Step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in the authentic indigenous cuisine of Sri Lanka. This transformative wellness and culinary journey connects food, body, and spirit through ancient wisdom, traditional preparation methods, and holistic cooking practices. Guided by local traditions, you will discover how native ingredients, mindful cooking, and medicinal food culture come together to nourish the body, calm the mind, and celebrate the island's rich culinary heritage.
Highlights:
-
3.5 hr Experience.
- Traditional Herbal Tea and Sri Lankan Hoppers Welcome.
- Introduction to Indigenous Sri Lankan Cuisine.
- Storytelling on Food, Body, Mind, and Soul.
- Learn About Seasonal and Heirloom Ingredients.
- Hands-On Coconut Preparation Activity.
- Prepare Curry Powder Using a Traditional Mirisgala.
- Cook in a Traditional Muluthengea Kitchen.
- Prepare 4 Native Curries and Helapa Dessert.
- Enjoy a Traditional Candlelight Dinner.
Include:
- Traditional Herbal Tea.
- Freshly Made Sri Lankan Hoppers.
- Storytelling Session on Indigenous Food Philosophy.
- Hands-On Coconut Husking, Breaking, and Grating.
- Traditional Curry Powder Preparation.
- Cooking Session in the Muluthengea.
- 4 Native Curries.
- Indigenous Dessert Called Helapa.
- Traditional Candlelight Dinner.
- Children Under 11 Years Old Free.
Exclude:
- Transport to and from the cooking venue.
- Personal expenses.
Experience:
Begin your journey with a warm traditional welcome featuring herbal tea paired with freshly made Sri Lankan hoppers, setting the tone for a meaningful 3.5-hour culinary and wellness experience. Through engaging storytelling, you will learn the philosophy behind indigenous Sri Lankan cuisine, including the importance of seasonal and heirloom ingredients. Discover the traditional understanding of food as nourishment for the body, senses, mind, and soul, and explore the belief that cooking supports Ayu, Warna, Sepa, Bala, and Prancha, representing long life, colour, health, strength, and vitality.
Before cooking begins, take part in a unique culinary workout that connects physical movement with food preparation. Try your hand at climbing a coconut tree, husking, breaking, and grating fresh coconut while learning how traditional practices naturally supported strength, flexibility, and wellbeing. You will also prepare a secret curry powder using the traditional Mirisgala grinding stone and learn how cutting vegetables with care and intention brings positive energy into the meal. These hands-on activities offer a deeper connection to Sri Lankan culture, food preparation, and ancestral wisdom.
Enter the traditional kitchen known as the Muluthengea, considered the heart of the home where body and soul are nurtured. Cook over a wood fire on a clay floor, creating a calm and meditative atmosphere inspired by ancient household traditions. During the class, you will prepare four native curries and the indigenous dessert Helapa, using authentic techniques and wholesome ingredients. The experience concludes with a beautiful traditional candlelight dinner, where you will enjoy the nourishing meal you created and embrace the concept: eat medicinal food, do not take medicine.
Note: The starting time is 4.00 pm. Children under 11 years old can join free of charge. If you require transportation, it may be arranged for an additional fee. Kindly inform us in advance regarding any food allergies or vegan/vegetarian preferences so that necessary arrangements can be made accordingly.
