The Ifthar Buffet at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

The second week of August 2010 marks the beginning of a Holy month in the Islamic Calendar. It is a time of self restraint for Muslims the world over. People who observe the fast refrain from consuming food and drink from dawn until sunset, which is when the Iftar meal is consumed. Preparations for this meal vary between countries, but often include variations of Middle Eastern dishes and always begin with the consumption of a date or a pinch of salt.

At sunset, when it is time to break the day's fast, one should make their food choices with care. The Dining Room at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo does just that by adding a host of Middle Eastern dishes to their buffet, suitable for those observing the fast as well as those who would like to indulge in the authentic Middle Eastern dishes that are rarity in Sri Lanka. Prayer rooms for both ladies and gents have also been prepared for you.

As an initial snack, guests will be treated to delicious dates, chicken or beef as well as plain Kanji or porridge, mutton and vegetable samosas, mini pizza's, a tuna puff, freshly cut fruit, faluda and a choice of three fresh juices.

This will be followed by the Middle Eastern favourites as promised. Ideal for the Ramadan month is the Baba Ganoush, an eggplant dish, where the eggplant is baked or broiled over an open flame to achieve a smoky taste. The pulp, when enhanced with seasonings and topped with a drizzle of olive oil, transforms into a delicious dish. Mutabbal, a similar eggplant dish with a distinctly different flavour will be served.

"The secret behind the Mutabbal is in the correct balance of ingredients that go into it," the Executive Chef of the hotel Chef Wasantha said.

The buffet will also include more Middle Eastern dishes such as an Arabic mezze platter, humus, Arabic rice, tabbouleh, dolmas and an Arabic salad daily. The Kabsa rice is infused with flavour from the lamb it is cooked in as well as typically Middle Eastern spices such as saffron and black lime.

The regular Dinner buffet encompassing a selection of dishes such as biryani, chicken jalfrezi, butter chicken masala, mutton rogen josh, mutton marrackh and a mixed grill will also be served. In addition to the regular buffet desserts, the Pastry Chef's at the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo have dreamed up a Middle Eastern treat for diners.

Umali, a traditional Arabic dessert, contains a delightful combination of puff pastry, dates, nuts and thickened milk, topped with heavy cream. Mahalabiya, a milk based dish sprinkled with nuts, is a hit amongst both children and adults. At the Dining Room Iftar Buffet, will be served in three varieties: strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.

The Iftar and Dinner Buffet at The Dining Room will contain only Halal dishes during the month of Ramadan which will span approximately from August 10 to September 10.

A 10 percent discount will be applicable to Iftar diners who arrive at the restaurant by 6:15pm. Guests are advised to make a prior reservation to avoid disappointment.