The Ramada by Wyndham Colombo has been taken over by the spirit of Ramadan, with an expansive Iftar taking over the hotel’s coffee shop.
The Ramada’s Iftar buffet offers a culinary journey blending Mediterranean and Arabic flavours, providing a satisfying experience for those seeking a diverse palate.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with thoughtful Ramadan touches like dates at each table and a selection of soft drinks from faluda to fresh juice with which to break their fast.
An outdoor action station provides an enticing array of Sri Lankan and Mediterranean short eats with which to begin the post-fast feast. These snacks include enticing treats such as sausage rolls, pizza, chicken shawarma, stuffed chillies, cigar borek, and roast chicken.
Highlights of the buffet include the impeccably prepared batter-fried calamari, offering a tantalising start to the meal. While classics like hummus and baba ghanoush meet expectations, the accompanying pita bread – a new take on the familiar pita bread which is more like a biscuit – falls short, missing the mark slightly.
The Ramada’s Iftar buffet interestingly offers a range of rather unique sushi-like sausage maki rolls, putu maki rolls, and pineapple maki rolls, adding an engaging and unusual element to the dining experience.
Mains boast a medley of intricate flavours, with the Moroccan chickpea and vegetable dish standing out for its freshness and herb-infused aroma. The beef goulash impresses with its mild yet rich flavour profile, while the lamb with okra and eggplant mesa’a’ah were well-executed renditions, some of which were more flavourful than others.
For seafood enthusiasts, the hot butter prawns offer a delectable indulgence, perfectly prepared to please the palate. However, the samak makli (Middle Eastern batter-fried fish) can be underwhelming without the right sauce to accompany it.
The majboos rice shines with its reminiscent biryani feel, offering a comforting and satisfying option for those craving a hearty meal.
In conclusion, the Ramada’s Iftar buffet successfully merges Mediterranean and Arabic influences, offering a diverse spread that caters to various tastes. While some dishes excel in flavour and execution, others may require minor adjustments to elevate the overall dining experience. Nevertheless, the buffet remains a commendable choice for those seeking a balanced and flavourful Iftar feast.
Info box:
The Ramada’s Iftar buffet is priced at Rs. 6,000 nett per person and is available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for the month of Ramadan, extending until 11 p.m. over the weekend