Ministry of Crab

Seafood restaurant · Colombo

Ministry of Crab

Seafood restaurant · Colombo

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

Highlights

Tucked in Colombo's heart, Ministry of Crab serves exquisite, fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for indulgent dining.

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

ministryofcrab.com

@ministryofcrab

Rs 5,000+ · 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

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@cntraveler

"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

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

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@cntraveler

"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."

3 Days Around Colombo, Sri Lanka

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sifa mahmud

Google

We visited from Bangladesh to try some of their oysters and crabs, and it was an incredible experience. The place was amazing—the Dutch colony and the old buildings gave off a beautiful vintage vibe, making the visit even more special. The atmosphere was charming, and the overall experience was fantastic. Highly recommended! Love from 🇧🇩

Kiran Lokande

Google

Ministry of Crab in Colombo is undoubtedly one of the best places for fresh seafood, especially crabs. The crabs are incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection, making them the highlight of the menu. All the seafood dishes we tried were excellent, showcasing the natural flavors without overpowering them with spices. However, the food is not spicy, which may not cater to the typical Indian palate seeking bold and fiery flavors. It's more about subtlety and letting the seafood shine. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality justifies the cost to some extent. The service, though decent, could be more attentive for a restaurant in this price range. I recommend dining inside rather than in the outdoor courtyard. The indoor ambience is vibrant and lively, adding to the overall dining experience, while the outdoor space feels less engaging. Located in the heart of the city center, the restaurant's location is ideal and convenient. Overall, it's a great place for seafood lovers looking for quality over spice and a memorable experience.

Samson Man

Google

The Ministry of Crab restaurant in Colombo is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. Located in the historic Old Dutch Hospital, this restaurant is renowned for its exceptional lagoon crabs, which are sourced fresh daily. The ambiance is vibrant yet relaxed (although could do with air con!!), making it perfect for both casual and special dining experiences. During our visit, Lahiru, our main waiter, provided outstanding service. His attentiveness and knowledge about the menu enhanced our dining experience significantly. We indulged in the signature crab dishes (oh so garlicky), which were nothing short of spectacular—each bite bursting with flavor. Well done!

Yasar Ahamedd

Google

I recently dined at the Ministry of Crab, and it was easily one of the best food experiences I've ever had. The moment I walked in, the ambiance was warm and welcoming, striking the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The highlight, of course, was the crab. Each bite was pure heaven—perfectly tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The seasoning was spot-on, not overpowering, but enhancing the natural taste of the crab. You could tell the quality of the ingredients was top-notch, as the crab tasted incredibly fresh. We tried several dishes, and each one was a masterpiece. From the signature pepper crab to the crab rice, everything was cooked to perfection. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and explaining the dishes in detail. What stood out was the overall experience—it's not just about the food, but the passion and care that go into every aspect of the meal. I left feeling truly satisfied and amazed by the flavors I had just experienced. If you're a fan of seafood, or just want a truly unforgettable meal, Ministry of Crab is a must-visit!

Trailblazer EHT

Google

Disappointment in Paradise First thing first a small crab 🦀 500g-600g will cost you 70$ US, remember it’s not a meal. 900g crab 🦀 cost you 100$. Just crab nothing will come with crab. A decent meal will cost you 200$ us Same with prawns 🦐 Think twice before you come. Very over rated and over priced restaurant. I visited this establishment expecting a quality dining experience, but it was nothing more than a pretty façade. We ordered medium crabs, supposedly 700-800 grams each, but received mere crumbs instead. The crab salads were simply half an avocado with scant crab filling. Coffee tested awful. In a city known for its culinary delights, this restaurant failed to deliver. We left deeply disappointed and still hungry. I’d recommend avoiding this place unless you enjoy being ripped off!

Ahilan Ratnam

Google

The Ministry of Crab is a seafood lover’s paradise! From the moment I walked in, the ambiance and service were impeccable. The crabs were cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor in every bite. I highly recommend trying their Pepper Crab and Garlic Chili Crab—absolute must-haves! The freshness of the seafood is unmatched, and the sauces are to die for. If you’re in Sri Lanka, this is a culinary experience you cannot miss. Worth every penny!

Beni

Google

We spontaneously visited the Ministry of Crab in Colombo for lunch and were lucky to find available seating. The menu is incredibly creative and unique, offering something special for everyone—even those who aren’t fans of seafood will find delicious options. The service was exceptionally professional, and the crab was absolutely outstanding. It was a true culinary experience that we’ll remember for a long time. Highly recommended!

Noel Fernandes

Google

As the name suggests, this place is really amazing for its crabs. My wife and I had the colossal Garlic Crab and it was really mouth watering 🤤🤤. We also had the prawns curry with bread and it was really sumptuous. It’s a must try place for crab lovers 😃😃