobby turned profession
Koluu recognises Sri Lankan food as one of the healthiest foods in the world, provided that one masters the art of balancing taste and daily food intake. He believes that a balanced plate should contain the correct vegetables and proteins, and Sri Lanka’s approach to cuisine makes our food nutritious and our diets healthy. Commenting on the usage of spices around the world, he stated: “Spices are catching on all over the world. Taking into consideration our clientele, it is not only Sri Lankans who buy our spices, but a lot of the international community too.”
Having entered the culinary world 44 years ago, Koluu has had many renowned chefs inspire him over the years. Having observed and followed many chefs and their methods, Koluu shared that to him, each decade has produced some extraordinary culinary idols, some of whom he has also had the chance to meet.
On entering the industry and becoming a celebrity chef, Koluu stated: “My fame was thrust upon me. I never went looking for it. My cooking and my drag shows combined paved the way for me to rise to fame. I enjoy what I do; hence, all my life I have never felt like I was working or cooking.”
The many ventures by Koluu
Brunch asked Koluu what inspired his “Spice It Up!” range of spices, and learned that Spice It Up! was Koluu’s response to seeing how many people struggled with grasping the accurate consistency and balance of flavours when cooking some much-loved Sri Lankan classics. Following numerous experiments and after attempting to cook many recipes, he was able to achieve and master the perfect recipes and techniques which led him to launch the Spice It Up! spice range in 2013. The popularity of the Spice It Up! range has since blossomed, and it is now exported to and sold in the US, Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Hong Kong, and Canada.
Koluu’s newest venture “Foodprints by Koluu” was launched in May of 2020 and was initially scheduled to be opened in March of 2019, but given the pandemic, it had to be delayed. Nevertheless, adapting to every situation with a positive outlook, Koluu went on to address the demands of his clientele by taking his bold yet humble flavours to their doorsteps. “I wanted to start a delivery service which was much needed in the country. Delivery is the way to go. Hence, with the pandemic, it was very well received, as the majority of the people were confined to their homes,” he said.
He went on to explain that Foodprints by Koluu was conceptualised prior to the pandemic but was executed afterwards while adapting to the situation of the country and the health guidelines. Nonetheless, in his opinion, these hardships turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the successful execution of his newest venture.
Koluu is also the author of the cookbook “My Way”, which has been a tremendous success. Every single copy has been sold out since its launch and it has been praised by countless individuals. He went on to explain that “My Way” was not an ordinary book to display on tabletops and coffee tables, but one that his readers use frequently and efficiently to great success, something that brings him immense joy.
Thinking out of the box
Launching a food brand, even an exclusively delivery-focused brand, amidst the pandemic has been challenging, but Koluu shared that despite Foodprints by Koluu needing to halt operations for a limited period to prioritise the safety of each of its stakeholders, it has all panned out well with a well-planned system in place.
Describing some of the difficulties in detail, Koluu explained that the struggle of getting fresh produce and the unavailability of products were the biggest struggles the business had to encounter. “We have had to learn to adapt and change our ways of thinking. We had to think out of the box when dealing with the lockdown and the shortages. Hence, it is all about being extremely creative at times such as these,” he stated.
With the whole world locked in at home for long periods of time, Koluu’s Spice It Up! range has become a way of experiencing restaurant-quality food in the comfort of one’s own home, while paying brilliant homage to the authentic flavours of Sri Lanka. This freshly grounded, tasty, and aromatic blend of spices with no added preservatives or flavours, is for anyone, at home or travelling. Hence, it is considered a new normal within society.
Agreeing with the same, Koluu noted that with people busy cooking at home, Spice It Up! saw an increase in sales with the pandemic, highlighting that this product cuts down on the hassle of prepping. It is made for a new way of life where not everyone has assistance at home nor do people have the time to cut, chop, and clean. One can simply mix Spice It Up! products, let it marinate, sauté it, add coconut milk as needed, season to taste, and also add any other ingredient as one wishes, and finally experience a one-pot wonder that has the quality of a restaurant-style dish.
“We noticed this product was being successfully circulated amongst the locals within the country, thus making Sri Lanka the highest consumer. People are eager to get their hands on this product and once you try it, you get hooked on it, and we are very happy about that,” Koluu shared.
Koluu also shared that people have made maximum use of Spice It Up!’s products, even adding their own twists to the recipes. “People have their own ways of utilising this. In fact, many who have reached out to me have shared their secrets. Hence, I have learned new techniques from my clientele which I have tried and admit to be excellent,” Koluu admitted.
Work in progress
With over 40 years under his belt, Brunch asked Koluu about what he has lined up next for his local and international clientele and food lovers in general. One thing Koluu shared he had been considering was reprinting his book “My Way”, which is currently sold out. However, he went on to express the difficulty of recreating such a book, indicating the unlikeliness of putting pen to paper and another book in the near future. “It is a very trying task. It is not easy. There is so much to be taken care of such as editing,” he stated.
Additionally, Koluu emphasised his passion for teaching and training novice cooks and all others interested in trying their hand at cooking. “I would be overjoyed to see young people take over the industry. The interest we see today within the community was not visible years ago. Cooking is very fashionable at present and this has brought everyone to the kitchen,” he said.
“I would love to conduct a television programme one day where I can reach many people and I believe that having a cooking programme is the way to do so,” Koluu added. With the restrictions posed by Covid-19 on the world, Koluu highlighted the necessity of prioritising one’s health and expressed his keenness to conduct such a programme as it is contactless. Furthermore, he stated that discussions are underway to give wings to his plan.
With the pandemic becoming a breeding ground for many cottage industries and food-related businesses, some food entrepreneurs have gone on to create great concepts while others are yet to excel in meeting the expectations of their clientele. Koluu went on to advise all novices, saying: “Be focused, concentrate, and master a recipe. Do not think that you are God’s gift to cooking. Be humble about your cooking and do not try to be a star about it.”
