Host offerings
Bandu is a kind and friendly host, a retired IT professional who has lived overseas for over 35 years. He learned to cook from his mother and has been cooking traditional, home style Sri Lankan food for over 40 years. He initially learned to cook for survival as a young professional and now is extremely passionate about cooking for friends. Apart from cooking, Bandu likes traveling, hiking and swimming. He has traveled to over 35 countries and has even learned to cook local food in a few of them. When asked why he would like to be a host, Bandu says, “this is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and meet like-minded people.”
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 - 4 guests) Bandu lives in a high-rise apartment building located in a green suburb of Colombo, Rajagiriya. He always has a story to tell and is excited to share his knowledge about Sri Lanka, its culture and cuisine! He is eager to share the history and traditional methods of preparing an authentic Sri Lankan meal. Listen to all his interesting stories while you share a meal together at his dining table. Chicken or fish curry, eggplant stir-fry, lentils, rice and gotu kola salad (a melange of a leafy green noted for its medicinal properties, minced shallots, lime juice and freshly grated coconut) are some of the authentic Sri Lankan dishes you might try at Bandu's table. You will end your meal with curd and treacle (a traditional dessert) or wattalappam (coconut custard pudding).
Cooking experience (1 - 4 guests) During your 2-hour hands-on authentic Sri Lankan cooking class in Colombo, you will learn to make a seasonal vegetable dish and a curry. Before you begin cooking, Bandu will show you how to make homemade roasted curry powder - a delicious blend of spices that used to make most Sri Lankan curries. After cooking, enjoy your meal over delightful conversation with this friendly local.
Notes: Bandu can offer vegetarian, vegan and halal meals on request, please inform him in advance while booking your Colombo cooking class online. If you choose the paid transport add-on, Bandu can organize pickup and drop-off from your hotel through taxi or shared car service.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffafd11cbc8>
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.
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.
Bandu was absolutely friendly, warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived. His home is spacious, well kept, neat and tidy with modern furniture and house plants. There's a stunning view from the living room. You could see the green marshlands and the Colombo skyline. Our favourite part of the experience was tasting the mushroom and tomato dish he prepared. It was absolutely delicious, with salty, and caramelized flavours, both in one. We also loved learning how to cook Sri Lankan chicken curry with him. Together, we feasted on rice and curry and watalappan (a custard-like, Sri Lankan dessert which he prepared the night before for us).
Zinara and Nathan, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | Not offered | $40 | Not offered |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | Not offered | $50 | Not offered |
| Alcohol | $4 per person | ||
| Transportation | $12 per car | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | 12:00pm - 02:00pm | 7:00pm - 09:00pm |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | 11:00am - 02:00pm | 6:00pm - 09:00pm |
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.
