Ministry of Crab

Seafood restaurant · Colombo

Ministry of Crab

Seafood restaurant · Colombo

Old Dutch Hospital Complex, 04 Hospital St, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

Highlights

Celebrated Sri Lankan mud crab, famous crab pate, prawn dishes

Old Dutch Hospital Complex, 04 Hospital St, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka Get directions

ministryofcrab.com

@ministryofcrab

Rs 10,000+ · Menu

Reserve

@theworlds50best

"Rank: #29 "Set in a preserved 400-year-old Dutch Hospital in Colombo with a minimalist but huge open kitchen, Ministry of Crab is a haven for crustacean fans, celebrating the Sri Lankan crab in everything from the food to the crab-claw plants that serve as the restaurant’s only décor. The restaurant was set up by the country’s leading chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa together with Sri Lankan cricket legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara."

https://www.theworlds50best.com/asia/en/the-list/21-30/ministry-of-crab.html

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2021: Southeast Asia, India & Subcontinent

View Postcard for Ministry of Crab

@cntraveler

The Best Bars and Restaurants in the World: The 2021 Gold List

"I ordered Sri Lankan crab and prawns that were almost the size of my arm at Ministry of Crab, a seafood-focused restaurant in Colombo’s 400-year old Dutch Hospital Shopping precinct. The preparation was so spicy, so tasty, that I shed tears of heat and happiness. It really was that good. -P.K." - CNT Editors

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-and-restaurants-in-the-world-gold-list

View Postcard for Ministry of Crab

@cntraveler

3 Days Around Colombo, Sri Lanka

"Browse the Ayurvedic skincare balms at the cult favorite Spa Ceylon before heading a few doors down to the city’s hardest-to-book reservation: Ministry of Crab, a temple to seafood opened by Sri Lankan cricket icons Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. Wrap yourself tightly in a bib and get your hands dirty as you dig into the sloppy, delicious garlic chili crab."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/3-days-around-colombo-sri-lanka

View Postcard for Ministry of Crab

Shaon Shahnewaz

Google

We had dinner at Ministry of Crab last night as a couple with our 10-year-old, and it was a fantastic experience overall! The atmosphere was vibrant yet cozy — perfect for a family evening out. We tried the clay pot prawn curry with rice, and it was absolutely delicious. The prawns were fresh and perfectly cooked, but the real star was the rich, coconut-based gravy — bursting with flavor! We also had passion fruit juice, which was refreshing, though a bit on the sour side for our taste. Overall, a memorable dining experience with great food, friendly service, and a lovely ambiance. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Colombo Fort! 🍤🥥🇱🇰

Brownbiggy

Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had an incredible experience at Ministry of Crab! From the moment I arrived, the hospitality stood out. A huge shoutout to Anoja at the front desk who went above and beyond to squeeze me in even though the restaurant was full — her warm welcome and effort to make it happen set the tone for a memorable evening. The service throughout was excellent, especially from Madin, who was not only attentive but also genuinely friendly and kind, making me feel completely at ease. And of course, the food… absolutely outstanding! The crab and prawns were perfectly cooked, packed with flavor, and lived up to every bit of the hype. The quality of ingredients and the way each dish was prepared really shows why Ministry of Crab is world-renowned. Overall, a perfect combination of amazing food, top-class service, and genuine hospitality. Highly recommend — and I’ll definitely be back!

KT Oorloff

Google

We had such an amazing experience at Ministry of Crab in Colombo! I loved the little touches – like being served oysters on a mini cricket bat and seeing the history of cricket stars on the welcome reservation card. Such a unique and beautiful idea! The food was absolutely delicious, especially the jumbo-sized crab – it was the highlight of the night. The flavors were incredible and so fresh. The service was top-notch, really attentive and high standard, which made the whole experience even better. If you’re in Colombo, I’d definitely recommend visiting Ministry of Crab – it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience!

Michelle favotto

Google

What a great dining experience at the Ministry of Crab. On arrival service and welcome by Dilanka was warm and welcoming. He explained the menu and guided us through our choices and sizes. The prompt ongoing service for drinks and wipes and extra touches to make our meal memorable were attended to. The entrees of prawns, clams, oysters were each amazing in presentation and flavour. We had three varieties of crab for our main as a group and each were different and delicious. The fleshy crabs were the best I have ever eaten and the body of flavour in the sauces were rich and delicious. The Sri Lankan bread and rice helped us enjoy the sauces and flavours. It was a beautiful meal experience. We rounded off with perfect macchiato coffees. If your budget can stretch this far, I highly recommend a meal here. Just remember to book as our lunch sitting was fully booked out.

Sreelakshmi CB

Google

Ambience was amazing and its 5/5 for that. Service is top. Friendly staff. They explains everything very well. But the food didnt live up to the hype, though not bad! Quite expensive. I usually eats a lot of seafood, this can be 2-3/5 .. totally a great experience in Colombo when i look back. 😊

Clémence

Google

We had such a wonderful dining experience at the Ministry of Crab! Before going, we were a little bit skeptical and worried it might just be another tourist trap, but we were pleasantly surprised. The service was outstanding—attentive to every details, anticipating our needs before we even asked, and offering helpful guidance on how to order. We tried only two dishes, the claypot curry and the chili garlic crab, but they were absolutely addictive. The sauces were so good that we couldn’t resist overindulging, especially with all the bread. In short, we really enjoyed our dinner and definitely worth a try when you are in town!

Savana Varshavski

Google

We spend 3 hours there just to seat and enjoy the food, drinks and atmosphere. All food was excellent and recommendations of waiters were really good. Not easy to choose from large menu without assistance. My vegetable curry was perfectly cooked with right amount of rice a side. And pizza 3 cheeses one of the best outside of Europe. Fresh and crispy salad really large portion. Please fect play list. And traditional yellow rice in banana leaf is impressive and tasty

Saroj Anilkumar Sachu

Google

When in Sri Lanka, you absolutely have to dine at the Ministry of Crab (MOC)! It’s more than just a meal — it’s a luxurious culinary experience. As someone from southern India, I’m no stranger to crab, but MOC took it to an entirely different level. The freshness, seasoning, and presentation were impeccable, making each bite memorable. The ambiance adds to the experience, with a lively yet sophisticated vibe that complements the food perfectly. Be prepared to spend a little more, as it is one of Asia’s top restaurants, but trust me — it’s worth every dollar. From the first bite to the last, it’s an indulgence that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a fine dining experience in Colombo, MOC is an absolute must-visit! P.S. Be ready to get your hands a little messy — eat the Sri Lankan way! Using your hands is part of the fun, and yes, you’re supposed to feel a little messy while enjoying every bite.