A “destination” restaurant is set to bring the flavours of Sri Lanka to the region, with the menu inspired by the memories of growing up on the small island nation.
At the helm of the kitchen will be a passionate chef who has worked alongside Noosa’s Peter Kuruvita and who will bring the flavours of her own childhood to the menu.
Ra Restaurant and Bar will be located at Sunshine Beach and offer authentic food with a modern twist.
Speaking with Sunshine Coast News, the restaurant’s marketing manager Vikum Mahanama said guests could expect vibrant, authentic and reimagined Sri Lankan dishes to match Noosa’s energy.
“We are bringing authentic Sri Lankan flavour, refined for the local palate,” he said.
“Some dishes we are going to serve the authentic way, some dishes we are going to do a bit of a twist to make it more modern and more connected.”
Head chef Udee Suradasa has worked in Melbourne, Canberra and Peter Kuruvita’s Noosa Beach House and Alba restaurants.
“She was born in Sri Lanka and lived there for 19 years. After that she moved to Australia and studied hospitality and commercial cookery in Melbourne and started her career,” Mr Mahanama said.
“She is the one bringing the concept and her childhood memories with flavours.
“All her personal touches will be on the menu.”
The name of the restaurant, Ra, is named after the Sinhala word for toddy, which is a traditional alcohol made from naturally fermented coconut nectar that is mildly sweet.
As well as serving Ra in its signature cocktails or pure, the bar will also feature Sri Lankan beer.
The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner with themed Sunday specials.
“Once a month we are going to do an authentic breakfast special on a Sunday, or a vegetarian special,” Mr Mahanama said.
“Sri Lankan cuisine is one of the best cuisines for plant-based food because we use lots of vegetables like jackfruit and snake beans – so many varieties.
“There are so many Asian varieties (of vegetables) and we are sourcing then from the Inala Markets in Brisbane to bring that produce to our kitchen.”
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Sri Lankan ingredients are also being grown at a garden at Palmview for an authentic paddock-to-plate experience.
Dushan and Vino Illesinghe are the restaurateurs behind Ra and passionate foodies each with successful professional backgrounds.
Mr Illesinghe is a professor and medical specialist who currently leads the mental health services at Buderim Private Hospital.
Mrs Illesinghe is a business planner, interior designer and financial adviser.
She has taken control of the design element at the restaurant and imported antique Sri Lankan timber to decorate the space.
Ra Restaurant and Bar is located at 8/48-54 Duke Street, Sunshine Beach.
The restaurant is yet to announce its opening date but bookings are set to open soon.
