Bangkok-based international hospitality group selects Sri Lanka for its game- changing dining brand Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill

Soho Hospitality, one of Southeast Asia’s most respected integrated hospitality and design groups, has announced plans to introduce its celebrated dining concept Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill to Colombo later this year. The upcoming opening will mark a strategic milestone in Soho Hospitality’s broader regional growth trajectory.

Founded in Bangkok in 2014, Charcoal has become one of the city’s most distinctive Indian dining destinations—known not only for its cuisine, but for its ability to translate culinary heritage into a contemporary, design-led experience. Over the past decade, the restaurant has built a loyal following among local and international diners, positioning itself as a destination restaurant within Bangkok’s competitive premium dining landscape.

At the heart of Charcoal is a philosophy rooted in the historic Spice Route, when trade between India and the Middle East shaped flavours, cultures and commerce across the region. This legacy informs a menu that balances the drama of North Indian tandoor cooking with the richness and finesse of Mughlai cuisine. Live fire, slow cooking techniques and carefully layered spice profiles define the brand’s culinary identity—bold yet calibrated, immersive yet refined.

Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill is situated at the iconic Capitol Twin Peaks on Union Place, rising high on the 50th floor and offering a truly panoramic view of the Colombo city skyline. Blending fire, flavour, and atmosphere, the restaurant delivers an elevated grill experience set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the capital. Home to Colombo’s tallest sky bridge, standing an impressive 600 feet above the city, Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill pairs dramatic views with an equally striking culinary journey, making it a standout venue for both dining and discovery.

The decision to select Sri Lanka as Charcoal’s first entry to South Asia reflects a deliberate and data-driven strategy. Colombo’s evolving consumer sophistication, renewed investor confidence, and growing relevance as a regional tourism and lifestyle hub were key considerations in the expansion decision. As a city increasingly positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Colombo presents a natural extension of Charcoal’s Spice Route narrative—both culturally and commercially.

Commenting on the upcoming expansion, Rohit Sachdev, CEO and Founder of Soho Hospitality, said, “Charcoal has always been a brand built on heritage, movement and exchange—of flavours, ideas and experiences. Sri Lanka felt like a natural step beyond Thailand. We see strong long-term fundamentals in Colombo, from tourism growth to an increasingly discerning dining audience. This expansion is not about rapid scale, but about entering the right market at the right time with the right concept.”

Charcoal’s reputation has been reinforced by international recognition, including features in Wallpaper* and The Boston Globe, as well as an Asia Pacific Property Award for leisure interiors in Thailand. These accolades reflect the brand’s ability to combine culinary authenticity with thoughtful design and experiential depth—qualities that have become hallmarks of Soho Hospitality’s portfolio.

In Colombo, Charcoal will be developed with the same design-first sensibility that defines its Bangkok flagship. The forthcoming restaurant will blend traditional Indian architectural references with contemporary spatial design, reinforcing its positioning as a premium, experience-led destination rather than a conventional dining outlet. Further details on location and opening timelines will be announced closer to launch.

With this pre-launch announcement, Soho Hospitality signals its intent to extend its footprint beyond Thailand while remaining selective and strategic in its international growth. Charcoal’s arrival in Sri Lanka represents the first chapter of that journey—anchored in a proven brand, a clear point of view, and confidence in markets that value depth, craft and long-term vision. 

CEO and Founder of Soho Hospitality, Rohit Sachdev