from Sarah Zimmermann
Sri Lanka is not only known for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking nature, and friendly people, but also for its incredibly diverse cuisine. If you've ever tried a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, you'll know just how many different flavours can come together on one plate. But have you ever wondered how all these delicious curries are actually made?
Joining a traditional cooking class in Sri Lanka is a wonderful way to find out. We've already taken part in cooking classes in Negombo and Sigiriya, and there's one thing we can tell you: This is an experience you definitely shouldn't miss during your trip to Sri Lanka!
Traditional Cooking in Sri Lanka
Every Sri Lankan curry takes an incredible amount of work, patience, and love to prepare. A traditional village cooking class gives you a glimpse into how meals were prepared in the past and how food is still cooked in many rural households today.
It's not simply about opening a packet of curry powder and throwing everything into a pot. Instead, different spices, fresh herbs, and ingredients are carefully combined. Curry leaves, onions, garlic, chilli, and many other spices all play an important role. It's these combinations that give Sri Lankan dishes their unique and unforgettable flavours.
One of the best things about a cooking class is that you don't just watch. You get to join in and prepare the food yourself. You'll discover the different steps involved and quickly realise just how much time and effort goes into making a traditional rice and curry.
From Fresh Coconut to Delicious Curry
One of the most fascinating parts for us is always learning how coconuts are prepared. Coconut is an essential ingredient in Sri Lankan cooking and forms the base of many traditional dishes.
During a cooking class, you can see how a fresh coconut is opened and enjoy drinking the coconut water. The flesh is then finely grated using a traditional coconut scraper. By mixing the grated coconut with water and squeezing it by hand, fresh coconut milk is made and later used to prepare the different curries.
There's also plenty to discover when it comes to preparing vegetables. Instead of an ordinary kitchen knife, traditional cutting tools are sometimes used, which can look quite unusual to those of us from Europe. You'll learn how different vegetables are prepared, which spices work well together, and in what order the ingredients are added to the cooking pot.
It's especially lovely when the dishes are prepared the traditional way, in clay pots over an open fire. As the curries slowly simmer, the wonderful aroma of all those spices fills the air. By this point, you'll definitely be getting hungry!
The Best Part Comes Last: Enjoying the Food Together!
After all the preparation, chopping, grating, seasoning, and cooking, it's finally time for the moment everyone has been waiting for: sitting down and enjoying the food together!
You'll get to enjoy the curries you've prepared yourself, served with rice and a variety of side dishes. And somehow, the food tastes even better when you know how much work went into it and you've helped prepare everything yourself.
A cooking class is also a wonderful experience for families. Learning something new together, discovering different ingredients, getting involved in the cooking process, and finally sharing a delicious meal. It's definitely worth setting aside enough time to enjoy the whole experience.
Where Can You Join a Cooking Class in Sri Lanka?
The great thing is that you're not limited to just one location. Traditional cooking classes are available in many places across Sri Lanka, including Negombo, Sigiriya, Ella, and Kandy. Every experience is a little different depending on the host. Some classes take place in a family kitchen, others in a traditional village, and some even include a visit to a local market.
We've personally joined cooking classes in Negombo and Sigiriya, and both gave us different insights into traditional Sri Lankan cooking. For us, it's the fresh ingredients and all the little steps involved in preparing the food that make these experiences so special.
Our tip: Don't leave your cooking class until the very last moment before heading to the airport. Make sure you set aside some time for it during your trip. You'll not only learn new recipes but also get a lovely insight into Sri Lankan culture and everyday life.
Your Cooking Class in Negombo or Sigiriya
Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka and would love to experience how an authentic rice and curry is prepared?
We know several cooking class providers in Negombo and Sigiriya and are happy to share our personal experiences and recommendations with you. This way, you can discover traditional Sri Lankan cooking for yourself and learn how to prepare those delicious curries during your trip.
Interested in joining a cooking class? Simply send us a message on WhatsApp or fill out the contact form below. We'll be happy to get back to you, help you find the right provider, and assist you with organising your cooking experience.
Because one thing is certain: Before leaving Sri Lanka, you shouldn't just have tasted its delicious curries. You should also have experienced how they're made!
