Thursday Nov 05, 2026
Thursday Nov 05, 2026
Thursday, 5 November 2026 04:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The rich culinary traditions of Sri Lanka’s Malay community took centre stage at Galle Face Hotel recently as A Taste of Malay Ceylon, a three-day celebration of Malay heritage and cuisine, was hosted at the hotel’s iconic Verandah restaurant.
The opening evening welcomed distinguished guests, including, Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Adam, alongside invited guests and culinary enthusiasts who gathered to experience the distinctive flavours and traditions of Sri Lankan Malay cuisine.
Presented in collaboration with Ruzaina Hadgie, a passionate advocate for preserving Sri Lankan Malay culinary traditions, the festival offers more than a dining experience. It is a celebration of cultural identity, family traditions and recipes that have travelled across generations, carrying with them the stories of a community deeply woven into Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage.
The evening unfolded against the timeless backdrop of the Verandah, where guests were introduced to an array of traditional Malay dishes, each reflecting the unique influences that have shaped this distinctive cuisine.
Rooted in centuries of migration and cultural exchange, Sri Lankan Malay cooking brings together the aromatic spices and culinary techniques of Southeast Asia with the ingredients and influences of Sri Lanka. The result is a cuisine that is both distinctive and deeply familiar, reflecting a history of adaptation, belonging and shared traditions.
At the heart of the festival is Ruzaina Hadgie, whose dedication to documenting, preserving and sharing traditional Malay recipes has contributed to keeping this culinary heritage alive. Working closely with Galle Face Hotel Director - Culinary Kalpa Perera and the hotel’s culinary team, she has helped curate an experience that remains faithful to the authenticity of these cherished recipes while introducing their flavours and stories to a wider audience.
The presence of the Malaysian High Commissioner added a meaningful dimension to the opening evening, highlighting the cultural connections between Malaysia and Sri Lanka and the shared heritage reflected in the island’s Malay community.
Beyond the flavours, ‘A Taste of Malay Ceylon’ is a reminder of the role food plays in preserving identity and bringing people together. From recipes passed down within families to dishes prepared for celebrations and gatherings, the festival offers guests an opportunity to experience the stories and traditions behind a cuisine that remains an important part of Sri Lanka’s culinary landscape.
