It’s that time of year again when the Holiday Inn brings an array of flavours from Jaffna to the City. The atmosphere of Yaal Virundu at the Gardenia Coffee Shop has a warm and intimate feel to it and being welcomed with the offering of an auspicious kumkum bindi makes you feel special and sets the mood for what follows. The colourful kolam at the entrance, the chains of flowers and leaves used as décor adds to the ambience. The buffet, arranged in clay pots with polkatu serving spoons, includes a vast range of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes all prepared Jaffna style. Odiyal Kool – an aromatic concoction of seafood, vegetables, carefully measured spices and odiyal flour is the signature dish of the spread. Imbibing the aroma, savouring the spices and feeling the flavours mingle in your mouth is the only way to enjoy this specialty and it is an experience that is best not rushed. The meat preparations range from rich gravy based creations to spicy mouthwatering poriyals. Try the Jaffna style vegetarian dishes such as the sweet pumpkin curry, long beans, the fried jak seed and also the varai (salads). The Pulich Chadam – tamarind rice and Uppuma are must haves. The Jaffna favourite Pal Appam is prepared at the action station and each hopper comes to your table hot off the pan. The live flute and tabla tunes sets the tone for the experience and brings an aura of rhytmic peacefulness to the bustle of the buffet – just what you need to focus on the festivity of flavours. To finish off you will be presented with an attractive selection of traditional sweet meats such as the Rasawalli pudding, Pinatu and Kesarai. The Jaffna Food Festival will be on at the Holiday only for the next two weekends so make sure you don’t miss this flavoursome experience.

Yaal Virundu – Saturday and Sunday – 7.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. till the 7th of September at the Gardenia Café, Holiday Inn.