SRILANKAN FLAVOURS

SriLankan Airlines has embarked on a new journey to bring the essence of Sri Lanka to passengers with SriLankan Flavours. These new Sri Lankan meal options introduced to the onboard menu capture passengers with the culinary treasures of the island, showcasing an exquisite array of authentic dishes that celebrate the rich flavours and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

This gastronomic adventure will make any Sri Lankan passenger’s onboard experience feel very local, keeping him or her close to home, while giving international travellers an early taste of the paradise that awaits them.

The Flavours campaign was a combined effort by the SriLankan Airlines’ Product Development team, together with SriLankan Catering’s dynamic Inflight Services and Marketing teams, with the aim of showcasing the unique and distinct culinary delights of the country as a key product offering and differentiator.

This innovative menu is thoughtfully designed to elevate the journey in the skies. You’ll discover a blend of flavours and wellness aspects, including immunity boosting options like aloe vera and pineapple; cucumber and honey; and the very popular king coconut water served with coconut pulp as a welcome drink.

The main dishes are not to be missed – each a delicious ode to local culinary heritage.

Imagine savouring egg roti paired with paraw fish curry and crumb fried prawns, or indulging in kurakkan roti accompanied by chicken and dhal curry with a side of lunumiris. The lamprais is a symphony of flavours, featuring rice, fried ash plantain, brinjal pahi, fried onion sambol and vegetable stuffed capsicum. And the kuruluthuda heirloom rice is the highlight, served with chicken pepper curry and an array of vegetable curries.

As every meal requires a sweet ending, you’ll find yourself delighted by the exquisite Sri Lankan desserts on offer – lavariya and curd with waraka compote. These culinary delights elevate your in-flight dining experience, and offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse local cuisine.

Manager Product Development of SriLankan Airlines Maria Sathasivam states: “The ingredients are all very traditional, and most meals come with a lot of health and wellness benefits that people travelling with SriLankan are not aware of. We wanted this to be a part of our story.”

“The campaign tag line is ‘flavours that fuel the body, mind and soul,’ which was something we wanted to retain and highlight – that it’s more than simply a dish served on an aircraft and it brought along a story,” she notes.

This initiative led to SriLankan Flavours being awarded the prestigious 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation award at the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) and IFSA (International Flight Services Association) Global Expo.

The Best Inflight Food or Beverage award celebrates excellence in enhancing the onboard culinary experience. And the airline’s winning entry met the judging criteria for commitment to leading, developing and representing the global business interests of the onboard service sector, as well as its focus on appearance, innovation and function.

APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader comments on the win: “Sri Lankan cuisine, renowned for its rich tapestry of spices, flavours and aromas, has been masterfully translated into an inflight experience that is both authentic and innovative. The meticulous presentation, reminiscent of the island’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture, elevates the dining experience to new heights.”

Flavours was introduced to enhance and differentiate the in-flight experience, adding to the authenticity that the carrier brings with its food, service, decor and hospitality, each of which sets out to give the airline’s product the distinct quality of being Sri Lankan. SriLankan Flavours also takes this experience a notch higher by ensuring that the food served champions a key component of the country – local cuisine.

The Flavours menu has garnered praise from passengers, sparking conversations about Sri Lankan cuisine. These meals have been meticulously curated, featuring food items renowned from various regions of the country. The selection showcases the country’s rich multiethnicity and multiculturalism through a diverse array of delicacies, leaving a lasting impression on travellers.

Since local food inherently offers health and wellness benefits, the airline aims to introduce many exciting new additions in the future.

“As the majority of the produce and ingredients for the Flavours menu are sourced locally, steps will be taken to procure produce directly from growers, thereby contributing to the economic wellbeing of rural farmers as a longer term initiative and extension of this campaign,” Sathasivam adds.

SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall says: “These new additions are certain to stimulate all five senses and give our in-flight cuisine an exciting new twist on classic Sri Lankan dishes. Additionally, we’re helping promote and preserve the culinary culture of Sri Lanka by offering traditional delicacies of the island to a global audience of travellers.”

With a strong commitment to locally sourced ingredients and dedication to preserving the essence of Sri Lankan gastronomy, this menu not only tantalises taste buds but also champions health conscious choices for the modern traveller.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira
COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone: 1979 (within Sri Lanka)/+94 117771979 (international) | Email: reservations@srilankan.com | Website: www.srilankan.com