Nadodi at Chutney’s restaurant promises a nomadic dining experience

In an iconic collaboration, Michelin-selected Nadodi restaurant is set to take over Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s Chutney’s restaurant on 21 and 22 February, exclusively for dinner with a meticulously crafted degustation menu. 

Nadodi restaurant, based in Kuala Lampur and renowned for placing South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine on the world’s culinary stage with degustation menus featuring reimagined heritage dishes, is on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, list. 

The menu of Nadodi is also a tribute to the journey made by Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Jaffna’s nomadic tribes and the migratory nature of their cuisine. As Nadodi partners with Cinnamon Grand Colombo for the two-night takeover of Chutney’s, guests will be provided with a fine dining experience that also tells stories about the lives of these nomadic families. 

Speaking of the Chutney’s takeover, Nadodi Executive Chef Eliyaz said, “this will be a conceptualised menu with a lot of storytelling. There will be some signature dishes from the Nadodi menu and it will be a mix of dishes from South India and Sri Lanka, taken care of in a really balanced way.”

During the takeover, Chutney’s will serve a seven-course dinner with dishes from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Jaffna that underlines the culinary diversity of South Asia. While Chef Eliyaz did not reveal much about the dishes, wishing to maintain a sense of mystery surrounding the menu, he said there will be additional dishes that are influenced and inspired by cultures like Japan.  

The desserts will also be distinctive and novel, but with familiar flavours displaying the regional availability of palms and coconuts while highlighting how local flavours could be incorporated in different ways, he said. Even though the menu curated for the event would resemble Nadodi’s, it would also be uniquely created to cater to the Sri Lankan palate. 

Two chefs from the Nadodi team; Chef Eliyaz and Chef Yahvin Siriwardhana, will arrive in Sri Lanka for the event. Chef Eliyaz is an award-winning chef with international experience, leading the team in menu development and cuisine integrity. Chef Yavhin Siriwardhana, drawing inspiration from his mixed cultural background, is known for his skilful interpretations of South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. 

Nadodi Founder Abbi Kanthasamy said, “At Nadodi, we aim to change the perception of South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, shining a spotlight on the rich culinary heritage of the region. Our nomadic ancestors greatly influenced Malaysia’s culinary landscape, and at Nadodi, we pay homage to their journeys through a reimagined expression of familiar dishes, techniques, and ingredients.” 

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Area Vice President and Cinnamon Grand Colombo General Manager Kamal Munasinghe said the event would not merely be a special and exciting experience for Cinnamon Grand Colombo, but it would also spotlight the country and contribute to marking Sri Lanka and Colombo as a tourist and culinary destination in the global stage. 

“At Cinnamon, our passion lies in celebrating the exquisite tapestry of global culinary traditions. Just as Nadodi beautifully illuminates the rich heritage of its region, we, too, aspire to curate an exceptional dining experience that transcends borders. Our commitment is to elevate the art of dining by presenting the finest offerings from around the world,” he said.

 (DT)