The inception of Ministry of Crab is attributed to an episode of Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s TV show “Culinary Journeys with Dharshan”, which featured the Sri Lankan Mud Crab, showcasing how it was sourced in Sri Lanka and exported to Singapore to be made into the famous Singapore Chilli Crab. It was when this episode aired that the initial idea of creating a crab restaurant was born, as a culinary homecoming for this majestic crustacean, which had long been more renowned overseas than in Sri Lanka.When brainstorming names for a Crab restaurant in its country of origin, Dharshan felt it was necessary to have a powerful institution-like name; and so, the title, “Ministry of Crab '' was established.
The next step was to find a location fit to house the restaurant and the search began for a “Ministerial” space. It was serendipity that the historic Dutch Hospital building became available as a result of a new refurbishment project of colonial buildings by the Urban Development Authority, as part of the post-war development.
Cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara who were close friends with Dharshan, stepped into partner with him, when he put forth the idea for a restaurant dedicated to seafood, giving flight to their own gastronomic ideals. Their dedication towards bringing the restaurant to life by using it as a platform to pay homage to local produce earned all of them the monikers, “Ministers of Crab ''.
Everything came together in December 2011 as Ministry of Crab opened its doors for the first time!
The Ministry of Crab experience begins on the cobbled entrance of the 400- year historic Dutch Hospital. When brainstorming names for a Crab restaurant in its country of origin, Chef Dharshan felt it was necessary to have a powerful institution-like name; and so, the title, “Ministry of Crab” was established. The next step was to find a location fit to house the restaurant and the search began for a “Ministerial” space. The historic Dutch Hospital building became available as a result of a new refurbishment project of colonial buildings by the Urban Development Authority, as part of the post-war development. 11 years on we are one of the oldest tenants at this state-declared protected monument and heritage site. Our innate and deep seated respect we share towards preserving such majestic heritage buildings add value to our story. When you step inside this colonial heritage building the lively ambience sets the stage for an experience of a lifetime, that’s truly unique.