Where Global Flavours Meet City Views – A Dinner Buffet at Amari Colombo.

Ahāra Restaurant, 5th Floor, Amari Colombo

LKR 7,500 nett per person

Dinner: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

🎶 Live Music | 🔥 Live Action Stations | 🥂 Complimentary Mocktails & Juices

First Impressions: Urban Calm Meets Elegance

Set on the 5th floor of Amari Colombo, Ahāra Restaurant offers a refined dining atmosphere with clean lines, warm tones, and a view overlooking the Galle Road stretch. Soft lighting and minimal décor make the space feel inviting without being overly formal.

We were welcomed warmly and seated promptly. As the evening progressed, live music created a gentle background ambience pleasant enough to enjoy without overpowering conversation.

Complimentary Mocktails & Juices

One highlight that sets this buffet apart is the unlimited selection of mocktails and fresh juices, available free of charge. The drink counter featured:

Fruit punches
Mocktails with citrus and tropical blends
Watermelon, pineapple, and mixed fruit juices

This is a rare offering among Colombo’s hotel buffets, where beverages are usually priced separately. It added both value and refreshment to the meal especially helpful between richer or spicier dishes.

For those who prefer something stronger, alcoholic beverages are also available from the bar at an additional cost.

The Buffet Layout – Well-Organized & Spacious

The buffet is clearly laid out by cuisine, with separate sections for salads, mains, grills, live stations, and desserts. The flow allows diners to explore without crowding or confusion. Chefs at live counters are approachable and ready to prepare items to your liking.

What’s on the Menu – Seven Cuisines, Multiple Live Counters

Thai

This corner offered lightly spiced, aromatic options such as fish cakes, noodles, and vegetable stir-fries. What stood out was the presence of the Thai chef, who moved between tables engaging with guests and offering to prepare fresh custom dishes. It was a welcoming and personal touch that brought the station to life.

Indian

This section leaned more toward rich, comforting favourites. The highlights were:

Biryani with aromatic spices
Thick, flavorful gravy and Meat
Soft naan served warm, perfect for pairing with the curry

The selection was compact but satisfying focusing on depth of flavour over variety.

Sri Lankan

The local section featured parippu, polos curry, coconut sambol, and red rice; comforting and familiar. Each dish stayed true to its roots, offering a taste of home-cooked flavours in a buffet setting.

Arabian

This included smooth hummus. The textures were light and creamy, making it a good in-between course or starter. It paired well with grilled meats or could stand alone as a refreshing bite.

Mongolian (Live Action Station)

Pick your proteins and vegetables, and watch them stir-fried on the hotplate. The sauces could be adjusted for spice and sweetness.

Italian

Japanese

The sushi counter featured neatly rolled maki served with soy sauce and wasabi. Alongside the sushi were refreshing guava, carrot, and cucumber shooters a light and vibrant addition that complemented the clean flavours of the Japanese section.

Salad, Grill, and Sides

The salad bar featured a balance between leafy greens and prepared salads—Caesar, potato, and chickpea. A wide selection of toppings (olives, corn, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños) was available for DIY salads.

The grill station offered marinated chicken, beef cuts, and prawns made fresh to order. A selection of sauces like BBQ, pepper, and mustard were available on the side.

The Dessert Corner

The dessert counter was thoughtfully arranged, offering a balance of light and indulgent options:

Chocolate mousse, mini cakes, and custards
Fresh fruit platters (melon, pineapple, papaya)

But the highlight for many was the live ice cream station. Guests could choose their base flavor, mix-ins (like nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips), sauces, and toppings, all prepared fresh in front of you. It was a fun and personalized way to end the meal especially if you enjoy a cold, sweet finish.

Final Thoughts

Amari Colombo’s dinner buffet offers a calm, well-curated experience. It delivers where it counts: a clean and varied spread, live entertainment, attentive service, and added value through complimentary drinks and interactive counters.

It’s a solid choice for those looking to enjoy an international buffet with a bit of everything from sushi and biryani to grilled meats and pizza all in one place.