Covent Garden is set to welcome a vibrant new culinary destination as ADOH!, a Sri Lankan street food concept, officially opens its doors on September 8, 2025. Located at 36 Maiden Lane, this exciting venture comes from the acclaimed team behind the popular Kolamba restaurants, Eroshan and Aushi Meewella, promising an authentic and energetic taste of Sri Lankan roadside eateries. ADOH! aims to capture the essence of the island’s lively street food culture, offering a more casual yet flavour-packed dining experience for Londoners. This opening marks another significant addition to the bustling food scene in London.
The Vision Behind ADOH!
ADOH! builds upon the success and reputation established by Kolamba, which first opened in Soho in 2019 and later expanded with Kolamba East in Shoreditch in 2024. While Kolamba offers a refined take on Sri Lankan home cooking, ADOH! delves into the more dynamic and comforting world of street food. The name itself, derived from a common Sri Lankan exclamation used for greeting or expressing surprise, sets the tone for a lively and engaging culinary journey. Eroshan Meewella stated, “We’re excited to be honouring the food stories from our home country and bringing another aspect of our culinary heritage to London in Covent Garden.” The restaurant draws inspiration directly from the colourful, bustling roadside eateries and street markets found across Sri Lanka.
A Menu Steeped in Street Food Tradition
At the heart of ADOH!’s offering is kothu, a beloved Sri Lankan dish that embodies the spirit of street food. This comforting meal consists of chopped roti, vegetables, and eggs, expertly tossed together on a grill and finished with a rich curry sauce. ADOH! will present kothu in four enticing variations: crab, chicken, mutton, and jackfruit, prepared with the authentic, theatrical flair found in Sri Lanka’s night markets. Beyond kothu, the menu features a curated selection of popular Sri Lankan snacks and small bites. Diners can anticipate flavourful mutton rolls, spicy devilled sausages, and chilli prawn toast with a tangy tamarind sauce, reminiscent of coastal Galle’s street corners. Vadai, savoury lentil doughnuts served with a trio of traditional tomato, coconut, and mint chutneys, are also a must-try. For those seeking unique tastes, the menu includes fried chicken with curry leaf waffle and a nostalgic Chinese-style seafood fried rice. Dessert is kept playful with a salted jaggery soft serve, a sweet nod to traditional island flavours.
An Ambiance of Vibrant Nostalgia
Designed by Whitebox London in collaboration with Sri Lankan artists and designers, ADOH! boasts an interior that mirrors the vibrancy of its cuisine. The space draws inspiration from Sri Lankan street culture and lorry art, blending raw functionality with sun-faded colours and layered nostalgia. Industrial elements like stainless steel and corrugated metal are softened by warm textures and distinctive murals by Sri Lankan artist Ruwangi “Roo” Amarasinghe, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and contemporary. With seating for 70 guests inside and an additional 12 external covers, ADOH! is designed for casual dining and operates on a walk-in basis, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. The bustling environment aims to replicate the energetic feel of a Colombo night market meeting London cool.
Covent Garden: A Culinary Hub Welcomes ADOH!
ADOH!’s arrival at 36 Maiden Lane further solidifies Covent Garden’s status as a premier dining destination in London. Situated amidst a thriving array of restaurants, including neighbours like Ave Mario, Cinnamon Bazaar, and SUSHISAMBA, ADOH! is poised to become a significant part of the area’s diverse food offerings. Emma Matus, Head of Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, commented, “The diversification of Covent Garden’s F&B line-up continues with another standout signing in ADOH!, which will deliver the theatre of Sri Lankan street food to the centre of London’s theatre scene.” The location is perfectly placed for pre- or post-theatre dining, adding another exciting option for food enthusiasts exploring the trending Covent Garden area.
A Welcoming Addition to London’s Food News
The opening of ADOH! is highly anticipated, bringing a distinctive and exciting facet of Sri Lankan culinary heritage to the heart of London. The restaurant is set to provide a lively and delicious experience, celebrating the rich flavours and vibrant culture of Sri Lankan street food. This news is a welcome addition to the ever-evolving London food scene, offering a unique dining adventure for all who visit.
