TEXT & PIX BY CHARNIKA IMBULANA
When heading to Negombo, you cannot miss the magnificent Banyan tree right opposite Sentido Heritence Negambo. Aptly named and well laid out construction around this landmark tree is The Banyan Restaurant, the Hotel’s flagship food outlet- the latest go to place that is attracting foreigners and locals alike with their gastronomic delights, right through the day and night.
The Banyan’s sprawling compound consists of three specialized food venues: Swiss Bakery, from oven to bakery delectable croissants and pastries; Mad Dogs, offering fusion Mediterranean flair; and Rouge, a wine bar and lounge that offers the best to wind off the evening.
This space that constantly conjures novel menus boasts of the best of dishes in the area. The two outlets, Swiss Bakery and Mad Dogs in particular, both offer a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. To my delight while on a food tasting tour, I found this to be so true that the Swiss Bakery is ideal for pastry enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs alike and should not be missed. They serve a range of handcrafted croissants straight from the oven and a range of coffee and other beverages.
- Swiss Bakery- the finest in Pastries
We were hosted to sample a variety of the handcrafted hot croissants from a display of classic butter croissants to rich chocolate, savory cashew, sweet jam and butter, with cheese and ham. My favourite from the range was the Chocolate croissant baked to golden perfection, ready to be enjoyed warm and fresh.
This traditional French pastry made from layers of buttery, flaky croissant dough filled with chocolate is made from a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, and butter, and is folded and rolled multiple times to create layers. A flaky melt-in-your mouth golden crust filled with dark chocolate make these chocolate croissants an absolute treat. The skillful chefs were happy to share the ingredients that go into it too!
I liked the Chelsea bun too which was fluffy and light. Made of a soft rich pastry with brown sugar and packed with sultanas, it tasted divine. There is literally, something for everyone at The Swiss Bakery. Dedication to quality and excellence indeed is very evident.
Each pastry paired with a piping hot cup of freshly brewed coffee was just perfect and those who prefer something cold can pick from their wide range of other refreshing beverages on offer to concoct your own perfect combination.
- Mad Dogs – a Mediterranean treat
Move around The Banyan’s beautiful environs and you find Mad Dogs, in the same premises- a fusion Mediterranean restaurant that promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
The extraordinary menu is a fusion of flavours, combining traditional Mediterranean ingredients with innovative twists to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting. From succulent kebabs to flavourful koftas, each dish is crafted with precision and passion, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of the Mediterranean region.
The hummus platter that looked very colorful offered a variety of flavours; beetroot, white beans and lentil, and roasted carrots, all served with pita bread. The spiced polenta and feta fries with mint-dill curd were amazing and so similar to regular fries.
The spice-battered squid with harissa curd that was crispy and well- seasoned was my pick for the day at Mad Dogs! The chefs’ skill and attention to detail was very evident in all the dishes displayed. The Shawarma with mango pickle and tahini featured slow-cooked chicken with a tangy mango pickle, wrapped in soft pita bread was exemplary. I’v had many Shawarmas before, but this one at Mad Dogs is something that Shawarma fans ought to try.
The dishes at Mad Dogs are exquisitely hand crafted, giving attention to detail. Compliments ought to go to the talented lineup of Chefs at The Banyan for great creativity displayed together with great taste of the dishes proving that Mad Dog dishes not only look good, but tastes great too!
With the feast on offer, one needs to wash it all down with one of their special beverages, expertly crafted to complement the bold flavours of the cuisine. It was indeed a pleasure to have met the Corporate Food and Beverage Director Ralf Kohler who filled me in with the information on the new innovations that has made The Banyan attractive to the guests and Sentido Heritance Negombo Executive Director/General Manager Ranjan Stanislaus, whose wide knowledge of the history of not only the Sentido hotel but of the area in particular, and the hospitality industry in general gave a splendid insight into the intriguing settings of The Banyan. Vice President – Branding and PR Lucille Diaz at The Banyan, needs to be thanked for spearheading the very pleasant event hosted for the media to experience The Banyan Gastronomic journey.
Senior Restaurant Manager Chanaka Senevirathne, Room Divisions Manager Prasanna Silva, Banquet Coordinator Hansika Nirmani, Asst. Manager Food and Beverage, Events and Promotions Gayathri Randeni, Asst. Manager Food and Beverage Ravindu Winodahewa, Food and Beverage Associate W.K. Sasindu Adeesha, Senior Chef de Partie T.W. Arachchi, Executive Sous Chef Sanjeewa Niroshana, Pastry Chef Chameera Wickramasinghe were all associated at the Food tasting experience well organized for the media by Senior PR, Communications and Reputation Manager, Shivanka Nawarathna.
What makes The Banyan unique is not because of its delectable offerings, but the immersive experience it provides. Whether you are savoring a buttery croissant at the Swiss Bakery or indulging in a feast at Mad Dogs, the ambiance is warm and inviting, making you feel right at home.
In a city known for its culinary prowess, The Banyan stands out brightly like a neon light, right opposite Sentido Heritence as the ultimate culinary destination in Negombo.
