Sigiriya is an authentic Sri Lankan restaurant in the heart of Knutsford. It is the sister restaurant to the acclaimed Sigiriya in Hale, near Altrincham.
Directed by Don Buddhika, the restaurant is perfectly positioned in Canute Place Knutsford and has been designed with stunning Sri Lankan inspired furnishings and fabric to create the perfect ambience to accompany the authentic and exceptional tastes and flavours on offer.
We interviewed Don to ask him a few questions about what makes Sigiriya unique.
Tell us about the story behind Sigiriya. What inspired you to bring authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to Knutsford?
At Sigiriya Restaurant, we want to create a second home for you. We provide fresh food, fantastic service and a warm welcoming environment that makes you want to come back for more. It is important for us to pay homage to its namesake, the iconic rocky outcrop, through our food and culture. Sigiriya rock has been known since ancient times as a settlement for Buddhist monks.
It is a well-planned monastic complex that includes cave temples, bathing pools, lovely ponds, and Asia’s oldest surviving landscaped gardens. Today, Sigiriya is famous for its fresco’s paintings in the pocket of the rock. The “lion stairway”, the “mirror wall” and the “water gardens” are its other highlights. Sigiriya was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1982.
How would you describe the essence of your menu to someone who has never tried Sri Lankan food before?
Our menu is comprised of 80% of Sri Lankan dishes, as we aim to give you the most authentic in dining experience. An objective of ours is to provide you with mouth-watering yet healthy food. Sri Lankan food is naturally low in oil and all our food is cooked using the finest fresh ingredients. All our food is cooked from scratch on our premises.
The unique experience. What makes Sigiriya different from other restaurants?
Our biggest aim is to wow you with our menu. Every dish is authentic and every dish is made with the highest quality. When we ask guests what their favourite dish is, a common reply is “all of them!”.
What are some of the key elements of Sri Lankan culture and cuisine that you want diners to experience here?
Sri Lankan culture is rich, diverse and deeply rooted in a long history influenced by its geographic location, religion and various ethnic groups. It reflects a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences, with Buddhism, Hinduism, colonialism and modern global trends all playing significant roles in shaping the country’s cultural identity.
Sri Lankan cuisine is diverse, reflecting the island’s rich cultural mix. Rice and curry are staple foods, with variations across regions. Common ingredients include coconut, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and chilies. Kotthu roti is a popular street food made by stir-frying chopped flatbread with vegetables and meat.
What are some must-try dishes for someone visiting Sigiriya for the first time?
Apart from the traditional dishes like Ceylon Chicken, Elumas Curry, Fish curry, guests can try dishes with our Sri Lankan twist like Beef Steak, Wagyu Oxtail Curry, Nasigoreng, Noodles.
Guest can enjoy dishes like Tandoori charred Jumbo Prawns, Lamb Chops and Chicken Tikka.
Do you offer menu options for different budgets, such as lunch specials or sharing platters?
Yes, we have a Lunch Menu and Sharing menu / platters options. We can curate menus as per the guest’s requirements.
Are there any upcoming plans, such as events, seasonal menus, or new promotions, that you’d like to share?
In January 2025, we are offering 30% OFF of Food and Drinks from Sunday to Thursday in our Knutsford and Hale restaurants – you must make a reservation to be able to take up this offer.
What’s the one dish you think everyone should try at least once in their life?
Kotthu Roti
To find out more about Sigiriya, or to make a reservation – please visit their website.
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