Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Friday, 22 August 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: Hilton Colombo General Manager Manesh Fernando, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, Trade and Commerce Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam opening “Flavours of Vietnam” at Graze Kitchen of Hilton Colombo
The Embassy of Vietnam in Sri Lanka, in close cooperation with Hilton Colombo and Hilton Da Nang presents a food festival - “Flavours of Vietnam” to Sri Lankan and international friends in Colombo and beyond.
The festival will last from 21 to 30 August, at Graze Kitchen of Hilton Colombo. On this unique occasion, guests will have the chance to discover the vibrant flavours, aromas, and cultural richness from different localities of Vietnam, served by two acclaimed Guest Chefs from Hilton: Da Nang–Nguyen Dac Khoa and Nguyen Van Toan, who will bring the spirit of Vietnamese cooking to Colombo through their authentic techniques, fresh herbs, and time-honoured recipes.
Guests can expect a flavour-packed buffet journey from the slow-simmered broth of Phở Bò/Phở Gà (beef/chicken noodle), the sizzling aroma of ‘Chả cá Lã Vọng’ (La Vong Grilled Fish), to the crunch of warm, freshly baked Bánh Mì (Vietnamese baguette) and the bold finish of flame-grilled Ha Noi ‘Bún Chả’ (Charcoal BBQ).
Additional highlights include stuffed squid, grilled Bò in ‘Lá lốt’ leaf, wok-fried tiger prawns, and crispy Vietnamese pancakes ‘Bánh Xèo’ cooked to order, among others. Every dish reflects the soulful diversity of Vietnamese cuisine and its deep culinary heritage.
To add more flavour, a coffee booth by Chum Cafe at the lobby of the Hilton Hotel will offer guests an authentic experience of Vietnamese coffee with a diverse variety, ranging from the rich and strong ‘Cà phê phin’ (phin-brewed coffee), the popular ‘Cà phê sữa đá’ (iced coffee with condensed milk) and ‘Bạc-xỉu’ (Vietnamese latte), to the creamy and distinctive ‘Cà phê trứng’ (egg coffee), the unique ‘Cà phê muối’ (salted coffee), and ‘Cà phê dừa’ (coconut coffee).
The opening ceremony will be held on the evening of 21 August, under the patronage of the Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam, together with Sri Lankan leaders and Hilton Hotel Area General Manager Mahesh Fernando.
The ceremony will feature a traditional Vietnamese performance, setting the tone for a celebration of craft, flavour, and cultural connection.
“This is a very meaningful event on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1970-2025). Through the partnership with Hilton Colombo and Hilton Da Nang, we are thrilled to bring the essence of Viet Nam cuisine to Colombo, thus further consolidating the existing cultural bonds and people-to-people links between our two nation,” said Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam.
“From street food staples to festive centrepieces, this festival is more than a buffet. It is a cultural exchange served through flavour,” added Hilton Colombo General Manager Manesh Fernando.
Whether it’s the scent of lemongrass rising from the wok, the sound of batter crisping on the griddle, or the perfect balance of sweet, salty and sour in every bite, “Flavours of Vietnam” promises an experience that lingers well beyond the table.
Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe
