About
Welcome to Kurumba Restaurant & Bar, a delightful dining destination nestled in the heart of Surry Hills, at 555 Crown St. This family-run establishment transcends the traditional dining experience, offering a cozy atmosphere infused with the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. Each member of the De Hoedt family plays a vital role—your hosts, Travin and his mother, greet guests with genuine warmth while the patriarch showcases 35 years of culinary expertise in the kitchen.
At Kurumba, modern Sri Lankan cuisine takes center stage, and every dish is a love letter to the rich flavors of the island. As you step inside, the inviting aroma of spices and freshly prepared dishes envelops you, promising a gastronomic adventure. Diners rave about standout dishes like the Short Rib Curry, where tender meat meets a robust sauce, and the Hot Butter Soft Shell Crab, a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness that ignites the taste buds.
Moreover, the restaurant excels in providing a unique dining occasion, such as their hands-on Sri Lankan Masterclass. This engaging experience allows guests to dive into the culinary world while enjoying complimentary champagne and canapés. Guests sing the praises of the smoke-infused chicken curry and the jaggery and coconut custard crème brûlée, which showcase the family’s creative flair and culinary prowess.
Kurumba's set menu is a feast for the senses, and while some guests noted a few hiccups with cocktail service, the overall experience is nothing short of fantastic, with an emphasis on the quality and presentation of each dish. The Passion Fruit Soufflé and Wattalappam desserts are celebrated as divine endings to a memorable meal, guaranteed to leave you craving more.
In essence, dining at Kurumba is not just about food; it’s about experience, connection, and the joyous celebration of Sri Lankan culinary heritage, all served in an inviting atmosphere. Each visit promises warmth, vibrant flavors, and a community feel that invites you to return. Come discover this hidden gem and allow Kurumba to welcome you into the heart of Sri Lankan cooking, right here in vibrant Surry Hills.
“ We ordered the set menu and every dishes were delicious. To note for improvement 1. Cocktails took 20 min to come 2. They promise you “unlimited” hopper but when you order a new serving, they are very very slow to give one Overall great experience ”
“ Perfect place for a date, celebration, or catch-up with friends. The atmosphere is perfect and sophisticated. The staff is very professional, kind, and friendly. Food is very delicious. We ordered a few dishes, and we all loved them. I would like to point out that beef short rib curry dish, even though it is very good, it is very small. $42. I would say it is a small plate since the portion is quite small. Barely 6 thin tiny slices. On the other hand, the Negombo Prawn Curry was perfect in size for a main. The prawns were big and delicious. It was my birthday celebration, and they brought a slice of one of their desserts with a candle. Much appreciated it. ”
“ Had a great afternoon at Kurumba’s new Sri Lankan Masterclass event. The De Hoedt family were really welcoming and made us feel comfortable straight away. Augi and Travin did an awesome job running the class… super knowledgeable and made the whole experience fun and easy to follow. We were treated to champagne and canapés while we cooked, which was a nice touch. It was cool being in the restaurant kitchen and seeing how everything comes together behind the scenes. The food we made was really tasty - especially the chicken curry, the smoked beef pancakes, and the jaggery and coconut custard crème brûlée. Sitting down at the end to enjoy the meal we’d cooked was a great way to finish off the day. We left full and happy. I’d definitely recommend this masterclass if you’re up for a fun afternoon with great food, very experienced chefs, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. ”
“ Modern Sri Lankan food, served with flair. Lovingly prepared by a family run team - dad in the kitchen with 35 years of experience cooking, two young sons are pastry chefs, and mom is the face of front of house. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here - highly recommend sitting at the counter downstairs + the beef curry, soft shell crab starter and the desserts are to die for! ”
“ You can always tell when food is made with heart and love. What a wonderful family run restaurant. The food is perfect. Care taken in the way it’s presented and put together. Hats off to dad who guides this menu and executes with passion. Mum is wonderfully ki d and hospitable and the sons are on point with service and recommendations. The food then automatically also just resonates that. Will be back to try more dishes ”
“ I was first put off by having to sit upstairs next to the wine frig (even after our reservation was done a month in advance) and barely no one else dining(!). Thankfully, our waiter listened and accommodated our request to move to a more inviting and less crowded space to enjoy our first (and celebratory) meal in Sydney. After that, we did eventually enjoy our time since it was our first time having Sri Lankan food. Top notch, friendly service from our waitress! And the food was delicious and plentiful. ”
“ Dining at Kurumba was nothing short of magical, a hidden gem of Sri Lankan cuisine. This family-owned restaurant radiates warmth and hospitality, making every guest feel like part of their extended family. The amazing service and deep understanding of their produce set the tone for what would be an unforgettable evening. We kicked off our night with entrées that were nothing short of heavenly. The Smoked Brisket Pan Rolls were a delightful combination of smoky flavors wrapped in perfectly crisp pastry, while the Hot Butter Soft Shell Crab, crisp on the outside tender within, a savoury explosion & had a kick of spice. We were then surprised with lentil vadai, adding more delicious flavours onto our palate. Each bite set the stage for what’s to come. For the mains, we were treated to an array of exquisite options that celebrated the best of Sri Lankan flavors. The Short Rib Curry (MBS 4+) was a highlight, boasting tender meat bathed in a robust sauce. The Bundarra Black Pork Curry offered a unique depth of flavor, while the Jack’s Creek Wagyu Rump Cap melted in our mouths, a testament to the quality of their ingredients. The Kadju Curry and Roasted Pumpkin Curry were vibrant and soul-soothing, beautifully complemented by their savoury rice and traditional Appa Appa. Each dish was a celebration of culinary artistry that showcased the richness of Sri Lanka’s heritage & quality Australian produce The grand finale, the desserts. The Passion Fruit Soufflé was a delicate masterpiece, light as air and bursting with tangy sweetness, the Not Your Amma's Biscuit Pudding, was a nostalgic journey, reminding us of home-cooked meals and sweet memories. The Young Coconut Mousse was a delightful surprise, offering a tropical escape, while the Wattalappam—a baked jaggery and coconut brûlée with coconut sugar and jersey milk ice cream—was a decadent conclusion that left us utterly satisfied. We then were again surprised with handmade chocolate truffles that were exquisitely smooth—not overly sweet, just perfect whilst the Caneles were crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Each dessert was the perfect sweet ending. Throughout the evening, we had the pleasure of meeting Travin, the son and co-owner, as well his mother who both played a role in creating this unforgettable experience. Travin's pastry chef along with his brother & wife, have such a passion for their craft which was evident in every bite of our desserts, leaving us eager to return. Karumba was an experience, the combination of outstanding hospitality, remarkable dishes, and cherished moments with friends knowing we had discovered a gem of a restaurant that embodies the essence of Sri Lankan hospitality. ”