The restaurateurs of the 8 restaurants featured in Dolce Vita in Serendib pose with the Italian Ambassador Rita Mannella

Gaining inspiration from Italians who visited the exotic island of ‘Seyllan’ from centuries ago described as ‘Adam’s Garden’ where platters of nature’s rich bounties were a plenty, the Italian Embassy in Colombo launched the coffee table book ‘Dolce Vita in Serendib’ traveling through a gastronomic journey of authentic Italian cuisine in Sri Lanka. 

The book holds a repository of epicurean treasures with over sixty Italian recipes beautifully interwoven with tales and accounts of Italy’s culinary history.

Eight restaurants in Sri Lanka have contributed recipes of their signature Italian dishes while both the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador’s well-loved recipes have also been added into book.  The featured restaurants – Aqua Forte, Capital Bar & Grill at the Shangri-La, Dolce Italia, Echo at the Cinnamon Grand, Lago Italian Bistro, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Park Street Trattoria and Tintagel - handpicked as serving the most authentic Italian flair. 

Complementing the flavours within the pages are an array of narratives chronicling legend, history, anecdotes and tales that have surround Italy’s romance with food.  

Quirky, factual, historic and fun, the articles start off with an introduction to fashionable food and feisty flavours, travelling through time with wine, cheese, pasta, ham, olive oil, coffee, gelato and pizza, go through the history of etiquette, slow cooking, the Mediterranean diet and kitchen culture, while also adding a reality check with the conservation of food.

Speaking at the launch event of the book, Ambassador for Italy in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Rita Mannella who penned the book together with renowned writer Savithri Rodrigo, said, “The idea of publishing a recipe book showcasing Italian cuisine came to my mind almost immediately on my arrival.  I wanted everyone to try preparing, eating and enjoying Italian food in their own home, with authentic Italian recipes. As an Italian, it is universally well known that we love our traditional food.  I’ve also seen the deep appreciation and love for Italian cuisine among our Sri Lankan friends and this is no surprise as Italian food is truly universal.”

Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Kimarli Fernando mentioned that she was thrilled to see the diversity of cuisine and cultures in Sri Lanka being showcased.  “The Italian Embassy in Colombo’s tribute to the country’s expansive culinary offerings, with particular reference to Italian flavours is truly exciting.

The multi-cuisine flavours Sri Lanka offers is truly unique and one of the country’s USPs which I believe we need to build on.  It is exciting to see this book showcase the authenticity of flavours that Sri Lanka offers – whether it’s in five star restaurants or stand-alone boutique restaurants.  This is a good start to placing Sri Lanka as a cuisine destination.”

Dolce Vita in Serendib is a book of art styled with Italian recipes, a true feast to the eye and a banquet for the palate. 

As the Ambassador concludes, “We’ve enjoyed putting this book together and look forward to showcasing more Sri Lankan restaurants serving authentic Italian cuisine in our next edition. But right now, simply follow the recipe and feel that dash of joy, love and happiness embrace you as you cook with Italian flair.”