Browns Hotels & Resorts welcomes Malaysia’s top chefs for flavour-packed festival

Browns Hotels & Resorts recently hosted a 7-day Malaysian Food Festival, celebrating the rich flavours and traditions of Malaysia across three of its signature properties – Occidental Eden Beruwala, Thaala Bentota, and Club Hotel Dolphin, Negombo.

The festival featured two acclaimed chefs from Le Méridien Putrajaya, a five-star property in Malaysia – Chef Ezri Shahizam and Executive Chef Liou Chong Yaw, who showcased authentic recipes, spices, and culinary artistry.

The festivities commenced in grand style at Occidental Eden Beruwala, where guests were welcomed with traditional Malaysian dances, cultural songs, and a lively ambience. 

The opening night was graced by the presence of Badli Hisham Adam, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, alongside members of the Malaysian community in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Malay community, and a mix of local and international guests.

Guests embarked on a culinary journey that highlighted Malaysia’s diverse heritage, with signature dishes such as Sotong Sumbat Kalio (tender squid simmered in kalio sauce), Gulai Udang Dan Nenas (prawns in coconut milk with pineapple), Ayam Masak Hitam (chicken slow-cooked in dark soy and local herbs), and Kambing Bakar Percik (roasted lamb with fragrant spices). The dining experience concluded with traditional sweets including Bubur Jagung Dan Sagu.

To complement the menu, the festival introduced Malaysian-inspired cocktails and mocktails that blended tropical fruits, aromatic herbs, and local flavours – adding a creative twist to the evening.

Speaking at the launch, Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are delighted to bring this festival to our hotels and warmly invite everyone to taste, experience, and celebrate Malaysia with us. I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, for his invaluable support and coordination in making this cultural affair a truly immersive and memorable experience.”

Following the launch in Beruwala on the 22nd, the festival continued at Thaala Bentota on 26th & 27thAugust, before concluding at Club Hotel Dolphin, Negombo on 29th, 30th & 31st August.