MaRadha Colombo last week unveiled an exciting addition to its culinary celebrations: a spectacular four-day Southern Food Festival. Food enthusiasts are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey through the rich and diverse flavours of Sri Lanka’s Southern regions from October 24 to 27.
Building on the success of its Jaffna Food Festival last May, which showcased the culinary treasures of the North, MaRadha Colombo continues its mission to promote Sri Lanka’s multifaceted gastronomic landscape. Get ready to indulge in a tantalising array of authentic dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, prepared with age-old techniques that reflect the true essence of Southern cooking.
The essence of the South will bring to life, centuries-old recipes from Galle, Matara and Hambantota, each dish a testament to the region’s culinary heritage. That’s not all—expects to be enchanted by lively cultural dance performances that capture the spirit and warmth of Southern Sri Lankan traditions!
MaRadha Chairman Saagie Navaratnam said, “This Festival is more than just a food event; it’s an invitation to connect with Sri Lanka’s cultural roots. Discover the stories behind the flavours, meet passionate chefs and celebrate the warmth and hospitality of those in the South.”
Step into a beautifully adorned hotel, featuring stunning Gokkola art, setting the perfect ambiance for this culinary fiesta. Don’t miss this chance to savour the vibrant tapestry of Southern flavours and immerse yourself in a celebration of culture and community.
To enhance the experience, the Festival will feature traditional Pahatha Rata folk dances and music. Attendees will be treated to captivating performances showcasing the vibrant rhythms and colourful costumes of folk dancers, with traditional dances such as Naga Kanya, Giri Devi, Gara Yaka, and Pandam Paliya taking place from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm each evening.
Gastronoic extravaganza
This culinary celebration will showcase over 75 dishes, prepared using traditional recipes.
The highlights include Southern coastal salted fish (Jadi), Boattu Karawala (boat dry fish), and Maalu Ambul Thiyal (sour fish curry), alongside a variety of unique seafood creations. The Southern coast is known for its abundant fish, each village bringing its unique flair to these beloved dishes.
Polos Ambula (sour baby jackfruit curry) and Kos Eta Pol Maluwa (jackfruit seed black coconut curry) are also featured on the menu. The seafood delight Jadi is made by stuffing fish with dried (goraka) garcinia and pepper, known locally as lunijja and is traditionally served with plain white rice.
Maalu Ambul Thiyal is a traditional Sri Lankan dish celebrated for its rich flavour and unique preparation. This dish primarily features fish, commonly using Kelawalla (yellowfin tuna), Balaya (skipjack tuna) or Sailfish (thalapath).
Flavour
The fish is marinated in a blend of spices, including garcinia, chopped curry leaves, salt and pepper. It is then slow-cooked with minimal liquid, a technique that allows the fish to fully absorb the spices, resulting in a tangy and savoury flavour that is truly unmatched. Often regarded as a unique Southern delicacy, Maalu Ambul Thiyal is a dish that reflects the culinary heritage of Sri Lanka.
Maalu Ambul Thiyal is best enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. Consider pairing it with Sri Lankan dhal (lentil curry, known as parippu), potato coconut curry (ala kiri hodi), or spicy fried potatoes.
Vegetarian delights
For those seeking vegetarian options, the Southern Food Festival menu offers a range of delightful dishes, including: eggplant sweet and sour curry, fried brinjal salad, pickles, cashew curry (kaju maluwa) and spicy pineapple curry.
With such a rich selection, the Festival promises an unforgettable culinary experience that showcases the best of South Sri Lankan cuisine.
No culinary journey would be complete without a dessert. Festival-goers should not miss the chance to sample traditional Sri Lankan sweets, especially the famous Kalu Dodol and a selection of ten other varieties of sweetmeats.
Food enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample the culinary items at the Southern Food Festival, as experienced chefs prepare these dishes of Southern heritage using recipes cherished for over six decades. These skilled artisans have mastered the art of cooking, ensuring that each dish is authentic and rich in flavour and will surely tickle your tastebuds!
