Win: An $8000 Food-Focused Holiday in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Right now, Ministry of Crab is collaborating with Unforgettable Sri Lanka to gift one Broadsheet reader an all-expenses paid trip around Sri Lanka and the Maldives, worth $8000. But if you join Broadsheet Access, your entry will be worth ten more. It’ll include return flights and luxury accommodation for two people in both countries, including Saii Lagoon Maldives by Hilton.

Ministry of Crab in Colombo, Sri Lanka is the world’s most famous crab restaurant – a regular on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. It was founded by Japanese Sri Lankan chef Dharshan Munidasa in 2011 and now has eight overseas outposts, including Melbourne’s Flinders Lane. As part of the $8000 package, you and your plus one will enjoy set menu dinners at three of Munidasa’s cult restaurants: Ministry of Crab, plus Carne Diem Grill and Nihonbashi Blue in the Maldives.

Here’s what your trip will look like:

From Melbourne, hop on your free economy class flight. First stop is Colombo, Sri Lanka. Get a complimentary shuttle to the four-star bed and breakfast where you’ll spend the next two nights. Explore your surrounds or decompress at the accommodation. And don’t forget to claim your degustation dinner at Ministry of Crab. Among other things, the restaurant is famous for its 10-part constitution. Article I: “When it comes to crab, we don’t serve them small, meatless, with one claw missing, or with unevenly sized claws – only the best of the catch.” So, don a bib, crack shells, tear meat, mop gravy, swipe kade bread and savour the stellar crab.

Next, you’ll be flown to Saii Lagoon Maldives for five nights. It’s a quintessential Maldives experience, boasting all the features of a luxe resort – there’s a swim-up bar, spa, dive centre and more. Breakfast is included, along with meals at two more of Munidasa’s fine diners. Sample the menu at Carne Diem Grill – this place is known for its steak. Tender cuts of Wagyu are cooked at 750 degrees in a custom charcoal grill. Then, try carefully presented Japanese small plates at Nihonbashi Blue. You might have sea bream sashimi, tensabi temaki (crispy seaweed parcels), or panko-friend jumbo prawns.

It’s likely you’ll be reluctant to hop on your (free) flight home. But you’ll return Down Under refreshed, sporting an enviable glow and ready to face the rest of winter. To increase your chance of winning this mega culinary getaway for two, join Broadsheet Access today. You’ll get your money’s worth – annual membership is only $12 a month.