Taking the Ministry of Crab experience to Europe for the first time at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris

Chef Dharshan Munidasa with his team and Chef Christope Moret from Shangri-La Hotel, Paris 

Taking the Ministry of Crab experience to Europe for the first time, the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant conducted a five-day pop-up at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris from 9 to 13 April. The team from Ministry of Crab led by renowned chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa put together a three-course dinner, which featured signature dishes of the restaurant catering up to 300 diners. 

Chef Dharshan Munidasa with Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France  Buddhi K. Athauda, at the pop up

Tourteau crab made with the unique MOC pepper preparation

Ministry of Crab continued its streak of international pop-ups by showcasing some of its authentic dishes in a specially curated menu, which included the rich Baked Crab, the flavoursome Garlic Chilli Crab and the fiery Pepper Crab starring the Tourteau crab sourced from Paris. The Tourteau crab also known as the Brown crab, is similar to the Sri Lankan lagoon crab and is the closest in terms of texture and flavour, which enabled the Ministry Of Crab team to showcase the fine flavours of the crustaceans coupled with the bold Sri Lankan spices. 

Speaking on his experience at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris Munidasa said, “Paris is the city I found the Tourteau (brown crab) and this discovery led to pop ups in London and now Paris, and a custom-made brown crab opening device. It was an exciting experience as I was able to work with the brown crab and we were honoured to be invited by Shangri-La Hotel, Paris to showcase the best of Sri Lankan cuisine. A special thank you goes out to the team led by Chef Christopher Moret, which helped us to showcase the best of what we had to offer. 

The pop up took place at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, formerly the home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte. The Parisian Residence comprising 100 rooms and suites, offers unmatched views on the Eiffel Tower and all the famous monuments of Paris and designed with impressive architecture of the end of 19th century. The pop up took place at the property’s fine dining restaurant, La Bauhinia, which is one of the three restaurants available at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris.