Yaal Virindu: Wondrous cuisine of Jaffna at Ramada Colombo

Though a tiny island, the varied cuisine of Sri Lanka make an elaborate mosaic through its rich heritage and culture. Jaffna cuisine, the very epitome of fine northern cuisine is presented in all its great flavour at the Gardenia Coffee Shop at the Ramada Colombo from 29 August to 6 September. With a history spanning thousands of years in a blend of great kings, colonial influences and a deep Hindu culture, Jaffna cuisine is as distinct as the region itself. What’s more, the sea beyond the stunning Jaffna lagoon makes fresh seafood dishes an integral part of these delicacies.

A true lover of these delights might whisper that the best place to have authentic Jaffna cuisine is in the cosy comfort of a friendly home in the north of the island itself – it is this very homemade cuisine that will be savoured at Yaal Virindu. Ingredients are carefully chosen with spices being ground by the chefs – nothing is spared in the quest to meet perfection in age old recipes.

The buffet will entail all of Jaffna’s favourite dishes and some that may be considered hidden treasures. ‘Odiyal kool’ a delicacy of seafood and vegetables in a broth is a wonderful dish to begin with. ‘Pal appam’ or milk hoppers and tangy ‘puli chadam’, delicious tamarind rice, are great bases to try out a range of curries. The ‘nandu sodhi’ or Jaffna style crab curry is the clear must try and pairs wonderfully with the ‘kathirikkai’ or fried brinjal curry with coconut milk.  Gently marinated ‘meen kulambu’ or fish curry proves that Jaffna really does offer the finest seafood dishes. Exotic vegetarian dishes popular in the North add even more variety to the buffet – ‘pelakottai poriyal’ of fried jack fruit seed is the chef’s most recommended dish.

Jaffna’s most popular desserts make their appearance ... the ‘sego payasam’ with cashew and raisins, the ‘seeni ariyatharam’ a sticky-crunchy dessert and delightful ‘laddu’ are all sure to gratify guests’ cravings.          

As you walk in to the Gardenia Coffee Shop be welcomed by the charm of Jaffna. Yaal Virindu will be on at the Ramada Colombo from 29 August to 6 September for dinner only. This splendid buffet spread is priced at Rs. 2,200 nett per person, half rate for kids. Call 2422001 for reservations.