Serendip at Evergreen in Crown Melbourne
A rare culinary jewel has arrived in Melbourne, bringing the vibrant soul of Sri Lanka to the sophisticated heights of Crown Towers, and we had an outstading evening of culinary excellence. Serendip at Evergreen, an exclusive pop-up residency by renowned chef Peter Kuruvita, offers a limited six-week escape into coastal traditions reimagined with contemporary finesse. Running until April 26, this intimate seven-course degustation invites diners to embark on a sensory journey that feels like a warm island embrace amid the city's skyline.
Peter Kuruvita (it was an honour to meet him), a celebrated Australian chef of Sri Lankan heritage, draws deeply from his roots to craft this experience. Born in London to a Sri Lankan father and Austrian mother, he spent formative years in Colombo, where his grandmother's traditional kitchen ignited a lifelong passion for food.
Over four decades, Kuruvita has become a pioneer in modern Sri Lankan cuisine, blending rich cultural influences with refined technique through restaurants, television, cookbooks like Serendip – My Sri Lankan Kitchen, and global explorations. His signature style - generous, storytelling-driven, and seafood-focused—shines here, sourcing exceptional ingredients like the finest crabs to honor authenticity while elevating it.
The menu unfolds as a narrative of spice, texture, and seasonality, beginning with the addictive Island Crisp: crisp black kokis layered with whipped curd, salmon caviar, and chives, paired with Yalumba 'Barossa' Grenache Rosé for a bright, celebratory start. An optional upgrade to 2g Kaviari Kristal caviar adds luxurious depth. Next comes charred sourdough slathered in coconut sambal butter, a simple yet evocative nod to island flavors.
The butter-poached crab course delivers pure indulgence, with tender meat luxuriating alongside roasted coconut pumpkin and a crunchy brown butter mix of pepitas and pine nuts. This dish, matched with Yalumba 'Eden Valley' Viognier, highlights Kuruvita's mastery of balancing richness with tropical brightness. Wild venison follows, featuring a crisp taro cake, venison curry, spiced masala sauce, and pickled shallot, accompanied by Yalumba 'Vine Vale' Grenache - a bold, earthy progression that showcases the chef's skill with land and sea.
The centerpiece is the legendary crisp-skin snapper in fragrant Sri Lankan coconut curry, enriched with tamarind and a crayfish croquette. This iconic dish, beloved by fans of Kuruvita's work, represents the velvety heart of coastal Ceylon, where seafood meets aromatic spices in perfect harmony. Diners can upgrade to a 180g butter-poached chargrilled crayfish tail for even more decadence. Paired thoughtfully with Yalumba wines, each course builds layers of flavor, from vibrant to profound.
The meal closes sweetly with autumn berries folded into coconut yoghurt and roasted white chocolate, a refreshing finale enhanced by Yalumba 'FSW' Botrytis Viognier. Petit fours of love cake and Dilmah Rose & French Vanilla Tea linger as a gentle reminder of Sri Lankan warmth.
Set within Evergreen, Crown Towers' premium event space, the atmosphere combines modern elegance with genuine hospitality. High above Melbourne, the intimate setting encourages savoring every moment, with Kuruvita's personal touch evident in the storytelling woven through the dishes. For $150 per person - or $190 with the curated wine pairing—this is fine dining that feels personal and exploratory rather than stiff.
As a limited-time offering, Serendip at Evergreen captures the essence of serendipity itself: unexpected delight in discovering something extraordinary. Kuruvita hopes the experience not only delights palates but inspires curiosity about Sri Lanka's landscapes and traditions. With seats limited and the pop-up vanishing after April 26, this is Melbourne's fleeting chance to taste a chef's heritage at its most vibrant. The flavors - vibrant spices, pristine seafood, tropical notes—are unforgettable, a coastal soul transported to the city for those fortunate enough to secure a table. Your tastebuds, and perhaps your wanderlust, will thank you long after the last bite.