Graze Kitchen, Emperor’s Wok, L.A.B. and SunsetBlu reveal Hilton Colombo’s dynamic culinary personality with cosmopolitan polish
Embodying the vibrant spirit and rich diversity of Sri Lanka’s thriving capital, Hilton Colombo is a premier business hotel situated in the heart of the city’s enterprising Central Business District. As Hilton’s flagship hotel in Sri Lanka, the property features 368 guestrooms and suites designed to deliver a timeless business or leisure stay in one of Asia’s emerging destinations for MICE and corporate travel.
An iconic landmark that continues to reinvent Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism landscape nearly four decades after its opening, Hilton Colombo welcomes local guests and international travellers with its signature warmth and hospitality, creating the comforting feeling of a home away from home.
The hotel has also played an integral role in shaping Colombo’s restaurant and social scene, making it a distinctive destination for Indian travellers seeking authentic gourmet dining and memorable culinary experiences.
A Culinary Journey That Transcends Generations
When Hilton Colombo formally opened its doors in 1987, the hotel introduced a modern and contemporary style of dining and socialisation that had rarely been experienced in Sri Lanka before. Local guests and international travellers discovered transformative dining and culinary concepts that significantly reinvented the country’s hospitality landscape.
These experiences also established the hotel as a gathering place for government officials, business leaders, diplomats, families and friends—a tradition that continues to flourish today.
Throughout its history, Hilton Colombo has had the distinction and privilege of hosting several Indian dignitaries and celebrities. These include former President of India, the Honourable Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam; internationally acclaimed Indian actress and film producer Priyanka Chopra; and, most recently, renowned South Indian actor Suriya Sivakumar.
Hilton Colombo also catered the state banquet held in honour of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his official state visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025.
One of Hilton Colombo’s most iconic and fondly remembered restaurants during the late 1980s and 1990s was Lotus Terrace, an informal yet sophisticated all-day dining restaurant that originally served à la carte menus and dinner buffets.
Other restaurants, including Gables, a fine-dining establishment; Thorana, a serene waterfront lobby bar; The Wok, a Chinese speciality restaurant; Ginza Hohsen, an authentic Japanese speciality restaurant; and Fine Things, a patisserie, also helped shape a legacy of culinary expertise and immersive dining culture.
That legacy continues through Hilton Colombo’s modern dining iterations, which encompass Graze Kitchen, L.A.B. Lounge and Bar, Emperor’s Wok and Café Kai.
Hilton Colombo’s reputation as a nightlife hotspot began with its iconic nightclub, Blue Elephant. Today, that spirit continues at SunsetBlu, a lively all-day pool bar, and Stella Karaoke Bar & Lounge.
Dining as a Form of Connection and Memory
Graze Kitchen is Hilton Colombo’s signature all-day dining restaurant, a venue where guests can delight in international culinary fare sourced and inspired by destinations across the world.
Brimming with flavour and pulsating with culinary energy, Graze Kitchen features a series of show kitchens offering an assortment of cuisines, ranging from Southeast Asian and Indian specialities to Western grills and Sri Lankan favourites.
With rotating breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, guests can create lasting memories and connections with friends, family or corporate colleagues over delectable cuisine. The experience is set within a striking Art Deco-inspired ambience, complemented by exquisite views of the hotel’s lotus pond.
The hotel’s new Indian Chef de Cuisine, Samit Maity, together with a team of chefs specialising in Indian cuisine, oversees the dynamic Indian kitchen at Graze Kitchen.
Showcasing bold aromatics, tantalising flavours and vibrant spices, the Indian kitchen serves an authentic selection of dishes, ranging from a variety of chaats and delectable biryanis to tandoori malai chicken kebabs and assorted thali-style recipes.
What distinguishes the Indian show kitchen at Graze Kitchen is the chefs’ commitment to curating a rich tapestry of Indian delicacies that evoke the familiar flavours of home for the discerning Indian traveller.
Unique epicurean stories unfold through dishes inspired by the kitchens of Punjab, Rajasthan, Lucknow, Bengal, Kolkata and North India, alongside celebrated Mughlai culinary traditions. Each is presented through the skilful craftsmanship of the hotel’s Indian speciality chefs.
Bringing the Flavours of Chinese Cuisine to Life
Emperor’s Wok, Hilton Colombo’s speciality Chinese restaurant, celebrates the heritage of Chinese fine dining while showcasing the precision and refinement of authentic Cantonese cuisine.
As guests enter the restaurant, they are welcomed by a striking sky-blue ceiling illustrated in a Chinese artistic style, offering a captivating preview of the culinary experience that awaits.
A beautiful show kitchen, manned by chefs with expertise in Chinese culinary traditions, sits at the heart of the restaurant. An elegant bar serving classic cocktails inspired by 1920s Canton and refined interiors featuring subtle references to Chinese culture further elevate the dining ambience at Emperor’s Wok.
The restaurant is renowned for its carefully curated selection of dishes, including Beijing-style roasted Peking duck, delicious dim sum and delectable seafood prepared and served in authentic Cantonese culinary fashion.
Serene Afternoons Beside the Exquisite Lotus Pond
The lotus pond, with its lush green gardens, antique fountain adorned with radiant purple flowers, elegant black swans and colourful koi fish, is an awe-inspiring sight for guests arriving at Hilton Colombo.
Evoking nature and serenity amid the energy of the city, the lotus pond is one of the hotel’s star attractions. It invites guests to create memorable moments over an elegant afternoon tea at L.A.B., Hilton Colombo’s lobby bar and lounge.
Showcasing a serene ambience and comfortable surroundings, L.A.B. offers a quiet pause during a guest’s culinary exploration. Leisurely afternoons can be enjoyed over the elegant indulgences of a high tea platter, accompanied by a soothing cup of tea or coffee.
At night, L.A.B. transforms into a stylish jazz bar and lounge that evokes both glamour and mystique. Live jazz music, exquisite cocktails created by the bar’s expert mixologists and the distinct hum of social conversation allow guests to unwind and enjoy a truly remarkable evening.
Guests are also encouraged to experience the Cinnamon OF, L.A.B.’s distinctly Sri Lankan interpretation of the classic Old Fashioned.
SunsetBlu: The City’s Signature Nightlife Hotspot
SunsetBlu reveals another side of Hilton Colombo as the sun sets, the sky darkens and Colombo’s skyline illuminates in its full vibrancy.
Live entertainment by resident and guest DJs, performances by local musical bands and the showmanship of the hotel’s expert mixologists create the feeling that the evening will be both euphoric and exciting.
The signature SunsetBlu cocktail, recognised by its electric blue shade, is a special favourite among guests drawn to the bar’s celebratory atmosphere and spirited revelry.
During the day, SunsetBlu offers a relaxed pool-bar ambience where guests can enjoy an enticing variety of freshly baked pizzas and other bar favourites. The experience is set against lush tropical surroundings overlooking the serene green waters of the Beira Lake canal.
What remains consistent across generations, eras, and communities is Hilton Colombo’s role as one of Asia’s defining hospitality landmarks—a place where dining continues to be closely connected with social life, celebrations, business culture and Colombo’s evolving urban identity.
The hotel’s dining offerings are among the primary ways in which guests experience Hilton Colombo’s signature warmth and hospitality. Together, they represent the social and emotional heart of the property, continuing to make the hotel a magnetic and enthralling destination for international travellers and local guests alike.
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