Flavours of Sri Lanka

Explore the vibrant culinary traditions of Sri Lanka through an immersive hands-on cooking class led by an experienced local chef. Explore the flavors that have captivated travelers for centuries as you learn to prepare beloved Sri Lankan dishes, from lentil and jackfruit curries to homemade curry powders. This intimate, small-group experience promises not only a delectable meal, but also an enlightening glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and the secrets behind its renowned cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, this class offers a tantalizing opportunity to uncover the heart of Sri Lankan gastronomy.

Good To Know

• This hands-on cooking class in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offers an immersive experience in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, including techniques like coconut milk extraction and homemade curry powder preparation.

• The class covers the preparation of authentic Sri Lankan dishes such as lentil curry, fish or chicken curry, and sweet and sour curry, using fresh produce from the instructor’s home garden.

• The intimate class setting with a maximum of 8 participants allows for personalized attention from the experienced chef Chitra, who shares her expertise and insights into the culinary traditions of Sri Lanka.

• Participants will gain practical skills in cracking coconuts, blending curry powder, and cooking various curries, providing a hands-on learning experience in the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.

• The class includes a traditional Sri Lankan lunch with rice and multiple curries, allowing participants to savor the diverse and flavorful dishes that characterize the Flavours of Sri Lanka.

Overview of Cooking Class

The Flavours of Sri Lanka cooking class, led by experienced instructor Chitra, offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant culinary traditions of the island nation.

Located in Kandy, the class caters to a maximum of 8 participants and is priced from $35.00.

Guests can look forward to learning how to prepare classic Sri Lankan dishes, including lentils and jackfruit curry, while gaining insights into ingredients, spices, and traditional cooking methods.

With a hands-on, interactive approach, the class promises an authentic and memorable experience.

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the class without incurring any fees.

Class Experience

Travelers who enroll in the Flavours of Sri Lanka cooking class can expect a hands-on, immersive experience that takes them on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the island nation.

Under the guidance of experienced instructor Chitra, you will actively engage in every step of preparation, from learning to crack coconuts and extract coconut milk to mastering the art of traditional curry powder blending.

The class introduces students to an array of Sri Lankan dishes, including lentil and jackfruit curries, as well as the opportunity to source fresh ingredients straight from Chitra’s home garden.

This intimate, small-group setting ensures personalized attention and a truly authentic cooking experience.

Menu Details

The class menu takes diners on an immersive culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. Guests start with a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea, a quintessential part of the island’s culture. The main course features a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, showcasing an array of dishes. The rice serves as a base, accompanied by lentil (dhall) curry, fish or chicken curry, and a sweet and sour curry made with either mango or June plums. Plus, a creamy jackfruit or breadfruit white curry and the zesty gotukola sambol round out the meal. To finish, diners savor a delectable Sri Lankan dessert or indulge in seasonal fresh fruits.

Starter	Main Course	Dessert
Ceylon Tea	Traditional Sri Lankan Lunch	Sri Lankan Dessert/Seasonal Fruits
	Rice, Lentil Curry, Fish/Chicken Curry, Sweet and Sour Curry, Jackfruit/Breadfruit Curry, Gotukola Sambol

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for this culinary experience is Glory Homestay, located at 46 Meda Bowala Rd, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka.

To get there, travelers should head on William Gopallawa Mawatha (Kandy – Colombo main road) 3.2 km towards Peradeniya. Then, they’ll need to turn left at Asiri Hospital onto Meda Bowala road, with the destination just 50 meters ahead on the left.

The experience ends back at the meeting point.

The start time is 3:30 PM.

Key details for travelers to note include:

• Meeting Point: Glory Homestay
• Directions: 3.2 km from Kandy on Kandy – Colombo road, turn left at Asiri Hospital
• End Point: Back at the meeting point
• Start Time: 3:30 PM

Reviews and Feedback

Consistently, the culinary experience at "Flavours of Sri Lanka" receives glowing reviews, with an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 6 total reviews.

Travelers rave about the highlight of their trip being the cooking lesson with Chitra, the experienced culinary instructor. They found learning about Sri Lankan cuisine fascinating and the dishes incredibly tasty.

Chitra’s expertise as an amazing chef shines through, as evidenced by the uniformly positive feedback. The 5-star reviews attest to the exceptional quality of this immersive cooking class, where guests get hands-on experience preparing traditional Sri Lankan recipes using fresh, local ingredients.

Lentil Curry Preparation

During the "Flavours of Sri Lanka" cooking class, participants learn to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lentil curry.

The instructor, Chitra, guides them through the process step-by-step:

• Soaking and rinsing the red lentils to remove any impurities
• Sautéing aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and curry leaves in coconut oil
• Adding the lentils, water, and salt, then simmering until the lentils are soft and creamy
• Finishing the dish with a splash of coconut milk and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like coriander

The rich, fragrant lentil curry is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine and a highlight of the class, showcasing the depth of flavors in the island’s culinary traditions.

Coconut Milk Extraction

After learning the intricacies of preparing the lentil curry, participants turn their attention to another integral component of Sri Lankan cuisine – coconut milk extraction.

Chitra demonstrates the traditional method, guiding them through the process step-by-step. First, she cracks open a fresh coconut, revealing the meat inside. Using a specialized tool, she skillfully scrapes the meat, collecting it in a bowl.

She then adds water and squeezes the meat, extracting the rich, creamy coconut milk. Participants replicate the process, carefully cracking, scraping, and extracting the milk.

Chitra emphasizes the importance of using freshly grated coconut to achieve the authentic flavor and texture essential for traditional Sri Lankan dishes.

Traditional Curry Powder

In the next phase of the class, Chitra introduces participants to the art of blending traditional Sri Lankan curry powder. She explains that the foundation of most Sri Lankan dishes is this aromatic spice mix, which lends depth and complexity to the curries.

Chitra guides the class through the process, highlighting key ingredients:

• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Fenugreek seeds
• Dried red chilies

Participants measure, toast, and grind the spices by hand, learning to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Chitra emphasizes the importance of freshness and quality, underscoring how the homemade curry powder will elevate their cooking. With each pinch and stir, the class gains a deeper appreciation for the nuances of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Menu to Dietary Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the menu to accommodate dietary preferences. The instructor is happy to work with you to modify the dishes based on your needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

Is the Class Suitable for Children Under 12 Years Old?

The class is suitable for children under 12, as the hands-on cooking experience and interactive activities are designed to engage younger participants. However, parents should consider the child’s maturity level and ability to participate safely in the cooking process.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Utensils?

You don’t need to bring any special equipment or utensils. The cooking class provides all the necessary tools and ingredients. The instructor will guide you through the hands-on preparation of authentic Sri Lankan dishes.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The dress code for the cooking class is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little dirty. Shorts, t-shirts, and closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and ease of movement during the hands-on cooking activities.

Can I Take Home the Leftover Food From the Class?

Yes, participants can take home any leftover food from the cooking class. The instructor encourages guests to pack up and bring home any extra dishes they’ve prepared during the hands-on experience.

Sum Up

Chitra’s "Flavours of Sri Lanka" cooking class in Kandy offers an immersive and hands-on experience in preparing authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Participants learn essential techniques like coconut milk extraction and homemade curry powder. The class’s intimate size and Chitra’s expertise ensure a delightful menu of lentil and jackfruit curries, Ceylon tea, and a traditional Sri Lankan lunch, all made with fresh ingredients from her home garden.