Reaching a 60th anniversary is no small achievement in hospitality. Guest expectations change, travel trends evolve, and dining experiences continue to become more sophisticated. Yet for Onyx Hospitality Group, six decades in the industry have provided an opportunity not only to reflect on its past, but also to celebrate the experiences that continue to shape its future.
While Onyx’s presence in Colombo is limited only to the Amari brand, Amari Colombo is very much a part of this landmark anniversary which sees a year-long programme of culinary experiences and activations across its properties, running through to May 2027.
At Amari Colombo, these celebrations begin with A Journey to Siam – a Thai-focused set menu experience that is the first chapter of its Six Decades of Flavours campaign. Hosted at the hotel’s signature Ahãra, the experience draws inspiration from Thailand’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating influences familiar to Sri Lankan diners.
Rather than presenting a traditional Thai menu, the concept explores the connections between two countries that share a love for bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and vibrant food cultures.
For Executive Chef Sampath Meddawattege, the concept of A Journey to Siam was designed to celebrate both the heritage of the Amari brand and its place within Colombo’s dining landscape.
“The concept was inspired by Thailand’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating the vibrant flavours and ingredients of Sri Lanka. The experience was designed to celebrate the roots of the Amari brand while reflecting the local character of Colombo,” he explained.
“What makes the campaign particularly exciting is that it will continue to evolve. Throughout 2026 and 2027, guests will experience a series of rotating seasonal culinary concepts, each offering a fresh interpretation of regional flavours, cultural influences, and contemporary dining experiences,” he added.
“Alongside these culinary journeys, guests can look forward to a variety of curated activations, collaborations, storytelling initiatives, and exclusive experiences that reflect the values that have defined Onyx Hospitality Group over the past six decades.”
A journey begins
The experience takes the form of a curated set menu, with guests selecting an appetiser, soup, main course, and dessert from a specially designed anniversary menu priced at Rs. 6,000++. The Sunday Morning Brunch sampled almost the entire range, providing a broader look at what the experience has to offer.
The menu immediately establishes the balance that defines the experience. The vegetable spring rolls were crisp, light, and packed with flavour, while the papaya salad offered a more approachable interpretation of the classic Thai favourite. Less fiery than many versions commonly found elsewhere, it allowed the freshness of the ingredients and the interplay of sweet, sour, and savoury notes to come through clearly.
The familiar flavours of Thailand
The soup course offered two familiar but distinctly different expressions of Thai cuisine. The tom yum delivered the bold citrus and spice that diners expect, although some may find it sits on the hotter side of the spectrum. The tom kha, meanwhile, proved to be one of the highlights of the evening. Rich with coconut milk and fragrant aromatics, it offered a comforting alternative that is rarely found on local menus.
That willingness to look beyond the obvious continues through the main courses.
The standout dish of the evening was undoubtedly the steamed fish with spicy dressing. Delicately cooked and served with a vibrant citrus-forward dressing, it showcased the bright, clean flavours that often define the best of Thai cooking. The combination of lime, aromatics, and fresh fish created a dish that felt both wholesome and deeply satisfying.
The pad Thai was another strong performer. Once the accompaniments were properly mixed through, the dish came alive with the balance of sweet, tangy, savoury, and nutty flavours that have made it one of Thailand’s most recognisable exports.
The pad kra pao (minced chicken, rice, and deep-fried egg) was perhaps the only dish that did not resonate quite as strongly. While the minced chicken itself was enjoyable, the overall flavour profile leant more towards a curry-style preparation than the distinctly Thai character present elsewhere on the menu.
The meal concluded with a simple but effective sago dessert served with tropical fruit, mango in our case. Light, refreshing, and pleasantly balanced, it provided an appropriate finish to a menu built around flavour rather than excess.
Throughout the experience, service remained warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, contributing to an atmosphere that felt welcoming rather than overly formal.
Looking ahead
For General Manager Monty Ariyaratne, the anniversary celebrations represent more than a commemorative milestone. “The campaign serves as a platform to showcase what Amari Colombo stands for – authentic hospitality, meaningful connections, and innovative experiences,” he said.
While the food remains the centrepiece, the broader goal is to create experiences that encourage guests to engage with the stories, cultures, and traditions behind them.
Ariyaratne observed: “While we celebrate the achievements of the past 60 years, we are equally focused on the future. We are currently preparing several exciting projects and guest experiences that will be unveiled towards the end of the year.
“We are grateful to our guests, partners, and associates who have been part of this incredible journey and invite everyone to join us throughout the year as we unveil new chapters of this celebration and create even more memorable moments at Amari Colombo.”
The next chapter arrives in July with Essence of Siam, a seafood-focused experience inspired by the coastal traditions of both Thailand and Sri Lanka. The concept will continue the campaign’s exploration of shared culinary influences while introducing new ingredients and dining experiences.