This summer, we had the chance to bring the flavours of Sri Lanka to the Crystal Palace Park Festival 2024, and it was absolutely brilliant! We had a blast sharing our food with everyone and meeting loads of lovely people. Here’s a look back at some of the best bits from our time at the festival.
The Crystal Palace Park Festival was a delightful celebration of food, music, and culture, set in the verdant open spaces of the park. The festival had a lively atmosphere, attracting a mix of people keen to explore the variety of stalls and performances. The sounds of live music blended with the aromas from food vendors offering dishes from different cuisines. Art installations and family-friendly activities added to the welcoming environment, making it a lovely day out for all ages. There was a strong sense of community, as people from various backgrounds came together to enjoy the event, creating a memorable experience for everyone.
One of the most fulfilling parts of our experience at the festival was witnessing the genuine curiosity and interest in Sri Lankan food from the attendees. It was a joy to see people drawn to our stall, enticed by the exotic aromas and vibrant colours of our dishes. We took great pleasure in engaging with them, describing the unique flavours and ingredients that make Sri Lankan cuisine so special. Sharing the stories behind our recipes and the traditional cooking methods we employ added another layer of connection and authenticity to the experience. Seeing their enthusiasm and appreciation as they tried each dish was incredibly rewarding, reinforcing our passion for bringing a taste of Sri Lanka to new audiences at the festival.
We offered a selection of Sri Lankan street food that captured the essence of our culinary heritage. Our “Short Eats” featured Sri Lankan Rolls, where mixed vegetables, potato, onion, and spices were wrapped in a crispy pancake and coated with panko breadcrumbs, served with Devil’s sauce for a spicy twist. The Dal Vada, lentil and chickpea fritters infused with curry leaves and green chilli, paired perfectly with Devil’s sauce and herby mayo. Masala Croquettes combined egg, potato, and vegetables in a fried croquette toast, served with Devil’s sauce, herby mayo, and fresh cucumber salad. Our “Street Food” offer included the popular Kothu Roti, stir-fried shredded roti bread with mixed vegetables, egg, onion, garlic, and aromatic spices, delivering an authentic taste of Sri Lanka. And last but not least, our Lankan Bowls featured a variety of curry options served with basmati rice, such as Coconut Dal, Ceylon Chicken, Sri Lankan Black Pork, Jackfruit curry, Cashew Nut curry, and Sri Lankan Egg curry, each showcasing unique flavours and ingredients that delighted festival attendees.
The festival was a fantastic opportunity to connect deeply with both festival-goers and fellow vendors, enriching our experience in profound ways. Engaging with curious visitors and sharing the stories behind our Sri Lankan dishes was incredibly fulfilling; their genuine interest and delight in trying our food made every interaction special. Equally rewarding was the connections we made within the diverse culinary community of vendors. We exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and formed lasting bonds, united by our passion for food and creativity. The festival not only provided a platform to showcase our cuisine but also fostered a supportive environment where vendors encouraged and inspired one another. It was truly inspiring to be part of such a collaborative community, where mutual respect and enthusiasm for culinary arts flourished.
Attending the Crystal Palace Park Festival this summer was an incredible journey for us. We’re truly grateful to everyone who visited our stall, tried our Sri Lankan dishes, and supported our independent business. Your enthusiasm and feedback meant the world to us.
As we look ahead, we’re excited for our next adventures at upcoming festivals this summer such as Priddy Folk Festival, Bristol Harbour Festival, Rock Oyster, Green Gathering, Rewind North, Boardmasters Festival, Gone Wild Norfolk, Soul Circus Festival, Medicine, Beautiful Days Festival, Shambala, Reading Festival, SFC Saundersfoot, and Verve Festivals.
We can’t wait to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new friends along the way!
See you there, folks!
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