Chef Lal Fonseka celebrates Maldivian and Sri Lankan flavors in new cookbook

Chef Lal Fonseka, a culinary luminary hailing from the emerald isle of Sri Lanka and Director of Food and Beverage at the prestigious OBLU NATURE Helengeli, has recently unveiled a magnum opus of epicurean delights - a cookbook celebrating the common flavors of the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Released in October 2022, the "Maldivian & Sri Lankan Cookbook" is a work of love dedicated by Chef Fonseka to the Maldives, where he has lived and worked for the past 17 years, honing his skills in the culinary arts and developing a passion for the local cuisine. In collaboration with talented local chefs and home cooks, this convenient 42-page paperback tome showcases 15 delectable recipes, including such favorites as Mashuni and Masroshi, written in the universal language of gastronomy - English.

Passionate about introducing travelers to the culinary delights of the Maldives, Chef Fonseka took time away from his duties at the four-star OBLU NATURE Helengeli to assemble this compendium of epicurean delights, with input from the Maldivian community and local chefs. In its pages, readers will be able to sample popular dishes and learn about the subtle differences between the two cuisines - for example, Maldivian cuisine tends to utilize the spicier, distinctively flavored Maldivian chili, while Sri Lankan cuisine makes use of milder green chili.

With 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including stints at esteemed brands such as Jetwing, Soneva, Six Senses, and Lily Beach, Chef Fonseka has a discerning eye for identifying emerging food trends. His appreciation for diverse culinary cultures is evident in the imaginative fine dining menus and multi-cuisine concepts he crafts for the guests at OBLU NATURE Helengeli.

For those looking to expand their culinary horizons and savor the flavors of the Indian Ocean, the "Maldivian & Sri Lankan Cookbook" is available for purchase at selected ESSENCE boutique outlets, including at OBLU NATURE Helengeli, for the modest sum of $15. A small price to pay for a gastronomic journey of discovery.