‘Yaal Virindu’ – Ramada Colombo’s Jaffna Food Festival!

From left to right: Vihangi Weerasinghe -PR & Communications Manager at Ramada – Wasim Cader, General Manager at Ramada, Thushara Innasithamby – My Sister’s Kitchen, Danu Innasithamby – Hi TV, Nuwan Silva – Director Culinary, Iyantha Abeyainghe – Director Food and Beverage

Ramada is having YAAL VIRINDU again in partnership with Thushara and Danu Innasithamby from My Sister’s Kitchen on the 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th of October 2022.

When asked about the influence behind the recipes, Danu mentioned that it was influenced by the childhood that he and his sister shared in Jaffna. He also mentioned that these recipes are those that the women in the household, his grandma especially, would make for them. He joked that even he didn’t know his sisters ‘secret spice mix’ as it was passed down from generation to generation. 

Speaking at the Press Conference that was held at Ramada Colombo on the 21st of October 2022, Nuwan Silva (Director Culinary) called Thushara the “Queen of Jaffna Cuisine”. He, alongside Thushara, have curated a menu of over 80 dishes from the Northern region of Sri Lanka. The spread includes a wide array of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Jaffna delicacies like the famous Odiyal Kool, fried ash plantain, coconut chips served in coconut shells, mutton bone soup, lagoon crab curry, an array of seafood specialties, Northern sweetmeats topped with Nelli and palmyra Hakuru ice cream and more. Waseem Cader, General Manager of Ramada Colombo, described this spread as “magic on a plate” and that the collaboration is something he would like to share with all of us.

When asked about a special dish that Thushari could recommend to those who would be visiting the Jaffna Food festival, she promptly replied with “Murunga Curry”.

“I cook from my heart, reliving what I’ve seen, tasted, learned, and experienced at home.” added Thushari from My Sisters Kitchen.

In addition to this menu, Iyantha Abeysinghe, Director Food and Beverage at Ramada Colombo is also introducing a Jaffna flavors-infused cocktail menu to the festival

Vihangi Weerasinghe, PR and Communications Manager at Ramada Colombo, added that “Ramada Colombo is the first hotel to introduce Jaffna Food Festivals to the city. It’s been a two-decade-long journey since 2002 where Ramada has continuously promoted Jaffna cuisine in the heart of Colombo with Yaal Virindu,”

This delectable dinner buffet will be held from 7 pm to 11 pm at Ramada’s Gardenia restaurant with action stations by the poolside and will be curated with spices and fresh produce brought directly from Jaffna. The YAAL VIRINDU ambiance will be set with a traditional arch entrance, and the timeless songs of the North.