KANTHI JAYAMAHA

Turning a Hobby into Sri Lanka's Most Beloved Catering Brand

- By Yashmitha Sritheran

For more than four decades, one name has been synonymous with Sri Lanka's evolving culinary landscape: Kanthi Jayamaha.

As the founder of the iconic Tasty Caterers, Kanthi transformed what began as a hobby in her early twenties into a culinary empire that today stands as a household name. Her journey, which began in 1983 with a handful of pastries and a heart full of passion, blossomed into one of the country's most trusted catering and dining brands.

From weddings and corporate functions to casual gatherings and street-side cravings, Tasty Caterers has become part of Colombo’s cultural fabric, serving generations with flavours that are both comforting and innovative. Yet, beyond the dishes and outlets, Kanthi’s success story is about resilience, vision, and above all, people. Her philosophy of balancing tradition with modernity, while fostering a deeply supportive workplace culture, has cemented her reputation as both an entrepreneur and an inspiration.

You started catering for your father's clients as a young girl. Can you share a memorable moment from those early kitchen days that still inspires you today?

How I really started my business was not as a business but as a hobby 40 years ago. At just 21 years old, living at Skelton Road, I would experiment in the kitchen out of pure joy. My very first order was for 10 cutlets, 10 patties, and one pound of butter cake. It came from one of my father’s customers in Ja-Ela, who wanted to take the food to India. I was so excited, I remember carefully preparing everything, checking and rechecking, because I wanted it to be perfect. That order made me realize how much satisfaction I gained from feeding others. It wasn't just about the food; it was about sharing happiness. That simple beginning still inspires me today, because it reminds me of how passion, even in small things, can spark a lifelong journey.