Authentic Sinhalese Cooking Class in Colombo with a Local Family

Host offerings

House
Home cook
Pets
Vegetarian
Alcohol
Transportation
Cooking class
Market visit
Food tour

Meet Shasikala

Shasikala’s family runs a catering business specialized in traditional Sri Lankan, Sinhalese village, Jaffna style, and western cuisines. This is a family business run by her mother, aunt and uncle. They cater homemade food for small events and gatherings. Her uncle has more than 30 years of experience as a chef and is an expert in western cuisine. Shasikala, her mother and aunt are experts in Sri Lankan and Indian cuisines. Her family truly enjoys cooking together and preparing authentic dishes in a healthy manner without using artificial flavors or preservatives. <br><br> When asked, why she would like to be a host, Shasikala responded: I will get the opportunity to introduce our traditional cuisine to travelers from around the world and learn about their culture too.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal (1 - 6 guests) Shasikala will welcome you into her family's simple, modest home in Dehiwala with a warm smile. While you sip on milk tea or fresh juice, she will introduce you to the entire family. Her family has a wealth of knowledge on Sri Lankan food, local produce and cooking styles. Learn about Sri Lankan food traditions before you sit down at the dining table to enjoy a traditional, homecooked Sinhalese meal together. Your menu may include authentic dishes such as wambatu moju (eggplant), gotu kola salad, ambul thiyal (tamarind clay pot fish) and ambarella curry, served with rice. Shasikala is happy to customize the menu, so if you have anything specific you would like to try, please let her know in advance.

Cooking experience (1 - 6 guests) Join Shasikala in her home kitchen (an old, traditional kitchen) to learn to cook traditional home-style Sri Lankan dishes. During your 1-hour hands-on Colombo cooking class learn to make three Sinhalese dishes from scratch. You will learn to make a seasonal vegetable, coconut sambol and fish or chicken curry before enjoying the meal you helped prepare together.

Market visit (1 - 6 guests) Meet Shasikala at her home and then take a tuk tuk to the nearby local market. This market is where the locals shop for fruits, vegetables, spices, seafood and meat. Walk through the market taking in all the sounds, sights and smells. You may also taste a few fruits that are locally grown. Purchase a seasonal vegetable of your choice that you will later cook together during your cooking class.

Notes: Shasikala can offer vegetarian, vegan and halal meals on request, if informed in advance.

Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007f5919cc99c0>

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.

  • Gotu kola, lotus root, or mallum (leafy vegetables) salad
  • Wambatu moju (eggplant) or green beans or kiri kos (jackfruit cooked with coconut milk)
  • Ambul thiyal (tamarind clay pot fish) or chicken curry cooked in coconut milk or crab curry made with roasted coconut & spices
  • Ambarella curry or tender jackfruit curry
  • Rice
  • Buffalo yoghurt with treacle and local fruit or homemade dessert
  • Seeni Sambol (It is a caramelised onion chutney or relish, with flavours which are spicy, sweet and aromatic)

GOOD REVIEWS
{ "trip_advisor" : [{"author_name" : "kinakotrip", "rating" : 5, "body" : "Shasikala と彼女の家族に感謝しています。ひとり旅だったので最初は躊躇していましたが、行ってみて良かったです。料理レッスンというよりプチホームステイをしている気分で楽しめました。I received a warm welcome from Shasikala's family. I enjoyed my first Traveling Spoon experience even I was solo trip. To tell the truth, it was a little different than I expected. ( I spent most of time watching their cooking. ) It was not just businesslike class, I liked that. They love Sri Lankan food and traditional ways of cooking. You should start your class from market tour with Shasikala's uncle, he knows a lot about local food. That was really interesting. I'm glad to know local family life. It's highly recommended."}] }

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
$90.0 - $150.0
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Pricing (per person)*

1 person 4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal $90 $94 $92
Cooking Experience + Meal $100 $96 $94
Market Tour + Cooking Experience + Meal $150 $146 $144
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.

Experience Timings

Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal 12:00pm - 02:00pm 6:00pm - 08:00pm
Cooking Experience + Meal 10:00am - 02:00pm 5:00pm - 09:00pm
Market Tour + Cooking Experience + Meal 9:00am - 02:00pm 3:00pm - 08:00pm

ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

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