Salaka Senkada is a franchise that’s been around for quite a long time. Over the years they have grown to several outlets around Colombo, with their main branch at Union Place. Their food is economical in price, but the quality has seen a noticeable drop.
The one that The Nation tried out is on Galle Road Bambalapitya, easily accessible to shopping malls, and the office going crowd, as well as the odd traveler coming down Galle Road.

Pic by Ravindra Dharmatilake

Ambience (4.5)

The ambience at Senkada is mediocre, not worthy of mention. the serrated glass table tops will be a challenge when eating. The tall glass windows of the place offer a decent view of Galle Road. The stacked tables make maneuvering quite a challenge with plates in hand due to their self service policy. The air is cool inside, which is a welcome respite from the heat outside.
Service (4.0)
The manager or supervisor (whoever he is) behaves as if we wait on his pleasure. The careless way of serving the food is only one indicator. But the fellow is all charming when you ask for what’s on the menu, and his first response will be to try the Nasi Goreng and Fried Rice (the highest priced food items on the list). Yes it’s self service, but please mind how you serve the food because if the plate is any smaller the food might spill over.

Food (4.0)

The Fried Rice and Nasi Goreng (which also means fried rice in Malay) are essentially the same, with the exception of the rice and a fried egg. The Fried Rice is the usual white in appearance dripping with oil, while the Nasi Goreng, also dripping with oil, is brown is color probably due to extra ingredients.
What both have in common are the chop suey, devilled kan kun leaves, malay pickle, and chicken.
The chop suey is bland to the point of being pointless, and the malay pickle is so diluted you might think it’s gravy. The devilled kan kun on the other hand is okay, as far as they go. The chicken can be renamed as karawala (dry fish), thanks to its stone-like texture.

If this isn’t ripping customers off, then you would wonder what is. With food like this it’s no wonder why many Sri Lankans fall under the malnutrition belt.

Verdict:

If you’re starving, and all the restaurants in Colombo are closed, I will not hazard a trip over there. I tried that once and left feeling disappointed rather than sated.