• Hilton Colombo’s Middle Eastern Iftar experience

As the crescent moon ushers in the month of reflection and restraint, Hilton Colombo invites diners to gather at Graze Kitchen for ‘A Middle Eastern Flair’, a specially curated Iftar celebration running from 17 February to 18 March. 

Framed as a tribute to time-honoured culinary traditions of the Middle East, the month-long showcase promises generosity, warmth and, above all, a table designed for sharing.

Available daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Iftar buffet unfolds across the restaurant in a series of abundant stations. The immersive spread attempts to capture the depth and breadth of Middle Eastern hospitality while still accommodating the hotel’s broad international audience.

A hummus bar that pushes boundaries

We began, fittingly, at the hummus bar – a centrepiece that both honours and reinvents a Levantine staple. The classic chickpea base was executed with a pleasing silkiness, but what elevated the experience was the range of pairings.

The hummus with foie gras was perhaps the boldest offering of the evening. The richness of the foie gras lent a buttery decadence to the earthiness of the chickpeas, resulting in a combination that felt indulgent without tipping into excess. Equally intriguing was the hummus with dark chocolate – a pairing that initially raised eyebrows but ultimately delivered a subtle bittersweet contrast that worked surprisingly well.

More traditional palates would gravitate towards the hummus with truffle oil, where the aromatic intensity of truffle added depth, or the versions topped with Kalamata olives and pine nuts, both of which reinforced familiar Mediterranean flavour profiles. The pine nuts, lightly toasted, brought texture and warmth; the olives offered briny sharpness.

It was a thoughtful start – one that set the tone for a buffet unafraid to experiment while remaining anchored in tradition.

Hearty mains rooted in tradition

The main Middle Eastern spread was expansive, anchored by rice dishes and slow-cooked meats that speak to communal dining. The Lamb Kabsa with vegetables stood out for its balance of fragrant spices and tenderness. The rice was well separated and aromatic, while the lamb retained moisture and depth.

Braised Ouzi with Khalta rice was another highlight. The lamb, slow-cooked to fall-apart softness, paired beautifully with the subtly sweet and spiced rice. The addition of meat-stuffed artichokes added a welcome vegetable counterpoint and showcased the kitchen’s attention to detail.

Jordanian Maqluba, the iconic upside-down rice dish, delivered both visually and in flavour. Layers of rice, meat and vegetables were well seasoned, though some may prefer a slightly more assertive spice profile. Fish bil tahina offered a lighter option, the nuttiness of sesame balancing the freshness of the seafood.

There was no shortage of handheld comfort either. Cheese and meat sambousek provided crisp pastry shells encasing savoury fillings. Hawawshi, the Egyptian stuffed bread, brought a satisfying heft, while Turkish kofta and mutton and chicken kebabs delivered familiar charcoal notes.

The rotating grill with chicken shawarma carved to order – juicy, well-marinated, deeply satisfying and wrapped in warm bread – was a crowd pleasing. Doner kebab added another satisfying option, reinforcing the buffet’s emphasis on abundance.

An Egyptian falafel wrap rounded out the selection for those seeking vegetarian fare. Crisp on the outside and fluffy within, it offered a welcome break from the heavier meat dishes.

A surprising pizza interlude

In an interesting nod to culinary crossovers, the buffet also featured a pizza station infused with Middle Eastern flavours. The zaatar pizza was fragrant and herbaceous, the thyme-forward blend pairing beautifully with olive oil and a lightly blistered crust. The olive and cheese pizza leaned into saltier territory, delivering straightforward comfort with a regional accent.

While purists may debate the place of pizza at an Iftar table, the station succeeded in bridging familiarity with tradition – particularly for younger diners or families.

A congee station and int’l spread

In keeping with Graze Kitchen’s reputation as a multi-cuisine venue, the Ramadan offering does not exist in isolation. The congee station, complete with customisable toppings, provided a soothing option that resonated with the idea of gentle nourishment after a day of fasting.

Beyond the Middle Eastern core, the restaurant maintained its international sections: a sushi counter, Indian fare, Western grilled meats subtly infused with Arabic spices, and an East Asian station. For diners seeking variety or accompanying non-fasting guests, these additions ensure that the experience remains inclusive and expansive.

Sweet conclusions

No Iftar is complete without a generous dessert spread, and here the hotel delivered with both traditional and contemporary offerings.

The kunafa struck the right balance between crisp shredded pastry and sweet, molten filling. Umali, Egypt’s comforting bread pudding, was warm, milky, and gently spiced. Basbousa offered its characteristic semolina density soaked in syrup, while urbhawa added another regional touch.

Sticky date cake, a Middle Eastern Ramadan favourite, was moist and richly flavoured without becoming cloying. Faluda with casacasa seeds introduced a playful texture, particularly appealing to those who favour layered sweets.

For chocolate enthusiasts, the pistachio, walnut, and almond brownies provided a modern counterpoint to the traditional desserts. The pistachio variation, in particular, echoed Middle Eastern flavour cues while satisfying contemporary tastes.

Atmosphere and overall experience

What distinguishes this Iftar experience is not merely the scale of the spread but its spirit. The layout encourages movement and conversation. Families and friends gather around plates piled high, sharing dishes and returning for second helpings – a reminder that Ramadan dining is as much about community as it is about cuisine.

Service throughout the evening was attentive without being intrusive. Dishes were replenished promptly, and staff appeared well versed in explaining unfamiliar items to curious guests.

That said, with such a vast array on offer, pacing becomes essential. Diners would do well to approach the buffet strategically – sampling smaller portions initially to fully appreciate the breadth of the spread.

A Middle Eastern Flair at Hilton Colombo succeeds in delivering a Ramadan experience that feels generous and thoughtfully curated. While certain dishes could benefit from bolder seasoning to mirror the intensity found in their countries of origin, the overall execution reflects care and ambition.

For those observing the Holy month, it offers a welcoming space to break fast in comfort. For others, it presents an opportunity to engage with Middle Eastern culinary traditions in a setting that balances authenticity with accessibility.