Taking on the task of promoting Sri Lanka’s finest produce and best in gastronomy, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Chef Dharshan Munidasa opened doors of Ministry of Crab in Shanghai, China at the Barbarossa Restaurant in People’s Park. Addressing the gathering, Mahela Jayawardene Co-Owner, said, “We are very excited to be here in Shanghai for the opening of the first international MoC and we are very happy to be working with the Barbarossa Group who share our passion and dedication.”
The Shanghai based Barbarossa Group, whose philosophy is to create a distinction in the gastronomic landscape of China by bringing in new and exciting brands to develop the F&B business in the country have proved to be likeminded partners for Ministry of Crab. This was a result of the owners’ keen attention to detail and drive to ensure a special experience for all their customers across their portfolio of nine restaurants. The Barbarossa Restaurant & Lounge is a three floored Moroccan-style building with unique interiors, built across a large pond.
On being the envoys of Ministry of Crab, Michelle Sit, the Co-owner of Barbarossa Group, said, “We are very proud to be the first to have a branch of MoC outside of Sri Lanka. Given that the Chinese people greatly enjoy eating seafood, Shanghai is the perfect international city to begin the journey of MoC.”
Chef Dharshan Munidasa Co-owner stated, “China has been a location we’ve always considered, given that so many Chinese guests frequently visit MoC in Colombo. We are delighted to plate up our magnificent crustaceans in the People’s Republic of China. There won’t be much difference in the dishes between Colombo and Shanghai, but we have added one new dish made with local spices, a Sichuan Pepper Corn Crab.”
Attending the grand opening was Lakshitha Rathnayake, Sri Lanka Consul General in Shanghai along with many other distinguished invitees.
“It’s been an amazing journey for us, as three friends who wanted to start something new and exciting in Sri Lanka and now here, we are seven years later in Shanghai,” said Kumar Sangakkara Co-Owner. “We have a very simple philosophy at MoC – less is more! Everything that we do here is very simple and uncomplicated. We only serve you the best ingredients backed by a lot of heart and passion. We have built a beautiful partnership here with the Barbarossa Group and we hope that it is one that continues for years to come.”
