At Mitsi’s Delicacies, everything is generously portioned- and the same could be said for the spirit of its proprietor. “You must try something of everything,” she advises us, as we ponder a hefty plate of brunch that includes homemade sausage, crumbed and baked cheese, thick potato wedges and a meaty burger, coupled with two dipping [...]

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Everything is a must try at Mitsi’s

The flavours of East European cuisine, delicious desserts and cookery lessons; they’re all on offer
View(s):

Greek moussaka

At Mitsi’s Delicacies, everything is generously portioned- and the same could be said for the spirit of its proprietor. “You must try something of everything,” she advises us, as we ponder a hefty plate of brunch that includes homemade sausage, crumbed and baked cheese, thick potato wedges and a meaty burger, coupled with two dipping sauces and a wedge of lime. The food is comforting, filling and delicious-“It’s good, no?” Having stuffed our faces to the point of no return, we can only nod in agreement.

Walking into the restaurant’s leafy confines on Bagatalle Road, Colombo 3, you’re immediately greeted by the smell of brewing coffee and more importantly, Mitsi’s delectable desserts. Her Death by Chocolate is legendary around town, and for years she has supplied Colombo’s coffee shops with her cakes. Now it’s her restaurant that has her customers coming back for more, especially for the Eastern European cuisine it offers.

Blueberry cheesecake

Originally from Serbia, Mitsi moved to Sri Lanka four years ago. Her sister has been here for 25. “I came down for a holiday,” she remembers. “I spent a few weeks swimming and relaxing. Then I got very bored.” She had already retired from her import business in Serbia but refused to live up to the traditions of retirement. “As soon as you think you’re too old for something then you’ve given up. It’s never too late to do what you love, and I have always loved to learn.” Instead of twiddling her thumbs, “I decided to do what I know best,” she says. “I decided to bake.”

Starting out with cakes, Mitsi began supplying to several coffee shops and restaurants from her Barnes Place kitchen. Her cakes proved to be so popular that Mitsi now supplies to the Maldives as well in addition to the already substantial number of orders she receives domestically. “Everyone has their favourites,” she says of her desserts. The Death by Chocolate, fudge, tiramisu and lemon meringue pie have proved to be immensely popular with her patrons, and Mitsi adds new creations to her list by the day. “I love trying out new recipes,” she explains “and we’re constantly adding new things to the menu”-so make sure you ask the serving staff what’s new if you drop by.

Mitsi holds up a slice of her tempting Death by Chocolate

Mitsi’s on Bagatalle Road: Where portions are as generous as the welcoming spirit of the proprietor. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara and Indika Handuwala

She moved to her Bagatalle Road venue just over a year back; the newer, much larger space allows her to afford a complete dining experience to her customers and this is reflected in an expansive menu. Their Balkan BBQ is a specialty, with several makes of chicken and beef alongside cevapcici, a traditional Balkan beef minced meat dish. Alongside burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and soups you’ll find dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and chicken stroganoff interspersed with Mitsi’s recipes for meatballs and burgers. “You must also try our sausages,” she recommends. Homemade with premium quality meat they’re popular with her customers, some of whom buy them by the pound. You’ll also find organic yoghurt and drinks made by her sister’s business Senani Organic at the restaurant.

As if her schedule wasn’t hectic enough, Mitsi also conducts cookery courses that cover baking, chocolate, cakes, desserts, Italian and European cuisines, among others. “I enjoy sharing what I know with people,” she smiles. “Anyone can cook, as long as they stick to a few basic rules. In my classes we learn those rules and have a good laugh. It’s very fun!” Mitsi’s also caters, and delivers too, if you’re hankering for her food.

Combined, it sounds like a schedule made for a dozen people (that’s how many staff she employs, by the way) but she assures us that she takes it in her stride. “From nothing I have built something,” she gestures to her restaurant. “In Serbia, we’re hard-working people. I have brought that here, and I work 365 days a year alongside my chef.” There’s time for relaxation later, she says. “My goals-they’re like a mirage in a desert-every time I reach one I realize I still have a long way to go. I want to build my business, perhaps expand to a few more restaurants and supply to more shops. Maybe one day I can put my feet up, but not now!”

Find Mitsi’s Delicacies at 34A, Bagatalle Road, Colombo 3. For enquiries give her a ring on 0777163090.

Advertising Rates

Please contact the advertising office on 011 - 2479521 for the advertising rates.