Kolamba Soho Lunch Deal Exposed

If you're after proper Sri Lankan curry in Soho without the full tourist markup, Kolamba's weekday lunch deal is worth a look. TikTok's banging on about £20 for two courses, but I've dug in and it's not quite that simple. Beats paying £25+ a la carte for the same rice and curry combo.

What you get You're looking at two courses for around £20-25, think fish cutlet or veg pattie starter, then a thali with rice, curries, sambols, and pickles. Weekday lunch only, Monday to Saturday from 12pm. Head to 21 Kingly Street, London W1B 5QA, a 2-3 minute walk from Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. Sundays they're open 12pm-9pm but no deal confirmed.

How to get it 1. Check the website kolamba.co.uk or call 020 3815 4201 to book, mention the lunch deal. 2. Aim for weekday lunch slots from 12pm; walk-ins ok at the bar counter if it's quiet. 3. Order the set menu, no customising. 4. Pay up front; clarify whether soft drinks count as your second course before you order. 5. Eat by 2pm to avoid peak rush.

What the TikTok didn't mention - Go 12-1pm weekdays, tables free, full thali portions before they run low on rice. - Order the fish cutlet starter; it's crispier and punchier than the veg pattie, skip dessert if they charge extra. - Pair it with a Too Good To Go bag from Gail's on Regent Street (5 min walk) for morning pastries at £3.50. - Spice levels hit authentic, the coconut sambol cuts through better than half the curry houses nearby.

The catch The £20 price isn't verified for Soho, searches only show £25 for two / £30 for three at their East spot, so expect to pay more. Set menu tricks like counting soft drinks as a course have annoyed punters, and desserts often ring up separate.

Verify the price when you book, it's worth calling ahead.