Sri Lankan culinary at Mado Mado, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport

Reviewed by Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-chief, TheGlitz

When I stepped into Mado Mado Restaurant at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, I knew I was in for something special — and not just because the air was filled with the irresistible aroma of roasted spices.

I was there to review the much-talked-about “Taste of Ceylon” festival, a vibrant Sri Lankan culinary showcase curated by Chef Lakshman Karunarathne, the visiting chef from Sheraton Colombo Hotel. And if authenticity is the benchmark of great cuisine, Chef Lakshman sets the bar remarkably high.

Sri Lankan Postcard

In fact, he proudly shared that he brought over 100 kilograms of spices from Sri Lanka to Mumbai to ensure that every dish retains its authentic island character. “The soul of Sri Lankan cuisine lies in its spices,” he explained with a warm smile. And that passion is evident in every bite.

Fabulous Hospitality

The hospitality at Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport is par excellence and deserves special mention. From the gracious warmth of the General Manager and the Vice President to the enthusiasm of the chefs and servers, the welcome felt genuinely heartfelt.

The Chefs

The very vibrant Chef Kamlesh, representing the Fairfield culinary team, looked visibly proud of the collaboration and shared how Chef Lakshman’s culinary artistry had inspired the entire kitchen team. The camaraderie between the chefs translated beautifully into the food — every dish – flavourful and delicious, served with precision, care, and a touch of excitement.

The Ambience

The ambience at Mado Mado added to the immersive experience. The restaurant had been transformed into a visual ode to Sri Lanka — lush green accents reminiscent of the island’s tropical landscape, subtle décor inspired by its cultural motifs, and the Sri Lankan flag unfurled as a proud symbol of the cuisine being celebrated. The setting felt almost like a postcard from Colombo or Galle — vibrant yet soothing, festive yet elegant.

Finger-lickin’ Good Food

…Then came the food — and what a glorious parade of flavours it was.

We began with Pol Roti with Lunumiris, a traditional coconut flatbread paired with a fiery red onion-chili sambal. The roti was wonderfully rustic with a soft interior and crisp edges, while the lunumiris delivered a bold, tangy, chilli-spiked punch that awakened the palate instantly. It was a humble dish elevated by impeccable balance.

Next arrived the beloved Sri Lankan street-food classic Mutton Kottu. The dish was a comforting medley of finely chopped parotta stir-fried with aromatic mutton curry, vegetables, eggs and spices. Each bite was intensely flavourful — smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying. The rhythmic clatter often associated with kottu preparation may have been absent in the kitchen, but the dish retained its vibrant street-side spirit.

The Fish Ambul Thiyal was another standout — a traditional sour fish curry known for its distinctive tang. The fish was beautifully cooked, absorbing the rich, slightly tart notes of goraka and spices, creating a bold yet elegant flavour profile that lingered deliciously on the palate.

Equally memorable were the accompaniments — from fragrant rice preparations to vibrant sambols that added bursts of heat, citrus, and texture. Every element felt thoughtfully crafted, reflecting the layered complexity that defines Sri Lankan cuisine.

And then came dessert — the comforting sweetness that completed the journey. Traditional touches of coconut and jaggery created a warm, nostalgic finale that left us smiling long after the last bite.

TheGlitz Verdict

What made the evening truly exceptional was the sense of authenticity and passion behind the experience. Chef Lakshman’s dedication to bringing the flavours of Sri Lanka to Mumbai was palpable in every delcious dish. The aromatic spices, the techniques, the balance of heat and tang — everything felt deeply rooted in tradition while being presented with contemporary finesse.

Combined with the heartfelt hospitality of the Fairfield team, the Taste of Ceylon festival becomes more than just a dining event. It feels like a culinary voyage — one that transports guests from Mumbai straight to the tropical kitchens of Sri Lanka.

For anyone who loves bold flavours, fragrant spices and immersive food experiences, this festival is nothing short of unforgettable. At Mado Mado, Sri Lanka isn’t just served — it’s celebrated. So, go ahead, and book your tables now… for the Taste of Ceylon festival from March 13-March 22, 2026, serves the most mouth-watering and delicious authentic Sri Lankan dishes, and is definitely not to be missed.