A TASTE OF ISTANBUL ARRIVES IN COLOMBO

Hilton Colombo is bringing the sights, aromas and flavours of Türkiye to Sri Lanka through “A Turkish Affair”, a ten-day culinary celebration featuring authentic dishes, cultural experiences and a chance to win a trip to Türkiye. The event promises an immersive journey into one of the world’s most fascinating food traditions.

Food has long been one of the most powerful ambassadors of culture. A single meal can tell stories of geography, history, migration and tradition that no textbook ever could. This June, Hilton Colombo is inviting diners to embark on exactly such a journey with “A Turkish Affair”, a ten-day culinary showcase that promises to bring the soul of Istanbul to the heart of Sri Lanka.

Running from 11 to 20 June 2026 at Graze Kitchen, the event is a collaboration between Hilton Colombo and Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus. At the centre of the experience is guest chef Sercan Hamarat, who will present an array of authentic Turkish dishes designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Türkiye’s celebrated culinary heritage.

Turkish cuisine occupies a unique place on the world food map. Straddling Europe and Asia, Türkiye has absorbed influences from countless civilisations over centuries. The result is a cuisine that combines the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients with the aromatic spices and cooking traditions of the Middle East and Central Asia. Rich yet balanced, comforting yet sophisticated, Turkish food has earned admirers across the globe.

Visitors to Graze Kitchen can expect far more than a themed buffet. The dining space will be infused with Turkish-inspired cultural elements, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the warmth and hospitality for which the country is famous. It is an experience designed to engage all the senses, transporting guests from Colombo’s bustling streets to the lively restaurants and marketplaces of Istanbul.

The menu itself reads like a tour through Türkiye’s culinary treasures. Diners can savour Turkish Shawarmas and Döners featuring succulent cuts of meat carved fresh from rotating spits. Traditional kebabs, prepared according to time-honoured recipes, promise robust flavours and exquisite textures. Meanwhile, hearty dishes such as Chicken and Mutton Ouzi offer a glimpse into the comforting side of Turkish home-style cooking.

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of the event will be the selection of mezze. These small plates are central to Turkish dining culture, encouraging sharing, conversation and leisurely enjoyment. From creamy dips and marinated vegetables to delicately seasoned appetisers, the mezze spread reflects the social nature of Turkish meals, where food is often a reason to gather, connect and celebrate.

For Hilton Colombo, the event is about more than showcasing international cuisine. It is about creating meaningful cultural exchanges. “Food has a unique way of bringing cultures together,” says Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo. Through the partnership with Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, the hotel aims to introduce guests not only to Turkish flavours but also to the traditions and hospitality that define the nation.

Adding an element of excitement to the celebration is a partnership with Turkish Airlines. Guests dining during the promotion can enter a raffle draw for the chance to win a return ticket to any destination in Türkiye. The prize offers one fortunate traveller an opportunity to move beyond the flavours and experience the country itself, from the majestic skyline of Istanbul to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean coast and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.

The timing of the event reflects a growing global fascination with culinary tourism. Across the world, travellers are increasingly seeking authentic food experiences as a gateway to understanding different cultures. Hotels, recognising this trend, are turning their restaurants into platforms for cultural storytelling, hosting visiting chefs and international food festivals that bring distant destinations closer to home.

“A Turkish Affair” fits perfectly into this movement. It offers a rare opportunity for Sri Lankan diners to experience genuine Turkish cuisine prepared by a chef deeply rooted in the tradition. More importantly, it demonstrates how food can build bridges between countries, creating connections that transcend language and geography.

As Colombo continues to evolve as a cosmopolitan culinary destination, events such as this enrich the city’s dining landscape and offer residents and visitors alike the chance to broaden their gastronomic horizons. Whether guests come for the smoky kebabs, the vibrant mezze, the cultural ambience or the possibility of winning a journey to Türkiye, they are likely to leave with something more valuable—a deeper appreciation of a cuisine and culture that have captivated the world for centuries.

For ten evenings this June, Istanbul will not be thousands of kilometres away. It will be waiting at a table in Colombo. marat from Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.