Taste of Sri Lanka: Engineer-turned-chef Raj Subramaniam with his wife, Para Kularatne, and the Oh My Ceylon food truck.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A taste of Sri Lanka has been winning hearts in Shepparton, thanks to the Oh My Ceylonfood truck.
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Behind the business is Sri Lankan native Raj Subramaniam and his wife, Para Kularatne.
“I moved to Australia 10 years ago,” Mr Subramaniam said.
“I’m actually an engineer by qualification. I did my masters here, but as a part-time job, I was working in a Sri Lankan restaurant and grocery store in Melbourne, and that’s when I started learning to cook, and I started getting the passion.”
Shepparton caught his fancy during a camping trip to Echuca six years ago.
The couple decided to move here two years later, leaving behind the hustle of city life in Melbourne.
However, they soon realised that the culinary scene in Shepparton lacked the Sri Lankan flavours they craved.
This led to the inception of Oh My Ceylon.
“When we moved here, we always had cravings for Sri Lankan food,” Mr Subramaniam said.
“At least once a week, we needed a proper Sri Lankan meal, and unfortunately, we didn’t find any in Shepparton. And then we decided to start our own business.”
From the heart of Sri Lanka to the streets of Shepparton: Oh My Ceylon owners Raj Subramaniam and Para Kularatne serving delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The food truck isn’t just confined to Shepparton; it’s on a mission to spread the richness of Sri Lankan cuisine throughout the region, attending various local events and offering catering services.
“We’ve been to places like Yarrawonga and Wangaratta. In summer we are really busy; in winter, especially when it’s raining, those are our quiet days, but other than that it’s really good,” he said.
Mr Subramaniam said he left the engineering field because cooking gave him happiness.
The authentic spices and ingredients, imported directly from Sri Lanka, add a touch of authenticity to the dishes served by Oh My Ceylon.
Ms Kularatne also emphasised the distinctiveness of Sri Lankan cuisine.
“I think something that most people aren’t aware of is that they think Sri Lanka is the same as India, but their spices are different, tastes are different,” she said.
Oh My Ceylon will be serving at the Now & Forever concert on October 6 and the St George’s Rd Food Festival on October 7, offering a chance for food enthusiasts to explore a different palette of flavours.
The food truck is parked by Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton, adjacent to the tennis courts, most Fridays and Saturdays between 4pm and 8pm.
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