Colombo, Sri Lanka – May 31, 2024 – As a tantalizing prelude to the much-anticipated Shahi Mughal Dastarkhwan Food Festival, the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo set the stage for an exquisite Chef’s Table event. This exclusive gathering provided a sneak peek into the culinary opulence awaiting patrons during the festival, celebrating the rich tapestry of Mughlai cuisine.

Mughlai cuisine, a fusion born from the vibrant cultural intersections of the Mughal Empire, captivates with its aromatic spices, succulent meats, and fragrant rice dishes. The menu, curated by the esteemed Chef Asif Qureshi, hailing from the illustrious Qureshi lineage of India, promises a gastronomic journey steeped in tradition and innovation.

Chef Asif Qureshi, with his remarkable 17-year tenure in mastering Mughlai cuisine, traveled from Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal, India, to helm this culinary extravaganza in the heart of Colombo. Descended from a lineage revered for their culinary expertise, Chef Asif brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every dish, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience.

The Chef’s Table showcased an array of tantalizing dishes, offering a glimpse into the festival’s offerings. From succulent kebabs, melt-in-your-mouth stews, and fragrant biryanis, all bursting with the rich flavors that defined the Mughal courts.

Nawabi Paneer Tikka: Succulent cottage cheese marinated in Chef Qureshi’s secret spices and yogurt

Mutton Yakhni Shorba: a lusciously rich soup simmered with mutton stock and saffron, a decadent melody of flavor and fragrance

Awadhi Murgh Tangdi Kebab: Succulent Chicken drumsticks,

Chukandar Aur Khas Khas Ki Tikki: Rich beetroot and Rich beetroot and poppy seed dumplings cooked in pure desi ghee

Mutton Galouti Kebab with Khasta Paratha: Succulent, melt-in-your-mouth mutton patties nestled on a bed of crispy, flaky flatbread

Awadhi Murgh Dum Biryani: Tender chicken cooked with long-grain basmati rice, infused with aromatic spices

Throughout the evening, Chef Asif delighted guests with anecdotes and insights into the rich culinary heritage that inspires his creations.

The Shahi Mughal Dastarkhwan Food Festival will captivate food enthusiasts from May 31 to June 09, 2024 for a 10-day long odyssey through the opulent world of Mughlai cuisine. Taking place at the Beira Kitchen, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, starting from 7:00 PM onwards. Tickets are priced at LKR 5,800++ for the dinner buffet and LKR 8,500++ for the buffet with free-flowing beverages.

For more information and reservations, please contact 011 773 4400.

Embark on a journey of culinary splendor and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Mughlai cuisine at its finest!

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About Courtyard by Marriott®

Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With more than 1,265 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @CourtyardHotels on Twitter.

About Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is the new travel program replacing Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) starting February 2019. Comprised of a portfolio of 30 hotel brands and home rental offering Homes & Villas by Marriott International, members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from Chase and American Express.  The program offers 120,000 destination tours and adventures on Marriott Bonvoy Moments. When members book direct on Marriott.com they receive perks including free and enhanced Wi-Fi and exclusive member-only rates, and on the Marriott app they enjoy mobile check-in and checkout, Mobile Requests and, wherever available, Mobile Key. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.