Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill, the acclaimed Bangkok dining concept by Soho Hospitality, has arrived in Colombo. The opening marks its South Asian debut. Located on the 50th floor of Capitol Twin Peaks, the restaurant introduces a new benchmark in the city’s evolving dining landscape.
The restaurant opened on 23 April in partnership with Bathiya Jayakody, Santhush Weeraman and Mevan Gunatilleke. At 600 feet above the city, it offers a new vantage point of Colombo as one of its highest standalone dining destinations.
Conceived as a fully integrated dining and entertainment concept, Charcoal brings together cuisine, design and atmosphere in a way not previously seen in Colombo. From its considered interior design and lighting to its soundscape and open tandoor kitchen, every element has been curated to deliver a cohesive, multi-sensory experience that extends beyond the table.
That positioning carried into the opening night, as Charcoal welcomed Colombo’s business community, music industry and cultural figures to its 50th floor setting. The evening showcased fire-lit tandoors, a menu inspired by the historic Spice Route, and live music, set against panoramic views of Colombo. Together, these elements offered an introduction to a dining concept designed to engage both atmosphere and experience.
First launched in Bangkok in 2014, Charcoal has established itself as a distinctive dining destination, built on a philosophy shaped by the historic Spice Route, where trade between India and the Middle East influenced flavours and culinary traditions. This is reflected in a menu that brings together North Indian tandoor cooking and Mughlai cuisine, combining live fire techniques, slow cooking, and layered spice profiles within a contemporary setting.
“Charcoal is a restaurant built on craft and consistency — it’s what has made it a destination in Bangkok for over a decade,” said CEO and Founder of Soho Hospitality, Rohit Sachdev. “With Colombo, we saw an opportunity to introduce that same standard in a setting that is entirely unique to the city.”
For Bathiya Jayakody and Santhush Weeraman, the collaboration is rooted in instinct as much as intention. “We’ve always believed Colombo is ready for something at a different level — a carefully curated luxury dining experience that hasn’t existed here before,” they said. “For us, this was about introducing a concept of that calibre to the city at the right moment.”
Mevan Gunatilleke added, “As Colombo continues to grow as a destination, there is a clear shift towards more elevated, standalone concepts. Charcoal is part of that next phase, contributing to a more dynamic and progressive dining scene.”
Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill at Capitol Twin Peaks is now open for dinner service. Reservations are available via their website.
