Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo unveils Chinese Food Festival with bold flavours, signature dishes

The culinary scene at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo yesterday began its highly anticipated Chinese Food Festival at Long Feng Restaurant. 

Following the success of its previous culinary events, this year’s festival promises to deliver an even more refined selection of Chinese flavours, with a focus on signature dishes that expertly capture the essence of China’s diverse and dynamic culinary traditions.

This year’s festival until 22 January presents a carefully curated menu designed to take guests on an unforgettable journey through China’s rich gastronomic heritage. From the delicate art of Dim Sum to the bold, spicy kick of Sichuan cuisine, the event offers something for every palate.

The highlight of this year’s festival is the culinary expertise of Chef Lan Minglu, a distinguished Sichuan chef whose impeccable skills will be on full display. Chef Minglu will be preparing an array of dishes that showcase the bold, vibrant flavours of Sichuan cuisine, alongside classic Chinese favourites.

Main course highlights:

• Spicy Sichuan Crab – A signature Sichuan dish, where fresh crab is cooked in a bold, spicy sauce that embodies the fiery flavours and aromatic depth for which Sichuan cuisine is known.
• Kung Pao Prawns – Chef Minglu’s take on this iconic dish features prawns sautéed with peanuts, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns, delivering a perfect balance of heat, tang, and savoury richness.
• Sichuan Pickled Fish – A dish that captures the tangy, spicy essence of Sichuan’s famous pickling process, with tender fish steeped in a flavourful broth infused with pickling spices.
• Deep-Fried Spicy Pork – Crispy and tender, Chef Minglu’s deep-fried pork is paired with a spicy sauce that adds a mouth-watering kick and deepens the dish’s savoury profile.
• Boiled Beef with Vegetables – A comforting dish featuring tender boiled beef and a variety of vegetables in a rich, savoury broth, embodying the heart-warming flavours of Sichuan cuisine.

n Mapo Tofu – A beloved Sichuan classic, Chef Minglu’s Mapo Tofu features silky tofu cooked in a spicy, savoury sauce with minced meat and the signature numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns.

In addition to these Sichuan delicacies, Chef Minglu will also prepare Peking Duck, a must-try dish that highlights the chef’s skill in creating perfectly roasted duck. Served with crispy skin, tender meat, and accompanied by duck pancakes, shredded green onions, shredded carrots, and a choice of hoisin or plum sauce, this dish promises to be a crowd favourite.

Dessert selection:

To complement the rich and bold main courses, Chef Minglu will offer a delightful selection of desserts, showcasing the sweet side of Chinese culinary traditions:

• Brown Sugar Ice Jelly – A refreshing dessert featuring brown sugar and agar jelly, a cool and slightly sweet treat to cleanse the palate after the savoury main dishes.
• Fried Milk – A popular dessert with a golden crispy exterior and a smooth, creamy milk filling, offering a perfect balance of textures and a rich sweetness.

The Chinese Food Festival at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is more than just a celebration of flavours — it is an immersive cultural experience. In addition to the extraordinary dishes prepared by Chef Lan Minglu, the event will feature live Chinese cultural performances, including the colourful Lion Dance and captivating martial arts displays, enhancing the atmosphere with the rich cultural heritage of China.

For those interested in Chinese traditions beyond cuisine, a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony will be held, offering a serene and authentic experience to explore one of China’s most cherished cultural practices.

The Chinese Food Festival at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo at Long Feng, the hotel’s renowned Chinese restaurant. With its carefully chosen signature dishes, cultural performances, and the immersive atmosphere, the festival promises to be an unmissable experience for food enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe