Biriyani fest at the Mount Lavinia Hotel

The fact is that there are more than 26 different varieties of Biriyani in making all over the world. There is no authentic documentation of the history of this dish or about its origin. The history of biriyani, according to which Biriyani is derived from the Parsi word 'Birian' and based on the name, and cooking style (Dum), one can conclude that the dish originated in Persia and /or Arabia.

It could have come from Persia via Afghanistan to North India. It could have also been brought by the Arab traders via Arabian Sea to Calicut. One legend has it that Timor, the lame brought it down from Kazakhstan via Afghanistan to Northern India. According to another legend, Mumtaz Mahal concocted this dish as a 'complete meal' to feed the army. Yet, some say the dish really originated in West Asia where in the Nomads would bury an earthen pot full of meat, rice and spices in a pit, eventually the pot was dug up and there was the Biriyani.

What ever said and done at Mount Lavinia Hotel is now serving an authentic, lip smacking, Sri Lankan Moor biriyani to tantalize the guests' discerning taste buds. Join the fun for an aromatic feast of biriyani and its accompaniments at the Governor's Restaurant till October 13. The biriyani promotion will be held during the month of Ramadan between 7.00pm and 11.00 pm.

Special arrangements are made for Ifthar including a prayer area. Enjoy a traditional Ifthar in peace with the magnificent view of the Colombo skyline, away from the urban hassles. This mouthwatering dinner buffet is priced at Rs. 1,800/- per person inclusive of Ifthar and Mount Lavinia Hotel's regular theme dinners.

On Mondays combine the biriyani feast with other Sri Lankan favourites like string hoppers, pittu and hoppers. Tuesdays, the hotel offers a scrumptious vegetarian buffet along with the biriyani. Wednesdays it's the silk route, a spread of far eastern delicacies with biriyani. On Thursdays it's Arabian knights with our Arabian specialties like kebabs, Arabic rice, lamb leg, shawarmas etc. and biriyani. Fridays it's barbeque night with delicious chops, roast chicken, grilled fish and biriyani. Saturdays it's Italian with delightful pastas, and finally on Sundays, it's chef's own specials with biriyani.