Chutneys at Cinnamon Grand Colombo stood as one of the city’s beloved Indian restaurants, a place where authentic flavours met refined dining, and now, the Chutneys dining experience has found a new home, high in the hills.

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy has reopened Chutneys at its riverside property, introducing the well-known Indian restaurant from Colombo to the hill capital. Overlooking the Mahaweli River, the new outlet extends the familiar Chutneys dining experience, recognised for its authentic flavours and consistent quality, within the calm, scenic setting of Kandy.

A grand reopening by the river

The relaunch of Chutneys was marked by a beautiful celebration – a stylish evening filled with music, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of spice and flavour. The poolside of Cinnamon Citadel transformed into a lively dining promenade as guests gathered to celebrate the launch of a favourite brand.

The night unfolded with a live band playing soulful tunes as guests sampled a variety of dishes from the restaurant’s new menu curated by Chef Ravindra Singh. From the rich murgh achari to the creamy dal makhani and the fiery Rajasthan laal maas, each dish offered a distinct regional flavour. 

South Indian favourites like masala dosa and tawa sabzi added a delightful twist, while the Hyderabadi biryani was the undeniable showstopper – fragrant, layered, and deeply satisfying.

From Colombo to Kandy, a natural next step

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Brunch, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy General Manager Charith Goonasekara shared his excitement about reintroducing Chutneys to a new audience.

“Chutneys was one of the most loved restaurants at Cinnamon Grand Colombo,” Goonasekara said. “It was known for its authenticity and consistency; people trusted the food, the flavours, and the experience. Bringing that legacy to Kandy felt like a natural next step for us. This is the first time the brand has branched out of Colombo, and we couldn’t think of a better location than Citadel.”

He explained that while Kandy already had several Indian restaurants, Chutneys filled a unique space. “There are many independent Indian restaurants here,” he noted. “But none within a hotel environment that upholds the same service standards and quality that Cinnamon is known for. 

“Everyone loves Indian cuisine; it’s comforting, familiar, and diverse. What we’re offering is authentic Indian food, made to international standards, with the level of service and care guests expect from Cinnamon.”

Helmed by an experienced culinary team and guided by Executive Chef Dinesh Samarakkody, the restaurant promises a menu that stays true to Chutneys’ legacy of authentic North and South Indian cuisine. 

“Our Indian chef from Colombo works closely with the team here to ensure that every dish tastes just as it should,” Goonasekara explained. “We also send our chefs to Colombo for training so that our Sri Lankan culinary team learns and perfects these recipes. It’s part of our long-term goal, to develop local talent capable of delivering world-class cuisine.”

He added: “We’re very careful about quality, health, and hygiene. Every ingredient used here meets the same high standards as our Colombo properties. That’s the promise of the Cinnamon brand – uncompromising quality and consistency.”

A culinary investment in Kandy’s tourism

The decision to open an Indian restaurant in Kandy was also a strategic one, tied closely to the city’s growing tourism appeal. 

“Kandy is now one of Sri Lanka’s key tourist hubs,” said Goonasekara. “We have a strong international guest base, and Indian travellers make up one of our top three nationalities, alongside British and European guests. Even during the off-season, Indian visitors form a steady part of our clientele, and they love Indian food. At the same time, there’s also a local Indian community in Kandy who have been waiting for a proper, high-quality dining experience like this.”

By expanding its culinary offerings, Cinnamon Citadel is also strengthening its position as one of Kandy’s leading hospitality brands. 

“Our goal is to take Citadel to the next level,” Goonasekara explained. “The hotel has been around for 40 years and we continue to evolve, not just with dining, but with the experiences we offer. From nature trails and boat rides to kayaking, archery, and excursions, we’re building experiences that showcase Kandy as both a cultural and adventure destination.”

The Cinnamon Citadel experience

Perched beside the Mahaweli, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is known for blending the beauty of the hill capital with modern luxury. With 115 rooms, including superior, deluxe, and suite options, the property offers stunning river views, tranquil surroundings, and a distinctly Sri Lankan sense of hospitality.

Beyond its amenities, Goonasekara is keen to develop more immersive local experiences for guests. “We’re launching ‘Purana Gama’ an open-air museum concept that offers an authentic Sri Lankan village experience,” he revealed. “Guests can walk through paddy fields, participate in cooking sessions, and engage with the local community. It’s about creating moments that are both memorable and meaningful.”

With the reopening of Chutneys, Cinnamon Citadel not only enhances its dining portfolio but also celebrates the timeless connection between food, culture, and community. The restaurant’s arrival in Kandy is a nod to how Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry continues to innovate, while honouring its traditions.

In Goonasekara’s words: “Cinnamon is all about creating experiences that stay with you. With Chutneys, we’re adding another dimension, one that celebrates authentic Indian flavours, the art of great hospitality, and the joy of dining together.”