Growing up in Colombo in the 80’s and 90’s one of the frequent Chinese spots to visit used to be Jade Gardens. It’s been closed for a number of years now but at the same location, you can find another Chinese restaurant, Xilaton.

They have been around for the past eight years and in celebration of this, will be having a dinner buffet on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1 from 6 – 10.30pm. The buffet will be different on each day and will feature six starters, six mains and two desserts for Rs 1,199. It will be on a first come, first serve basis and will include all meats, excluding beef and pork. However, you are not compelled to have the buffet and are more than welcome to order à la carte which will include their full range of meats.

Xilaton serves up Cantonese dishes which are mild as well as spicy Szechuan dishes and Malaysian dishes which are more curry-like, the latter two varieties are ideal for the Sri Lankan palate.

If you choose to go à la carte, start with their sour and spicy Tom Yum Soup followed by the usual Hot Butter Cuttlefish and Batter Fried Prawns with Sweet and Sour Sauce. The Hot Butter Cuttlefish we were served was a little chewy but tasty still while the Batter Fried Prawns were soft, light and crunchy all at the same time.

In terms of mains, Xilaton’s Seafood Fried Rice accompanied with their Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion, Black Pepper Chicken and Mixed Vegetables was a good combination. I liked the tangy and light flavour of the Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion while the Mixed Vegetable dish was quite delicious too. The Black Pepper Chicken was a little too sweet and sour for my liking. The combination of these as well as the cuttlefish and prawns worked well as each complimented the other. Keep in mind though, that if you are looking for a good dessert, you wouldn’t necessarily find it here. We were served Cheesecake and Chocolate Biscuit Pudding. Both were disappointing.

Address: 126, Havelock Road, Colombo 5

Ratings:
Friendly staff: 1 star
Cleanliness:  3 stars
Variety of food: 4 stars
Parking: 5 stars

By Natasha Fernandopulle
Pics by Kanishke Ganewatte