Host offerings
Kodi is a retired banker and his wife Meena is a retired teacher. Kodi is also an antique collector and had been looking for a suitable home for his collection for a while. He stumbled upon a beautiful Dutch home 30 years ago. Kodi and Meena (and Kodi's antique collection!) now live in this stunning home built by the Dutch 300 years ago, located inside the picturesque Galle fort. Please note that because it is an older home, there is no air conditioning so we suggest you wear lighter clothes as it can get quite warm in certain months. They love sharing their food and culture with travelers. Meena learned to cook from her mother and grandmother and she still uses the exact same family recipes when she cooks. Meena very excitedly shares, "relatives who try my food often say it reminds them of my mother and grandmother's cooking and this makes me very happy."
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) Kodi and Meena's home is less than a 10 minute walk from the main entrance of the Galle fort. We suggest that you walk from the entrance to their home to take in the beauty of the fort - stunning architecture, cobbled streets, pastel colored buildings, street cafes and views of the lighthouse and ramparts. Kodi and Meena's home is an extension of this old world colonial charm - you will notice this as soon as you enter their traditional Dutch home. The terracotta tiles, wooden furniture and antique pieces will transport you to another era. Learn more about the house and their lives while you share a traditional Sri Lankan meal at Kodi and Meena's dining table that overlooks their small garden area. Your menu may include dishes such as dhal (lentils cooked in coconut milk), pineapple curry, cassava (tapioca) curry, eggplant, okra, and ambul thiyal (tamarind clay pot fish). You will end your meal with a local favorite - buffalo yogurt drizzled with coconut palm syrup.
Cooking experience (1 - 6 guests) Meena will be waiting for you in their home kitchen to begin your two-hour hands-on authentic Sri Lankan cooking class. After taking a look at the vegetable you chose during your market tour she will come up with a menu for the day. You will start by washing and cutting all the ingredients needed for the meal. Meena will then show you how to prepare two kinds of coconut milk using coconut powder. Later join her to cook 3-4 delicious Sri Lankan curries using spices she grinds at home. Kodi will be the sous chef - together he and Meena form a great team in the kitchen!
Market visit (1 - 6 guests) Enjoy a cup of hot tea with Kodi and Meena at their beautiful home before driving with Kodi to the local fish market. This is the place where fishermen sell their fresh catch. It is a busy area flocked by locals trying to get the freshest seafood. Kodi will take you to his regular vendor and tell you more about the local seafood before purchasing fish for your cooking class. Then drive to the Green Market to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for your cooking class. The Green Market is a colorful indoor market that houses several stalls selling beautifully presented seasonal and local produce. Stop at the vegetable stall and feel free to pick 3-4 seasonal vegetables that you would like to cook up before visiting the fruit stall to buy fresh pineapple. Your local market tour will last one hour after which you will drive back home with Kodi to begin your cooking class with Meena.
Notes: Kodi and Meena can offer a vegetarian meal on request. Please note that Kodi and Meena do not have air conditioning in their house and it may be warm. Dress appropriately for Sri Lanka's hot, tropical climate. <br><br>Kodi and Meena also run a homestay, so you might see other guests while you're there, however your Traveling Spoon experience will remain private. <br><br>If you select optional alcohol, you can choose between a glass of local arrack or beer.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffacc753720>
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.
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Tour + Meal | Not offered | $30 | $20 |
| Market Tour + Cooking Experience + Meal | $42 | $35 | Not offered |
| Alcohol | $2 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Market Tour + Meal | 10:00am - 01:00pm | |
| Market Tour + Cooking Experience + Meal | 9:00am - 01:00pm |
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.
