Ministry of Crab enters Bangkok, the culinary capital of South East Asia

Ambassador to Sri Lanka Samantha K. Jayasuriya, Ambassador to Maldives Mohamed Jinah, Ambassador to South Africa Geoffrey Quinton Mitchell Doidge with Carol Doidge  

Mahela shares a few words with  the guests at the launch event as Kumar, Dharshan and Chandini (MOC Bangkok Partner) look on

Mahela, Kumar and Dharshan with Ministry of Crab Bangkok Partner Chandini Gulrajani

Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena and Dharshan Munidasa at Ministry of Crab Bangkok

 Dharshan with the Ministry of Crab Bangkok Team

Expanding the Ministry of Crab experience to South East Asia, the highly-acclaimed Sri Lankan restaurant opened its fifth international outpost in Bangkok, Thailand. The restaurant opened its doors to the public on 1 December, in the presence of the co-owners; Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar

Dharshan prepping for the launch event

Sangakkara, and Dharshan Munidasa, succeeding a media luncheon and launch cocktail event. 

Speaking at the launch event, Mahela Jayawardena said: “I am very excited to open Ministry of Crab in Bangkok. I have always been a big fan of Thai culture and cuisine, and now being able to be a part of that is wonderful. With the flavours of Sri Lanka and fresh ingredients, we will add colour and authenticity to the already vibrant food ethos.”

Kumar Sangakkara added: “I hope the unique flavours of Ministry of Crab that hold authentic to our food philosophy of the freshest and best ingredients, prepared with a deep passion and love will titillate and excite the palate of our customers, both local and visiting.”

Ministry of Crab arrives in Bangkok courtesy of Chandini Gulrajani, who wanted to bring the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant to Bangkok, after having dined there on a visit to Sri Lanka. Speaking to the media on the establishment of the restaurant she said, “Ministry of Crab is a restaurant with a strong history and reputation around the world and it is an honour to bring the famous Lagoon Crab and the flavours of Sri Lanka to a diverse culinary destination such as Bangkok. I am truly inspired by Chef Dharshan and the respect he has for seafood and ingredients. That is what sets us apart from any other restaurant.”

Located in Soi 31, Bangkok, at the Sam-ed building, which was built specifically to house Ministry of Crab, the restaurant will be the newest addition to the culinary heart of the city. Boasting a colonial-style setting that is inspired by the flagship restaurant in Colombo, the two-storey building welcomes guests on the ground floor with an open kitchen accompanied by seating for 30, while the upstairs has 56 seats including a bar. 

The new opening promises guests a casual and spontaneous style of dining, in keeping with Ministry of Crab’s casual fine dining philosophy. The menu will feature the same iconic line-up of dishes as that of the Colombo flagship, including the signature Pepper Crab, Garlic Chilli Prawn, Crab Liver Pâté and the Coconut Crème Brûlée. 

On establishing Ministry of Crab Bangkok, Chef Dharshan Munidasa stated that he “is proud to be here in the capital of food in South East Asia; a city that’s exploding with flavours, scented with fresh spices and served with passion, dedication and Thai smiles. The respect for ingredients is paramount in my kitchen and we bring the same no-freezer policy and the famous Sri Lankan Crab to this city.”

Ministry of Crab Bangkok is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and will open for lunch early in 2020.