For a limited time this August, Colombo Kitchen at Sheraton Colombo is transporting diners to the richly layered world of Mughlai cuisine with An Ode To Mughlai Heritage, a showcase of dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of northern India and presented with the polished finesse associated with JW Marriott Bengaluru.
Running from 14 to 23 August, the special experience is an expansive one, bringing together fragrant biryanis, slow-cooked curries, buttery breads and an assortment of regional favourites, alongside a selection of international and Sri Lankan dishes.
A Mughlai feast
The meal begins with the kind of spread that makes it difficult to know where to start. The Sabji Pudina Kash offered a refreshing vegetable-led introduction, while the Murg Korma was richer and more indulgent, with the creamy, aromatic character one expects from a good korma.
The Dal Bukhara was another highlight. Deep, comforting and slow-cooked in character, it brought the earthy richness of black lentils to the table and worked particularly well alongside the breads.
Among the biryanis, the vegetable version was the stronger of the two. Fragrant and satisfying, it carried the spices without becoming overwhelming. The mutton biryani, by comparison, was somewhat dry and lacked the succulence that would have made it stand out.
The curries were where the feast really found its rhythm. Both the Mutton Rogan Josh and Beef Rogan Josh delivered the warming, spice-led depth associated with the classic dish, while Shahi Paneer offered a softer, creamier counterpoint.
They also had an array of accompaniments to choose from, like beef fry, curd chilli, a range of pickled vegetables – Mughlai style, papad, and more.
And then there were the Sri Lankan favourites, which brought a welcome local dimension to the spread. The Black Pork Curry was particularly enjoyable, with its robust, savoury character, while the Sri Lankan Crab Curry was another dish worth returning to.
The naan steals the show
If there was one element that deserved to be singled out, it was the naan.
Both the garlic naan and butter naan were excellent – exceptionally soft, pillowy and fresh, with just the right amount of chew. They were practically made for scooping up the rich curries, and it was easy to keep reaching for another piece. It helped that the naan was an action station, so each piece was prepared hot and fresh in front of you.
Beyond India
The experience isn’t limited strictly to Mughlai cuisine. The wider buffet offers an extensive selection for diners who want to move beyond the Indian spread.
There was roasted lamb, baked fish and a live action grilled seafood station accompanied by butter, mushroom and garlic sauces. A sushi counter added another international option, alongside plenty more dishes to explore.
Aside from this, they had several more intercontinental options to choose from, having a spread that caters to any and all taste buds.
This makes the experience particularly suited to groups with varied tastes. Those arriving specifically for the Mughlai feast have plenty to discover, while diners who prefer more familiar international flavours are by no means left with limited choices.
A sweet finish
Dessert continued the Indian theme with a selection of traditional sweets. Rasgulla and gulab jamun offered two very different takes on syrup-soaked indulgence, while sweet lassi provided a cooling, creamy finish.
The rose pudding rounded out the selection with a floral sweetness, making for a fitting conclusion to a meal built around richness, fragrance and spice.
The buffet also had options for international and local desserts, starring a Sri Lanka pancake station, where you could top it with anything you desired, as well as a variety of cakes and pastries.
A taste of mughlai heritage
An Ode To Mughlai Heritage succeeds in giving diners a broad taste of the cuisine, with the strongest moments coming from the beautifully prepared breads, the rich curries and the particularly enjoyable Sri Lankan additions.
While the mutton biryani could have benefited from more moisture, there was plenty across the spread to make the experience worthwhile. From the pillowy naan and comforting Dal Bukhara to the Rogan Josh, black pork curry and crab curry, the buffet offers a generous succession of flavours.
For Colombo diners looking to explore Mughlai cuisine while still having access to an extensive selection of international favourites, the limited-time experience at Colombo Kitchen is an indulgent invitation to eat your way through a little culinary history.