Last evening, I found myself heading up to Level 23 at Indiya, Cinnamon Life, and it turned out to be one of those dinners that simply reminds you why food is such a beautiful way to bring people together.

The evening marked a new chapter for the restaurant under the leadership of Chef Mukesh Joshi, and there was a lovely buzz in the room. Friends from the industry, familiar faces, good conversations, and of course, the promise of some comforting Indian food all set against the stunning Colombo skyline. Sometimes the setting already tells you the night is going to be a good one.

Chef Mukesh brings with him years of experience across India and Dubai, and you can feel that quiet confidence in the way the menu has been put together. There is a respect for classic Indian flavours, but also a thoughtful modern touch that makes the dishes feel exciting without losing their soul.

The meal unfolded beautifully, almost like a gentle journey across India. We started with a few light and playful bites, crispy chaats, pakoras, and some warming starters that set the tone for the evening. Those first flavours immediately got the table talking.

Then came the stars of the show. Fragrant biryanis arrived at the table, the kind that make everyone pause for a second before serving themselves. The Awadhi Mutton Biryani was rich and aromatic, while the Zaffrani Chicken Dum Biryani had that delicate saffron warmth that makes every spoonful comforting.

There were beautiful vegetarian dishes too. The Kurkuri Bhindi was crisp and addictive, the Bagara Baingan carried deep, smoky flavour, and the ever-reliable Dal Makhani was exactly what you want it to be: slow-cooked, creamy, and full of warmth.

The tandoor section also had its moment. Plates of kebabs, seafood, and grilled specialities kept appearing, each one packed with flavour. The breads arriving fresh from the tandoor, fluffy naan, paratha, and kulcha were perfect companions to the curries and gravies that followed.

What I particularly enjoyed was the overall spirit of the place. Indiya isn’t trying to be overly formal or intimidating. Instead, it feels warm and generous, the kind of restaurant where food is meant to be shared, conversations flow easily, and you leave the table feeling satisfied in more ways than one.

Between bites, we laughed, caught up, and admired the view from Level 23 as Colombo slowly lit up for the evening. It was one of those moments where the city feels alive, and the dining experience becomes more than just a meal.

Of course, no Indian dinner is complete without a sweet ending. Classic desserts like Mishti Doi and Kulfi Falooda closed the night beautifully, bringing that familiar touch of nostalgia that Indian sweets always deliver.

All in all, it was a wholesome evening, good food, wonderful company, and a restaurant clearly stepping into an exciting new phase.

If last night was anything to go by, Indiya at Cinnamon Life is ready to welcome Colombo’s food lovers to a dining experience that is vibrant, comforting, and meant to be enjoyed together around the table.