Food Studio recently invited Life to sample their Christmas specials, spread across their outlets at Colombo City Centre (CCC) and One Galle Face Mall (OGFM). As I navigated through the array of dishes and flavours, it became evident that Food Studio was not only aiming to satisfy taste buds but also making strides towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

One of the highlights of the tasting was the Christmas Mix 12 from Tokyo Shokuda. Priced at Rs 3650, this ensemble featured Red Spicy Chicken Gyoza, Yellow Kimchi Cheese Gyoza, and Green Vegetable Gyoza. Each gyoza was a burst of delightful flavours, but what caught me off guard was the unassuming Green Vegetable Gyoza. Initially sceptical, I found it to be the most flavour-rich of the trio.

From Champion Slice, the Christmas Pizza was a mouthwatering masterpiece. Priced at Rs 5500 for a full 18” pizza and Rs 850 for a slice, the combination of pizza sauce, white cream sauce, pesto sauce, fior de latte (buffalo Mozzarella), and mozzarella cheese, each bite revealed a delightful fusion of flavours. Santa’s Lil Helper from Hot Chook was a festive delight priced at Rs 1900. The fried chicken, adorned with special hot honey sauce, garlic mayo, and tangy slaw, was nestled in a vibrant red burger bun. This creation is destined to be a crowd-pleaser, with its bold flavours and festive presentation. Given Sri Lankans’ particular fondness for burgers, this dish is likely to strike a chord, becoming a favourite among those who appreciate a flavourful and festive twist to a classic burger experience.

China Express presented the Kung Pao Chicken with Garlic Rice at Rs 1900. The Kung Pao chicken was a flavour bomb, and its pairing with the aromatic garlic rice elevated the dish. The mix of spices and textures in this dish isn’t just about fancy flavours—it’s a tasty combo that many, especially the kids, will enjoy. It’s like a fun flavour party that shows off the chefs’ skills in a way that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a hit for those looking for something both exciting and delicious. The Stir-fried beef from Sumatran Spice was a savoury sensation. Priced at Rs 2700 for noodles and Rs 2500 for rice, the pan-fried marinated sliced beef, accompanied by red and green bell peppers and spicy oyster sauce, delivered a punch of umami goodness. It was a dish that left a lasting impression.

Suksamran Thai’s, Thai Mixed Fried Rice (Rs 3100, serves 2) comprises Thai egg fried rice with beef, chicken, prawn, and cuttlefish. The flavours were well balanced, showcasing the diversity of ingredients. A carnivorous delight awaited at Khayaban with the Grilled Beef Chops with Pulao Rice (Rs 8600, serves 4). The succulent, tender grilled beef chops, paired with herb-flavoured Pakistani basmati pulao rice, boiled eggs, and tamarind sauce, proved to be an incredibly flavourful feast. The beef chops, in particular, stood out as a personal favourite.

To cleanse the palate, the Strawberry Lassi (Rs 1250) from the Kathi Kanteen was a refreshing choice. The lassi struck the right balance between sweetness and tartness, providing a delightful conclusion to the festive feast. Despite the gastronomic indulgence, there were a few offerings I regrettably couldn’t sample. The Assorted Naan from Mughlabar, the Christmas Cookie Pack from Etc. by Food Studio, and the intriguing Ho Ho Hopper from Samba, featuring coloured plain hoppers, an egg hopper, seeni sambol, and spicy lunumiris, are on my radar for a future visit. They also had a variety of drinks on offer that I couldn’t try like the Creme Brulee Latte, Blue Coconut Delight, Ginger Spiced Mojito, Walnut Nutty Latte and so much more!

Beyond the culinary delights, Food Studio unveiled a commendable initiative in the form of a zero-plastic Christmas tree conceptualized by Decor by Maic. This forward-thinking step aligns with Food Studio’s vision of achieving a zero-plastic concept, setting an example for sustainable practices within the culinary industry.

Photo Credits: Food Studio