One of Melbourne’s best all-you-can-eat Sri Lankan deals is found at this inner-north eatery
Maalu Maalu offers one of the best value buffets in the city.
Sri Lankan$
All-you-can-eat Sri Lankan awaits in stainless-steel bains-marie at Maalu Maalu, from colourful curries (meaty, vegetarian, vegan) to rice to sambols galore. The buffet is $15 at happy hour, 3pm to 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and hoppers are an extra $3 on Saturday nights.
There aren’t many rules here but there is a recommendation. “Don’t go too hard on your first lap,” we’re told by a kind soul who’s seen too many troops fill themselves on gently spiced lentils, saffron rice and curried beans, meaning they can’t make it back for the redolent chicken curry or cabbage stir-fry.
Most dishes are crowd-pleasingly mild, but you can amp up the flavours with sambals and condiments. There’s live music in the evenings; lunches are pretty cruisy.
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Tomas Telegramma is a food, drinks and culture writer.
Dani Valent is a food writer and restaurant reviewer.