Based on Sri Lanka's reputation as an island abounded with spices, it was envisaged to create an event synonymous with it appropriately titled "World Spice Food Festival" with the objective of creating more dining options for both local and international tourists and eventually making it an event which would influence decisively on holiday destination choices by International Tourists.

Hence, initiated in year 2005, the "World Spice Food Festival-2011" is steering up for the Fifth successful year incorporating a 'Global Spice Food Village' to enhance an event that will showcase the culinary expertise from around the world.

For the first time in Sri Lanka a vast array of cuisine associated with spiced food was offered to both local & international tourists in the city of Colombo which culminated with Spice Bazaar for the public which was an astounding success. Standards & Quality Assurance Division of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is responsible in organising this event which has now become an annual fixture

This year a total of 11 Signature Chefs flying down from various parts of the world such as, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Italy, Vietnam, Vietnam, South Africa, Philippine, China, Korea etc., will be working out their magic revelling in their culinary skills.

The participating five star city hotels and 5 speciality restaurants will showcase 15 different cuisines in this veritable jamboree of unique culinary experiences ensuring that visitors to the event witness a gourmet experience like no other at a very affordable price.

"Since 2005 The World Spice Food Festival has brought together chefs from overseas who have worked together with local Sri Lankan chefs to produce a variety of ethnic dishes using typical spices and seasonings prominent in their ethnic kitchens. This has given the Sri Lankan chefs the opportunity to understand and learn about other global cuisines, and the role that spices play in creating mouth watering specialties.

The World Spice Food Festival, with participating specialised chefs, is a unique event and Sri Lanka offers a great venue being the source of many of the world spices..."

Each participating hotel and restaurant will conduct a food festival from 14th-25th July 2010 with a guest signature chef taking you through a speciality cuisine. All the participating city hotels are enthusiastically looking forward to ensure that the master chefs will be on hand to showcase culinary delights from their part of the globe live in action.

Established in 1837, the Grand Oriental Hotel is conveniently located in Colombo's business district with easy access to the World Trade Centre, banks, and airline offices and shopping. The colonial-style hotel, overlooking the harbor, hosts 82 rooms for the businessperson or itinerant traveler. Gaze over the harbor while selecting from a choice of Western and Eastern cuisines from the Harbour Room; choose from a selection of delicious Sri Lankan cuisine at the Sri Lanka Restaurant; enjoy delicious pastries from the Tiffin Hut; or choose from a selection of local spirits at the Tap Bar.

Waters Edge, situated in the suburbs of Colombo, is a leisure property sitting on the edge of a golf course with restaurants, extensive banqueting and conferencing facilities. Enjoy fine-dining in The Dining Room or casual dining at the Lobby Restaurant; partake in a game of pool at the 19th Bar; and leave with a delectable pastry or cake from Essentials.

Situated in the heart of Colombo's business district, the Galadari Hotel is a 450 room super luxury hotel adjacent to the Presidential Secretariat, banks, and the World Trade Center, with easy access to the shopping areas in Colombo. Grab a pastry at Café 64; enjoy a fine-dining experience at the California Grill; eat a selection of dishes from the buffet at The Coffee Shop; or choose from a selection of Chinese or Arabic dishes from the Stix Chinese Restaurant or the Sheherazade Arabic Restaurant.

Built on a story of love, mystique, and secrecy between Sir Thomas Maitland and the beautiful maiden Lavinia, the Mount Lavinia Hotel was once Maitland's sprawling mansion. Bordered by a vast expanse of golden sandy beaches, Mount Lavinia Hotel, with its 226 rooms inclusive of suites, retains the old world charm and imperial elegance of yesteryear with today's modern facilities. The hotel was described in Newsweek (November, 2000) as having "One of the World's Best Gathering Places" on its terrace with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The Governor's Restaurant serves cuisine from across the globe, including authentic Sri Lankan, Italian, Mediterranean, Cuban, and Central and South American dishes, while Seafood Cove offers fresh seafood prepared in a variety of ways.

The Taj Samudra, a member of one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels â€" Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces â€" is centrally located in Colombo's business district and a short stroll from the city center. The hotel boasts a peerless view of the Indian Ocean and the Galle Face Green. Experience comfort in one of the 300 lavish rooms, including 30 suites and three business floors. Enjoy dining at the Latitude coffee shop, Indian cuisine at Navratna, the finest Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine at The Golden Dragon, and a hearty selection of steaks and wines at The Steak and Grill House. Relax with coffee or tea in the Lobby Lounge or enjoy watching sports and listening to lively music at the Mix Bar.

Situated in the center of Colombo's commercial district, the Ramada Colombo is a convenient location for shopping, sight seeing, and conferences. The hotel offers 92 well-appointed deluxe rooms and exclusive suites, which should make every guest happy. Ramada Colombo Alhambra Restaurant is a treasure trove for Moghul delights; the Gardenia Coffee Shop serves Continental, Sri Lankan, and Chinese favorites; relax listening to tunes from the jukebox at the Oasis Lounge.

Siam House on Melbourne Avenue has been offering authentic Thai food with a fine-dining experience over the past 15 years. With capacity for seating 200, diners can choose between sitting in the garden, upstairs and downstairs verandah, and of course, within. Siam House ensures a pleasantly calm dining experience.

Raja Bojun, located at the Ceylinco Seylan Towers on Galle Road, serves delicious and mouth-watering Sri Lankan specialties with stunning views of the Ocean as a backdrop. For a typical Sri Lankan meal, try the 'aappa' (hoppers) or the 'Indi-aappa' (string hoppers) with meat curry, vegetable curry, and rice dishes, and top it off with a variety of desserts from curd and treacle to watalappam.

Sizzlers, located on Walukararama Road, serves platters of mouthwatering meats, seafood, and vegetable delights on a cast iron platter, which is in turn placed on a wooden base, and served to the table as it sizzles. The restaurant presents a new line of cuisine to the local palette with great authentic Halal recipes presented in a creative manner, resulting in innovative recipes and delectable combinations. With seating for 94, Sizzlers is a vibrant and dynamic family dining restaurant.

Gaze out over the city from one of the luxurious suites at the Hilton Colombo Residence, located in Colombo's business district. The Hilton Colombo Residence boasts a conference room for 60-200 people, a business center and wireless internet access in all the suites. Have lunch at the Pitstop after a busy day of shopping; feast at the seafood buffet at the Union Bar & Grill; or try the crab curry at the Verandah Bistro & Bar.

The Hilton Colombo, strategically located in the heart of Colombo's commercial hub, bears the first address in the prestigious Echelon Square. The 7½ acre complex hosts 384 deluxe guest rooms and suites and two Executive Floors. The Hilton hosts a number of restaurants and lounges for any mood: Spoons serving creative and classic cuisine; Spices famed for its magnificent and extensive buffets; the outdoor garden restaurant Curry Leaf offering traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and fresh seafood; Il Ponte Ristorante serving authentic Italian trattoria, including homemade pastas and pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven; authentic Japanese cuisine of Ginza Hohsen; Emperor's Wok serving authentic Cantonese and other cuisines from the great cities and regions of China; Fine Things providing a range of homemade chocolates, bakery items and pastries; Pool Bar offering a relaxing atmosphere and cocktails while overlooking the pool; sing or listen to the singing of others at the Stella Karaoke Lounge; have a pint at the colonial-style Echelon Pub; or relax with teas or cocktails at the Thorana Lounge.

The Cinnamon Grand Hotel, in the heart of Colombo's business and shopping district, hosts 501 luxurious rooms and has its own unique splash of color, sounds, and unexpected pleasures. The hotel serves an eclectic mix of fine cuisine, with choices of Eastern, Western or fusion fare. Try The Café for a choice of healthy foods and fruity drinks; the Taprobane for its international buffet; fusion delights at Tao; a choice of Italian dishes from Echo; Chutneys selection of South Indian dishes; fresh seafood from The Lagoon; the champagne bar at Sequel; the Cheers Pub; the Coffee Stop, a range of sweet and savoury treats and coffee; and fine-dining at The London Grill.

Overlooking the Beira Lake, Cinnamon Lakeside is the epitome of indulgence and elegance. Sprawling over seven acres of land, this unique resort presents you with innumerable choices of perfect accommodation, a wide array of restaurants, state-of-the-art facilities, entertainment for all ages and moods, and comfort and peace of mind. Enjoy the Dining Room, a 24-hour coffee shop offering international favorites and Asian fare; Royal Thai, authentic Thai food prepared by Thai master chefs and enjoyed in a peaceful and serene ambience; Long Feng, offering an eclectic range of Singaporean cuisine; 7Ëš North, boasting tapas-style food and an extensive Mediterranean a la carte menu; The Lounge, offering tantalizing snacks and mouth-watering after-dinner desserts or aromatic specialty coffees; Goodies, presenting 150 varieties of pastries, handmade chocolates, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches; Pool Bar, for a light snack near the pool; Sushi Bar, serving a tempting array of sushi, sashimi, tempura, and miso soup; and The Library, an exclusive club and lounge.

The Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo, located in the business district, hosts 190 luxurious rooms and suites with ocean views guaranteed to soothe the mind and body. 24-hour room service, high-speed Wi-Fi internet access, a personal mini bar and cable TV are just a few of the amenities offered to make for a warm and comfortable stay. A number of eating establishments cater to every whim: the Emerald Coffee Shop provides meals from breakfast to special late night snacks; the Heist Bar and Lounge offers a breathtaking view of the sunset over the pool; the Club Continental Lounge is fully equipped with a business center; Café Conti has fruit juices, tea and cake; and the Tandoor restaurant transports you back to the Moghul era.

The Galle Face Hotel, a landmark heritage hotel established in 1864, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean on one side and the Galle Face Green on the other. The hotel has hosted royalty in the past. The Classic Wing, comprising 65 rooms, has been restored to its colonial splendor, while the new Regency Wing boasts of the latest state-of-the art equipment. Enjoy dining at one of the many restaurants: feast on delicious seafood at the Sea Spray Restaurant just a few feet away from the Indian Ocean; relax at the Verandah Restaurant while watching the sunset; savour vintage wine at Wine Lounge, and have an unforgettable, luxurious dining experience at 1864.

A Retro-Chic hotel with 12 designer suites housed within a grand 200 year old mansion, Casa Colombo's style is a tonic for the senses and a breath of fresh air. Placed in the very heart of the city with WiFi, HiFi and all the accoutrements of a personal office, our suites are just perfect for those on the go. For the less inclined, it's a quiet escape, secluded from the intrusions of the city.

3 fabulous eateries. Our pink pool makes headlines, whilst our Domos make each guest feel as though they were the only ones staying at Casa Colombo.a Conde Nast Hotlist Hotel, and what Luxe loves in Sri Lanka.

Jack Tree Authentic Thai restaurant is the newest addition to Colombo City, situated at Park Road Colombo 05. Our Special Menus are created to give a authentic Thai expreience on your every visit. Chefs ensure they maintain prefect Thai culinary traditions for their preparations and presentations at the restaurant.To maintain our prominent standards, essential ingredients are flown in direct from Thailand. Jack tree also has elegantly furnished private dining rooms, which could be reserved for private gatherings and have menus which suit your requirments. If u want Flavour and spice in an ambience ideal for family - Jack Tree is the place **FOOD THAT WILL KEEP U SMILING****

At The Mango Tree, on Dharmapala Mawatha, experience the rich heritage of North Indian cuisine and specialty dishes from different regions of India, with a focus on char-grills and low-fat cooking. The contemporary design with modern finishes offers a classy ambience, with access to a relaxing bar lounge and a chic and exclusive private dining lounge