Yaal Virindhu successfully completed

The 19th iteration of the annual Yaal Virindhu at Ramada was concluded recently and was yet another successful iteration of this annual tradition. This year’s Yaal Virindhu was made extra special owing to the hotel’s collaboration with siblings Danu and Thushara Innasithmaby who are originally from Jaffna. Thushara, whose culinary venture My Sister’s Kitchen is renowned for it’s excellent Jaffna flair brought her expertise to the fold.

True to its name, the Yaal Virindhu was a feast that took diners on a gastronomical

journey to Jaffna; its native cuisine a vital element of Sri Lanka’s cultural fabric. With a unique blend of spices bringing out a melange of rich flavours, the cuisine was certainly a Virindhu (feast) for the senses.

Setting the stage for a well-rounded dining experience, The Gardenia at the Ramada Colombo was transformed with elements and decor associated with Jaffna with appropriate music playing in the background. Diners were welcomed to the Yaal Virindhu with a Jaffna flair.

The buffet spread at the Yaal Virindhu was lavish, with a variety of native drinks, soup, street food, mains and desserts. Adding some excitement to the experience were the many action stations by the poolside. Vegetarians too were in for a treat, with a truly extensive variety of dishes to choose from.

Comprising many staples such as the Odiyal Kool, Mutton Bone Soup served with thin-sliced roast paan, Gingerly Oil Fried Egg, Cuttlefish (fried), Deep-fried Prawns, Bandakka Pakora,wheat Flour Pittu, Nandu Varuval, Keerai Pittu and Idli and Sambar including many of Thushara’s signature dishes, diners were spoilt for choice. Seafood, mutton and chicken, as well as the vegetarian dishes, were prepared in multitudinous ways, ensuring that there was something for everyone! The dessert line up also included a few flavours of Rio ice cream, which diners appreciated. All in all, it was certainly a memorable dining event that will have enthusiasts flooding back for many years to come! Until then, fans of Jaffna cuisine can place their order at My Sister’s Kitchen, where Thushara Innasithamby will continue to win them over with her excellent fare.