Sri Lankan biryani or string hopper cooking demonstration in Galle

Meet Shahira

Shahira is the quintessential Sri Lankan mother of four beautiful children - an amazing cook, a skilled storyteller and a loving wife. Her family are fourth generation residents of Galle, and their ancestors are of Moorish and Persian descent having first arrived on the shores of Galle in the 16th century. They are one of the earliest traders of spice and colored stones to settle in the Fort. Shahira enjoys meeting people and it gives her immense joy to share her cooking with friends and family. She is constantly re-inventing herself in the kitchen and rarely creates the same dish again! Over the years she has become an expert in the kitchen and does not necessarily follow a recipe, but relies more on the senses - taste, smell and the look of food to know when it's cooked. Shahira is also an avid traveler and loves to re-create dishes that she tastes in restaurants on her travels!

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 (2 - 10 guests) Shahira will welcome you into her cozy, open home with the warmest smile and a glass of fresh juice. After your cooking demonstration, sit at the dining table to savor a mouthwatering meal that you helped cook in her vibrant company! Your menu may include dishes such as biryani, chicken curry, peas and carrots cooked in coconut milk, cucumber salad served with a date and jaggery chutney, and yoghurt. You will conclude your meal with watalappam, a velvety pudding made from eggs and jaggery.

Cooking experience (2 - 10 guests) During your 1.5 hour cooking demonstration you will learn to make either Muslim inspired Sri Lankan biryani or string hoppers along with a few curries. This is a cooking demonstration - you will watch Shahira prepare 3-4 dishes from scratch in an outdoor kitchen. Before you start your cooking demonstration, Shahira will introduce you to the different spices used in Sri Lankan cuisine and the dishes you will be preparing for the day. She will expertly take you through the entire cooking process, step by step, while preparing each course from scratch. You will be surprised by not only how simple and easy it is to make these dishes but also how fast. During the course of the demonstration Shahira will also share numerous simple kitchen secrets that are essential in the authentic preparation of any Sri Lankan meal.

Market visit (2 - 10 guests) Meet Shahira at her home and drive five minutes to the Green market in Galle Town. On days that Shahira needs to prep her home first, Shehan, an equally passionate foodie will take you for your market tour. Green market is the oldest market in Galle, where you can find almost everything you need to cook a traditional Sri Lankan meal. This Dutch style market displays a variety of seasonal and local fruits and vegetables under a 300-year-old columned roof. Discover what the market has to sell as you learn about the ingredients used in Sri Lankan cooking before you go back to Shahira's home for your cooking demonstration.

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