Alhambra Restaurant, Holiday Inn
Centuries have passed since the first Moghuls landed on Sri Lanka’s shores, but the traditions of North India cooking linger on. What kept Moghul kings and queens entertained in savoury splendour,, the Alhambra Restaurant in the Holiday Inn presents every evening a la carte, and a la Moghul Buffet every Friday night. Chicken, mutton, beef, fish, prawn and vegetable curries are served in sauces with cashew nuts, Oriental spices,, coconut milk, turmeric and yogurt, or with green peas or coriander. These are best enjoyed with Biriyanis – fried seasoned rice – and Nan, a Tandoori baked flat bread. A salad dish of Raita ( spiced yogurt with cucumber herbs) or Kachoomar, a Moghul Salad, cool the palate. Tandoori bar-be-qued meats can be shared around the table as might whole pomfret, chicken marinated in yogurt and red peppers, tender mutton, or king size prawn cooked in clay ovens to seal the juices. A Moghul meal fit for royalty will come to about U.S.$ 10 for two. The Friday night buffet (7:00 to 11 :00p.m.) accompanied by live sitar music is a delightful event. The weekly changing menu includes dishes such as Fish or Chicken Kaba, Beef Pasanda (Indian sty le steak), Lotus Root Kamal Kakri, Panir Makani (home-made cheese in sauce), Mutton or Chicken Nargasi Koftas (minced and rolled meat in curry sauce with egg or dried fruit), Biriyani with mutton and a selection of salads. Desserts feature carrot or green pumpkin Halwah, GulabJ aman (fresh milk balls in sugary syrup), Indian bread pudding and fresh fruit salad. The entire spread, with seconds or thirds if you wish, is Rs 130plus 10% service charge. From the hot towel presented upon seating to the excellent service and graceful decor, you’ll dine in a world of nouveau Moghul royalty at the Holiday Inn’s Alhambra Restaurant. Besides the Moghul favourites, there are Chinese and Sri Lankan specialities plus an ample menu of imported and local liquors, appeartifs, cocktails, beer and soft drinks. Open nightly from 7:00, The Alhambra is just off Galle Face Green.
