We finished our sightseeing trip of Galle at the former Dutch Hospital, said to have a myriad of upmarket boutiques and restaurants. Sadly, Covid had taken its toll and there were only a few outlets open, either in the central courtyard or around the outside. We eventually spotted stairs leading to a balcony, and here we found A Minute by Tuk Tuk with its enticing terrace jutting out into the Indian Ocean. There was a good view, welcome breeze, the noise of lapping waves and reasonably priced chilled Lion Beer and lime soda, on what was a hot day.
Having checked out the food menu, we thought it would be a good option for dinner. We were told they didn’t take reservations, but that it wouldn’t be busy.
As we headed up the stairs later that day, we heard raucous laughter and our hearts sank a little, but having got to the top, we realised it was from a different restaurant. The menu had lots of fish options and as this was our last night on the coast before heading inland, we felt we should eat fish. We chose two main courses to share: stir-fried rice with tuna, prawns, and cuttlefish and a prawn curry with Sri Lankan bread. The six prawns were big boys, but the tails were removed without too much fuss. Prawn shells in the delicious thick curry sauce added to the flavour which wasn’t too spicy. It was served with six thick triangles of lightly toasted bread. The plate of rice was huge with plenty of pieces of fish, a salad garnish and poppadoms which were not particularly crisp because of the humidity.
We had a couple of cosmopolitan cocktails, large Lion beers and mineral water.
The cutlery came in a metal bucket full of hot water, presumably for Covid purposes.
It was a lovely way to spend our final evening, especially having visited the fish market in the morning. The bill came to 8,800 Rupees including tip (£32). This is a simple place with wooden tables, paper napkins but good service and it was surprising that on both visits it wasn’t busier.
