AYU at NH Collection Colombo brings the warmth of Italy to your Thursday nights this July with a curated Italian Night Buffet. This experience blends hearty classics, live stations, and sweet finishes into one relaxed, well-paced evening. Every dish reflects the simplicity and soul of Italian cuisine, flavorful, comforting, and made to be enjoyed.
Starters & Salad Bar: Light, Fresh, and Flavorful
The buffet begins with a variety of salads and cold starters. A dedicated salad corner offers fresh, crunchy vegetables,meaty toppings like sliced meats and seafood, and dressings and garnishes to personalize your plate. You’ll find:
- A base of leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, corn, and bell peppers
- Protein options including tuna, sliced chicken, and seafood bits
- Cheese, croutons, seeds, and sauces to add flavor and texture
There’s also a selection of starter platters combining:
- Cheese slices, fresh fruits, grilled vegetables, and breadsticks or rolls
- These are simple but nicely arranged, perfect for nibbling before the hot dishes
Don’t miss the shooter corner, with small glasses of watermelon, celery, and pineapple juice blends. These are chilled and refreshing, especially nice at the beginning of your meal.
You’ll also spot crispy bacon in the starter section, served separately so you can add it to a salad or enjoy it on its own.
Soups: Warm and Satisfying
The soup station features two options:
- A vegetarian soup that is light and smooth
- A rich crab soup, which was a favorite for many, it had soft crab meat and a full-bodied broth without being too salty or spicy. The texture was just right, and it paired well with the fresh bread rolls on the side
Live Pasta Station: Cooked Your Way
One of the most engaging parts of the buffet is the handcrafted pasta station. Here, a chef prepares pasta fresh on the spot. You can customize your dish by choosing:
- Pasta type: penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine (based on the day)
- Sauce: creamy Alfredo, tomato-based marinara, or olive oil and garlic
- Add-ons: vegetables, cheese, chili flakes, mushrooms, olives, or bits of meat
This gives you a chance to get exactly what you’re in the mood for light and herby or creamy and rich.
Main Course: A Balanced Spread
The mains section offers a mix of Italian-style and familiar comfort food:
- Pork with potatoes: The pork is tender and the potatoes are cooked with seasoning savory and filling.
- Grilled chicken: Juicy and nicely seared, works well with both rice and sides.
- Rice & local curries: While the buffet focuses on Italian flavors, there are 1–2 rice options with local-style curries for those who want something familiar.
- Naan & rotis: Warm flatbreads that go well with the curries or grilled meats.
- Pizza slices: Thin crust, simple toppings—served hot and ready.
- A fish stew – warm, gently spiced, and comforting, with tender chunks of fish in a flavorful broth
- Sliced fish with seafood in minestrone sauce – a standout combination that blends mild seafood flavor with a herby tomato-based sauce. The sliced fish is soft and pairs well with the slight tang and vegetable texture of the minestrone-style mix.
- Mashed potatoes: Soft and buttery, a good side to balance out meats.
- Noodles: Light and non-spicy, for guests looking for something neutral.
There’s something for everyone here—whether you want to try something new or stick to comforting basics.
Complimentary Beverages:
Throughout the evening, you can enjoy a selection of complimentary drinks, including:
- Fresh juices like lime, watermelon, or pineapple (may vary)
- Mocktails with fruit blends, some fizzy and some calm
- Water and soft drinks are also available on request
This makes the evening feel complete without the need to order anything extra.
Dessert Corner: Creamy, Fruity & Chocolatey
The dessert station is generous, offering both light and rich options to end your meal. Some of the highlights:
- Cream caramel – soft, classic, with a hint of vanilla
- Bread pudding – warm and moist with just enough sweetness
- Crème brûlée – creamy base with a crackly sugar top
- Berlin cheesecake – this one stood out, creamy and rich without being heavy
- Several chocolate options, from mousse cups to cakes
- Fresh cut fruits like melon, pineapple, and papaya for those who want a light finish
You can choose one or try a little bit of everything. The portion sizes are small enough to make sampling easy.
The Italian night buffet at AYU is not just about fancy dishes, it’s a relaxed, well-organized evening with a wide variety of good food. The live pasta station, flavorful crab soup, and generous dessert section make the meal special without being over-the-top.
If you’re looking for a midweek dinner that combines international flavors, local touches, and good value with complimentary drinks included, this is worth checking out before the month ends.
🗓️ Every Thursday in July
🕖 7.00 PM – 10.30 PM
💵 LKR 6,900 nett per person
📞 Reservations: 0764 014 738
