A Taste of the North, Served with Heart at Nuga Gama

So let me start by saying this: when you’re a Jaffna Tamil, walking into Cinnamon Grand Colombo for something called The Jaffna Table comes with expectations. High ones. Borderline judgemental ones. Because let’s be honest, we all believe the best Jaffna food is at home, made by someone who will scold you while serving it. ( In my case it’s my sister, and she does not like short cuts in her Jaffna food) 

That said… I walked in curious, slightly suspicious, and very hungry.

The first surprise? The makeover at Nuga Gama. Comfort is clearly the star here. Cooling mist everywhere, proper airflow, relaxed seating basically an environment that says, “Yes, we’re going to feed you serious spice, but we also care about your wellbeing.” Because nothing ruins a good Jaffna meal like sweating through your outfit before the second bite. So points for that.

Now let’s get into the food because this was not a shy spread. From the starters onwards, it was clear this wasn’t a half-hearted “let’s add some chilli and call it Jaffna” situation. This was confident food. The kind that looks at you and says, “You ready?”

The dosai station? Proper. Traditional accompaniments, done right. The Rasam? Comforting, layered, and exactly what it should be the kind of dish that warms you up emotionally before it hits you physically. And the prawns… oh, the prawns. Crunchy, flavourful, spicy in the right way, and honestly the kind of prawns that make you forget table manners for a second.

What I really appreciated was that this wasn’t just about heat. It celebrated different parts of the North different flavours, textures, styles reminding you that Jaffna food isn’t one-note. It’s bold, yes, but it’s also balanced. And that balance showed up on the plate again and again.

Now, let me say this carefully as someone who usually says, “Akka makes it better” this actually matched a very good standard. I wasn’t constantly comparing it to home (which is rare). That’s how you know it worked.

And just when you think you’re done, they end it with jackfruit. JACKFRUIT. Because if you’re going to do Jaffna, you do it properly slightly full, very satisfied, and wondering how you’re going to walk back to your car.

So yes The Jaffna Table at Cinnamon Grand didn’t just feed me. It comforted me, impressed me, and made me nod silently while chewing, which is the highest compliment I can give as a foodie.

Spicy, thoughtful, comforting, and done with respect.
Now that’s how you tell a Jaffna story on a plate. 
Now go enjoy LKR 7500 nett per person, and they are serving this joyful spread till the 30 Jan 2026