By Sharon Nonis,
We recently experienced the Korean themed buffet at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and it truly felt like a global culinary journey one that placed Korean flavours at the heart of it all. With a beautiful setup, warm service, and an impressive spread of dishes from Korea and beyond, it was a memorable evening full of flavor and variety.
Salad & Starters
We started our night with a visit to the salad bar, where there was a refreshing mix of greens, Korean-style veggies, and interesting cold options. The cheese display featured a lovely selection of cheeses that paired well with some of the cold tapas on offer. Right beside it was the cold cuts section featuring sliced meats and seafood options like shrimp and octopus.
There was also a sushi section that added a nice Japanese touch to the starters fresh, light, and a great way to ease into the meal.
Mains
The main course offered a well-balanced combination of Korean specials, international favourites, and a touch of Indian comfort food.
Starting with the Korean dishes, the Korean BBQ pork belly was definitely the highlighted, smoky, and full of bold flavors. There was also baked roast pork served with Korean fried rice, along with kimchi fried rice for those who love that signature spicy tang. The spicy Korean fish stew was hearty and packed with flavour, while the stir-fried octopus and shrimp added a nice touch of heat and texture.
We also tried kebabs in different meat varieties, which were grilled just right and full of flavour. The Korean sweet and sour noodles and Korean beef sesame noodles were rich and comforting, while the Korean-style vegetable dishes provided a wholesome balance to the meats.
In addition to all the Korean options, there was also an Indian section featuring naan, biriyani, and a variety of curries perfect for those who love a spice-packed plate. To our surprise, there was even Korean chicken pizza and Margherita pizza, which brought a fun, fusion twist to the buffet.
Bread & Soup Corner
The bread and soup corner had warm rolls and comforting broths to start things off or wind down the meal. It was a nice touch for those who enjoy the classic hotel buffet staples.
Desserts
Dessert was where the evening ended on a sweet high. There was a great variety of Korean desserts, including sweet Korean pancakes, which were warm and filled with a sugary coconut-like centre. Alongside those, there were plenty of cakes, ice cream options, and other sweet treats to choose from. Whether you were in the mood for something traditional or something light and fruity, there was a dessert for every craving.
Ambience & Service
The entire experience was made even better by the warm and attentive service from the Cinnamon Lakeside team. The staff were friendly, helpful, and always ready to explain dishes or offer a recommendation. The ambiance was relaxed and inviting, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a laid-back family dinner.
Final Thoughts
The Korean themed buffet at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo wasn’t just about Korean food it was a beautiful mix of cultures and flavors that came together so well.
If you’re looking for a buffet that offers variety without compromising on taste, this one should definitely be on your list. It’s a great way to explore new flavors while enjoying the familiar ones too.
Location: 115, Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, 00200
Date: Every Thursday until 31st July
Time: 7 PM-11 PM
Price Per Person: LKR 7800++
Phone: 0112 491 000
Visit their Instagram page here, Facebook page here, and their Website here.
