The rich and vibrant flavours of Pakistan have come alive in Colombo at the Pakistani Food Festival, hosted by Courtyard by Marriott Colombo from October 4th to the 13th, 2024. Courtyard by Marriot Colombo in partnership with the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan Airlines, launched the highly anticipated festival with a grand dinner celebration on October 3rd. The event brought together distinguished guests for an evening celebrating decades-long diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan with live Pakistani music and a lavish buffet, setting the tone for a week-long celebration of Pakistan’s culinary heritage.

Elton Hurtis, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, warmly welcomed guests and shared his enthusiasm for showcasing Pakistan’s gastronomic legacy at Courtyard by Marriot Colombo. “Pakistani cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours and aromatic spices, with each dish narrating a story embedded in history and tradition. This Food Festival is not just about delicious dishes, but also a celebration of the cultural bonds that tie our nations together,” he said.

His Excellency Major General (R) Faheem-Ul-Aziz, HI (M), High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, joined the celebrations by emphasizing the importance of events such as these in fostering diplomatic and cultural relations between countries. “These festivals are not just a fusion of ingredients and flavours; they symbolize the spirit of hospitality. Pakistani cuisine is known for bringing people together, much like Sri Lankan food. I am deeply grateful to the people of Sri Lanka for their warmth and hospitality. This festival offers another beautiful opportunity to strengthen our bond.”

From October 3rd to the 14th, guests will get the unique opportunity to explore the taste of Lahore – a deep dive into Pakistan’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.  Pakistan’s culinary culture is as diverse as its regions, with every province offering unique tastes and dishes. From the robust, meat-heavy dishes of Punjab to the lighter, bread and cheese dishes of Kalash, each region tells its own culinary story.

The Pakistani Food Festival is curated by guest chefs Zubair Yaqub and Chef Ahmed from Islamabad Marriott Hotel and offers guests a buffet menu that features a rich selection of Pakistan’s most iconic street foods, hearty Lahori meals, and flavourful Karachi delicacies.
Guests can indulge in fragrant Murgh Dum Biryani and Beef Pulao, bursting with flavour tied together with signature meat dishes like Lahori Gosht Karahi, a bold and spicy mutton curry, and Lahori Achari Murgh, a tangy, pickle-infused chicken dish.

Dig into Pakistani favourites like Tandoori Chicken and Shalgam Gosht while satisfying seafood cravings with dishes like the Jhinga Curry, a creamy prawn curry cooked with a spicy yoghurt base. Finish the meal with a dessert spread that includes Pakistani delicacies like Kheer (a rice pudding flavoured with saffron and nuts), Zarda Pulao (a sweet, fragrant rice dish made with sugar and milk), and the ever-popular Gulab Jamun.

The Pakistan Food Festival will run from October 4th to the 13th at Beira Kitchen and Terrace at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo. The dinner buffet is available from 6.30 - 10.30 PM daily.