By Marianne David
The first thing that caught my eye at the Turkish buffet at Shangri-La Colombo was the chickpea stew. I was quite intrigued to see it among the spread, as I hadn’t quite expected chickpeas prepared in that form to feature at a Turkish food festival. It was an interesting introduction to what turned out to be a lovely spread of Turkish dishes, with plenty to discover across the buffet.
‘Flavours of Türkiye,’ which is on at Central Restaurant until 7 November, brings together an assortment of dishes showcasing Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage. From creamy hummus and an assortment of mezze to börek with its delicate, crisp pastry, there is plenty to pique one’s curiosity. The kebabs fresh off the grill are another highlight.
Of all the dishes, the chickpea stew, the beef shawarma, the slow-roasted lamb, and the baklava were the most interesting items for me. The beef shawarma offered a delicious way to enjoy the flavours of Turkish cooking, while the slow-roasted lamb was an appealing addition to the spread, and the baklava, with its delicate layers and syrup, made for a satisfying sweet finish.
What I particularly enjoyed was the variety. There are so many different items to explore, some familiar and others that made me pause and wonder about their origins and preparation. It is a buffet that encourages you to take your time and go back for more helpings.
On the night I visited, Ambassador of Türkiye to Sri Lanka Semih Lütfü Turgut was also seen enjoying the spread with friends and family, making for a rather fitting picture of what the Turkish table is all about: good food shared with good company.
A special feature of this year’s edition is the presence of four visiting chefs from Türkiye: Ali Taşpınar, Caner Dolu, Mehmet Erdoğan, and Kalkan Feyzullah. Cooking alongside Shangri-La Colombo’s culinary team, the chefs bring with them their knowledge of Turkish cooking and the traditions behind the dishes being served.
Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Türkiye, ‘Flavours of Türkiye’ is a lovely opportunity to experience a little of the country’s food culture right here in Colombo. With its interesting flavours and welcoming atmosphere, it certainly makes for an enjoyable evening at Central.
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