This January, Hilton Colombo’s Graze Kitchen kicks off the year with a ‘Timeless Taste of India’ where guests are invited to indulge in India’s vibrant and diverse flavours at its exclusive showcase of Indian cuisine at the buffet, available every day until 19th January 2025.

The grand buffet spread is curated by Hilton’s inhouse Indian chefs Chandan Das and Umesh Rathour and promises diners a gastronomic journey through India’s rich culinary heritage, exploring flavours from the North and South in an array of dishes that celebrate the diversity and depth of the regions. While the Timeless Taste of India buffet is enjoyed alongside the international buffet, the Indian buffet is a small feast in itself with a variety of starters, main course options, live-action stations and desserts.

We started our meal with an array of delightful Chaat options–as recommended by the chefs! Their tower of Pani Puri was a big hit among guests along with their Papdi Chaat and popular street food snacks like Crispy Vegetable Pakoras and Mutton Samosas.

The live kebab station was a highlight, serving a variety of succulent options including Chicken Kebab, Mutton Sheek Kebab, Tandoori Potato and even Tandoori Mixed Fruit–a unique twist we really enjoyed. These starters also include a few salad options such as Cucumber Salad and Kidney Bean Salad for those who wish to balance the spice with a touch of freshness.

For the main course, we dived into a rich aromatic Mutton Biriyani, cooked with tender, spiced mutton pieces. Paired with a rich, hearty paneer butter masala and butter chicken the mutton biriyani was incredibly filling. For a lighter touch, we also tried their

Navarathana Pulao made with a medley of vegetables with fish and savoury Aloo Bhindi Ki Poriyal–a south Indian style sauté of potatoes and okra with aromatic spices. The creamy Dal Makhani was scooped up with freshly made Garlic Butter Naan, straight from the live tandoor station.

For dessert–we opted for a little bit of everything. From soft, syrupy, melts in your mouth Gulab Jamun to rich, creamy Coconut Barfi, dessert was a decadent dream. We really enjoyed the Mango Rice Kheer, Sago Payasam and festive favourites like Laddu and Jalebi while pairing it up with a refreshing Mango Lassi and wrapping the meal up with a warm comforting cup of Chai from the live masala tea station.

With live-action stations and a selection of North and South Indian dishes, Timeless Taste of India allows guests to indulge in authentic Indian flavours–all the while enjoying the signature international buffet at Graze Kitchen.

The buffet is available daily until 19th January 2025 from 7-11 pm. Prices are set at Rs. 8,888 nett per person from Sunday to Thursday and Rs. 9,388 nett per person on Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.hiltoncolombo1.com. 

Pictures by Nisal Baduge