Jaic Hilton goes Middle East

Ruwini Jayawardana

Around 45 unique dishes bring you flavours of the Middle East as part of the Arabian Nights food promotion which will be held at the Union Bar and Grill, Jaic Hilton, from July 1 to 10, 7 pm to 11 pm. Indulge your taste buds in the buffet spiced with ingredients imported from the countries that the dishes originated from.

Putting this massive project into practice was no easy task, especially because most of the products in link with the authentic flavours was not available at the local market.

They have to be brought down from the countries themselves.

“Sous chef Hany Afifi from Hilton Ramses in Cairo will fly to Sri Lanka to brew the dishes. He had conducted similar promotions across the world and has a lot of international exposure. The the food have a distinct flavour.

You start off with a verity of hot and cold dishes named ‘mezzes’ which are similar to starters before proceeding to the main dish.

We have some seafood dishes comprising fish, shrimp and sea bass along with chicken, lamb and beef. Another significant fact is the buffet includes a range of vegetarian dishes.

Egg plant, cheese and spinach are popular ingredients,” Jaic Hilton PR Manager Minoli Senanayake said. She says that the theme brings the food from all the countries on one platform.

The motif of the event is not only embedded in the food but also in the backdrop and entertainment. Cutouts of pyramids and camels will decorate the area with exotic tunes playing in the backdrop.

A renowned Brazilian belly dancer, currently based in Dubai, will arrive to delight the audience with her act in two sessions, from 7 pm to 8 pm and 9 pm to 10 pm.

A mixed grill and macaroni dishes will also be on offer while a carving station comprising meat without garnish will be available on the side.

A variety of desserts are also included in the menu.

“All the food is family oriented so there will be something that everyone can enjoy.

Middle Eastern food is very rich and a lot of people love the dishes. There is a good market for them and we wish to cater them according to demand,” Senanayake added.

She also said that the Royal Jordanian Airlines are in alliance with Jaic Hilton in this project.

The Middle Eastern food promotion follows the residencies’ successful German food promotion in May.

A Vietnamese food promotion is due to follow from July 14 to 19. They plan to bring an Italian chef who is touring the region in September.