Turkish Airlines has a 30-country lead over its closest competitor in this hard-to-break record

Turkish Airlines, which has held the title of flying to the most countries in the world since 2012, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the record holder. The national flag carrier has successfully achieved the Guinness World Records™ title for the “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline”.

            The record certificate was presented at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport following Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight to Chile. The ceremony was attended by Turkish Airlines executives and Guinness World Records™ officials.

Based on Guinness World Records™ evaluation criteria, Turkish Airlines set the record with flights to 120 countries, reflecting only the active routes of the past 12 months. Nevertheless, including temporarily suspended routes and today’s inaugural flight to Chile, Turkish Airlines’ flight network now spans 131 countries.

Commenting on the record, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ek?i stated, “We are delighted to be in Santiago, Chile, our newest route launched today, and to receive the Guinness World Records™ title for the Most Countries Flown to by an Airline. As the only airline to hold this distinction for over a decade, we proudly showcase the strength of our flight network and reinforce our mission to connect people, cultures, and destinations around the globe.”

The legendary Hermitage has moved to a brand-new location at D.M. Colombage Mawatha, Nawala. Barely 200 meters from the main Nawala road, the new Hermitage is extensively stocked with a brand-new collection of hand-picked antique and artisanal furniture, art, collectibles and crafts adding to a treasure trove of ethnic and tribal silver jewellery and jewellery inlaid with coloured semi-precious stones.

The renowned, signature, hand-picked antique and artisanal furniture – with a focus on accents, compliments a stunning collection of silver jewellery and an eclectic, whimsical and sometimes outrageous range of curated collectibles, maps, miniature Indian art, out of print books, vinyls, stamps, old currency, postcards and prints, gift stationery and much more.

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo hosted an exclusive Thai dinner on Thursday, December 19th, marking the commencement of the highly anticipated Thai Food Festival at the hotel’s signature Royal Thai restaurant. The elegant evening was graced by Asian Ambassadors, High Commissioners, dignitaries, and members of the media, celebrating the long-standing ties between Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and the Royal Thai Embassy.

The event, hosted by General Manager Nazoomi Azhar, highlighted the rich culinary heritage of Thailand while reinforcing the strong bond shared with the Royal Thai Embassy. Special recognition was given to Paitoon Mahapannaporn, Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, and the Thai Embassy staff for their unwavering support in bringing this festival to life.

“We are honored to partner with the Royal Thai Embassy to present this unique culinary journey to our guests. This evening is a testament to the enduring friendship between our institutions and our shared commitment to celebrating Thai culture and cuisine in Sri Lanka,” said General Manager Nazooni Azhar in his address.

The evening also served as an introduction to Chef Winai Piaphung, the newly appointed Thai Chef at Royal Thai. Chef Piaphung, with his expertise in authentic Thai flavors, has meticulously curated a special menu for the festival, showcasing his culinary artistry. He has worked closely with Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo’s Executive Chef Ashan Liyanage and his talented team to create a gastronomic experience that is both traditional and innovative.

Guests enjoyed an exquisite menu that highlighted signature Thai dishes crafted with premium ingredients and presented with flair. The festival promises to be a feast for the senses, inviting patrons to savor the vibrant and diverse flavors of Thailand.

A Culinary Delight

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo’s Thai Food Festival promised a tantalizing journey through Thailand’s diverse culinary heritage, featuring an array of signature dishes meticulously prepared to highlight the unique flavors and ingredients that define Thai gastronomy. Some of the festival’s highlights include:

Crispy Prawn Cakes: Perfectly golden fried with a burst of fresh prawn flavor.

Pad Thai:

A quintessential stir-fried noodle dish blending tamarind, peanuts, and fragrant herbs.

Spiced Honey Pork Knuckle: Tender, slow-cooked pork glazed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce.

Chicken in Pandan Leaf: Succulent chicken wrapped in aromatic pandan leaves.

Yellow Curry Crab:

Sweet crab meat in a creamy yellow curry sauce, capturing the essence of Thai comfort food.

Stir-Fried Beef with Chili Paste & Peppercorns:

A fiery, aromatic stir-fry balancing heat and tenderness.

Lamb with Hot Basil & Red Chili:

A bold and fragrant dish featuring fresh basil and red chili.

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, the festival offers classic Thai desserts such as:

Mango Sticky Rice:

Creamy coconut sticky rice paired with ripe mango.

Lychee Tart:

A light and fruity dessert perfect for ending the feast.

Don’t Miss Out

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Thai cuisine or eager to explore its diverse flavors for the first time, the Thai Food Festival at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is an event not to be missed. This unique celebration of Thai food, culture, and hospitality promises an unforgettable experience for all.

It was an extraordinary dining experience that brought the flavors of Thailand to your plate.