By Venessa Anthony
India is widely known for its cuisines from different regions. Fun fact: All its dishes have their own unique history where each of them are associated with a different story. Some were made for workers, others were made to please kings, and some during the throes of war. The food drastically changes from region to region, packing a flavourful punch.
The culinary industry in Sri Lanka too, has blossomed; offering options for nearly all types of cuisines. Ramada by Wyndham Colombo is a legacy brand and one of Sri Lanka’s foremost hotels, and Alhambra at Ramada Colombo specialises in North Indian food, offering classical and contemporary North Indian cuisine, situated at the lobby of the Ramada Hotel.
While the authentic recipes transport you straight to India, the innovative presentation is also a refreshing element. Chef Noorbhai Singh from India, who operates the kitchen, incorporates more seasonal/local ingredients, luxurious specials, and cooking techniques and flavours from regions of the subcontinent including Delhi, Bengal, Punjab, and Rajasthan, into the menu. He emphasises that “consistency is key” to maintaining taste.
The walls and flooring of Alhambra are lighter and brighter; custom cushions and silk drapes enhance the luxurious and opulent feel. Designed to convey a modernised sense of luxury and tradition befitting the Moghul theme, the space exudes a fresh, inviting, and contemporary vibe, making it the ideal place to hang out and enjoy a sumptuous meal with family and friends.
The Morning Brunch was invited for a tasting at the Alhambra by Ramada, and their extensive menu consists of more than 100 dishes. They have quite a large selection of vegetarian dishes too. We started with the Mango Lassi, a popular mango-infused yoghurt drink that had a pleasant tanginess from the raw mangoes. Next, we had the Mughlai Rajbhog Lassi, a Moghul-style sweet yoghurt drink garnished with dry fruit and nuts. The drink wasn’t overly sweet, which we preferred, was quite rich from the nuts, and was very refreshing.
For appetisers, we opted for the Papdi Chaat, an extremely popular street food. It’s a crunchy fried wheat flour wafer served with sweet mint, potato masala mix, and tamarind chutney – an absolute delight to the taste buds. The crispy wafer with the stuffed filling was an explosion of flavour – a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
As for mains, we opted for the Moghul Shashlik, a flavoured biryani and lemon rice with tomato concoction served with chicken, mutton, or paneer – we picked chicken. We must note that this dish isn’t as popular as many other Indian dishes; however, it’s equally good and severely underrated. We were blown away by the taste; it was unlike any dish we’d tried before. The chicken was coated with a blend of spices, giving it a unique, yet rich flavour.
We also had to try their signature chef’s special Bombay Biryani. For this, we opted for mutton biryani. The biryani is cooked in Bombay spices and herbs and garnished with cashew nuts, raisins, and fresh coriander. The chef explained that this was known as a dum biryani, because this method of cooking enhances the flavours. Presented in a clay pot with a side of raita and condiments, we must admit it was visually impressive. The dish was cooked in a spicy mutton base, and the raita added a hint of sweetness to the dish, tantalising the taste buds. We wouldn’t go as far to say that it was the best biriyani we’d ever had, but we could give it a well-deserved spot in the top five.
We also indulged in tandoori roti and garlic naan with the Jhinga Pasanda curry – a creamy prawn curry, cooked with red chilli and cashew gravy, lightly flavoured with almonds. The giant prawns were simmered in a special ground masala paste, and slow-cooked in an aromatic, buttery, and creamy sauce. The prawns were well cooked, and the fresh naan soaked up the flavours of the sauce well.
To top it all off, we had the Gajar Halwa for dessert. It’s basically shredded carrot simmered in milk and set with raisins and cashew nuts. We find it to be an acquired taste, but we liked that it wasn’t too sweet. It was a great way to wrap up a hearty meal.
What we loved most about the restaurant is its excellent presentation and, in true Indian fashion, the huge portion sizes. The service was friendly and prompt, the food arrived fast, and the staff were clearly well-trained. The ambience at Alhambra was cosy, with a tantalising aroma of Indian spices in the air and the charming decor transporting you to India. Once you try the food at Alhambra, it’s safe to say that you’ll fall in love with Indian cuisine over and over again.
