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MaRadha Colombo: 2024 Jaffna Food Festival

Jaffna has a lot to offer, and among its best attractions is its distinctive traditional cuisine that’s steeped in the history and heritage of northern Sri Lanka. All the way at the other end of the country, for the second year, MaRadha Colombo is proud to collaborate with My Sister’s Kitchen to host another much-anticipated Jaffna Food Festival between the 9^th and 12^th of May. Everyone is welcome to feast from 7 PM onwards, for a net price of just 4,800 LKR per person!

We plan on bringing an otherwise easy-to-miss food culture from Sri Lanka’s most colourful region to Colombo, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Jaffna in its full glory. Join us as we explore the extraordinary tastes and unique cooking styles that make Jaffna cuisine a must-try for every food enthusiast.

Where it’s at: MaRadha Colombo

Located on Marine Drive in the cosmopolitan capital city of the island, MaRadha Colombo is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and luxurious accommodations. The hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a venue where culture and cuisine meet, and guests are treated like family. With endless star-class amenities and professional, friendly staff, MaRadha Colombo is your premier place of stay while in Colombo.

Jaffna and Its Culinary Traditions

Jaffna, located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, which is deeply reflected in the lifestyle, clothes, and food of its inhabitants. Jaffna cuisine is characterized by its bold flavours and extensive use of local spices and herbs. This cooking style breeds a distinct palate that differs significantly from other Sri Lankan cuisines, with extra focus on freshness and regional ingredients.

What to Expect at the Jaffna Food Festival, MaRadha Colombo

From May 9^th to May 12^th, 2024, guests are in for a feast of Northern Sri Lanka’s best. MaRadha Colombo’s Jaffna Food Festival, in collaboration with My Sister’s Kitchen, features numerous dishes, each offering a glimpse into the soul of Jaffna’s food culture.

As guests would expect, options for the main course include pittu, rice, uppuma, and strings, being the staples of Jaffna cuisine. But that’s just skimming the surface. There are countless exclusive curries to set your taste buds on fire with, such as:

Jaffna mutton curry: Tender mutton cooked with a blend of local spices for a perfect balance of flavours.
Chicken Jaffna Poriyal: A dish that highlights the use of traditional Jaffna spices with chicken in a dry curry that's both aromatic and flavourful.
Cuttlefish Curry: Jaffna’s way of expressing the freshness of the sea with a spicy and tangy curry enriched with tender cuttlefish.
Jaffna Seafood Kool: A traditional spicy seafood soup from northern Sri Lanka, made with a mix of crab, shrimp, cuttlefish, and fish in a thick, tangy broth flavoured with tamarind and Jaffna curry powder.

Desserts at the Jaffna Food Festival

If you feel like you’re done exploring the countless spices, herbs, and indigenous ingredients; some of Jaffna’s best desserts await you to sweeten your festival experience. You must not miss out on:

Payasam: A luscious, creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and rice, infused with cardamom, and garnished with cashews and raisins.
Pongal: A sweet rice dish made typically during harvest festivals, cooked with jaggery, moong dal, and rich ghee.
Assorted Fruits: Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, a refreshing way to cleanse the palate after a hearty meal.

Action Stations

When we say it’s a food festival, we mean it literally: guests will have plenty of entertainment outside of their phone screens while waiting for their meals. We treated those who love watching their food being prepared with action stations. Watch skilled chefs prepare traditional Jaffna dishes right before your eyes, and maybe catch a few tips to try at home!

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out

With 2023’s Jaffna Food Festival being a major success, MaRadha Colombo has the bar raised for 2024 with sights, dishes, and flavours you’re bound to remember for a lifetime. The Jaffna Food Festival at MaRadha Colombo is an immersive experience that allows you to engage directly with the culinary traditions of Jaffna. Even if you weren’t a foodie before, you’ll definitely be one after you try a few rare dishes hailing from the far North.

Learn and Relish: Engage with the chefs at our action stations and learn about the techniques that make Jaffna cuisine unique.
Taste Authentic Flavours: From main dishes to desserts, each recipe has been crafted to offer the most authentic and delicious flavours.
Cultural Experience: Through food, learn about the history and culture of Jaffna that influence its cuisine.

Visit MaRadha Colombo On May 9th – May 12th, 2024

We invite you to step into Jaffna while still being physically present in Colombo, and explore its rich flavours and culinary traditions from the comfort of our hotel. This is your chance to indulge in an all-new and exciting food adventure. The feast begins at 7 PM, and anyone can partake for just 4,800 LKR per person. Bring your friends and family along for a day of fun, food, and cultural exploration. We look forward to seeing you at the Jaffna Food Festival!