What: Sri Lankan food festival
Where: The Coastal Macha, 55 Southern Avenue (opposite Southern Avenue swimming pool, next to Atlanta gym)
On till: September 15, noon to 3.30pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 800-plus for two
The Coastal Macha has swum from Southern Avenue to Sri Lanka to get us some exotic flavours from the pearl-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. With about 10-plus dishes, the restaurant specialising in coastal cuisine has rustled up a festival of Sri Lankan eats.
“Most people think that south Indian food and Sri Lankan food would be the same, but it’s quite different. They use both roasted and fresh spices, which give the food a distinct flavour and aroma. Though the spices used are common, the proportions are different. I’ve been meaning to hold this festival for a long time, but it was difficult to source the necessary ingredients,” said chef-owner Piyush Menon, who got hold of ingredients like pandan leaves (generously used in almost all dishes, and smells like basmati rice once torn!) and goraka, which is Sri Lankan kokum. Here are some t2 faves from the festival menu...
Rs 310
This interesting “vegetarian” curry does not have any veggies, only cashews! The nuts are halved and soaked in water flavoured with Sri Lankan cinnamon before being cooked, so they soak in all the flavours and become soft. It is finished with coconut milk and Sri Lankan spice mix. Because of the nuts, the result is a creamy gravy that is oh-so-different! Rs 250
Text: Deborima Ganguly
Pictures: Pabitra Das
