Market Tour and Sri Lankan Cooking Class inside Galle Fort

Galle , Sri Lanka

Market Tour and Sri Lankan Cooking Class inside Galle Fort

Active

(2 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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. 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." Join Kodi and Meena for a private experience and tour a seafood and vegetable market in Galle, buy seasonal vegetables and cook and eat a Sri Lankan meal, in a beautiful Dutch home.

Available options

Market Tour and Sri Lankan Cooking Class inside Galle Fort

What's included

Alcoholic beverages (a glass of local arrack or beer)

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Private market tour + cooking class + lunch

Lunch

Gratuities

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Fully refundable up to 48 hours prior to experience; since our hosts begin preparing for your experience up to 2 days in advance, we cannot offer a refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of the experience

Menu may vary depending on the season

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking

Private, personalized experience

Please note, this is not a commercial cooking class, rather this experience is a visit into a Galle home to meet a local who is an expert cook, and share Sri Lankan culture and cuisine together.

Kodi and Meena can offer a vegetarian meal on request, please advise at time of booking if required. They also run a home stay, so you might see other guests while you're there, however your Traveling Spoon experience will remain private.

Meeting point

Meet Kodi and Meena at their home, inside Galle Fort. When you enter the historical Galle Fort go to Chando street. Their home is the second house on the right. These are just neighborhood details, please check the 'before you go' section on your voucher for the exact address and Google Maps link.

Important notes

Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your host Kodi and Meena at +94 771 747 426 (mobile) or 912 224 393 (home phone) or via email at kckodi@gmail.com

Address: #7, 'Beatrice house', Chando Street, Fort Galle, Galle, Sri Lanka - 80000

Meeting Instructions: Meet Kodi and Meena at their home. Here is a Google maps link to their home: https://goo.gl/maps/2pqWJTZvGQP2. Their place is easy to find - it is inside Galle Fort. When you enter historical Galle Fort you will see Bank of Ceylon, take a right onto Rampart street, you will pass by Peoples bank, Army Camp, a Buddhist temple, after you pass the temple and in about 20 meters take a left onto Chando street. Their home is the second house on the right.
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

About Galle

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. With its charming streets, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, it offers a unique blend of history, nature, and relaxation. The city's rich heritage and tropical charm make it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.

Top Attractions

Galle Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortified city built by the Dutch in the 17th century. It's known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, ramparts, and charming streets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to enter the fort, some attractions may have entry fees

Unawatuna Beach

A popular beach known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Jungle Beach

A secluded and peaceful beach surrounded by lush greenery. It's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more serene beach experience.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Meeru Gallery

A renowned art gallery showcasing a wide range of contemporary Sri Lankan art. It's a great place to appreciate local talent and perhaps purchase a unique piece of art.

Art 1-2 hours Free to enter, artwork for sale

Galle International Cricket Stadium

A famous cricket stadium that hosts international and domestic matches. It's a great place to catch a game and experience the excitement of Sri Lankan cricket.

Sports Half day to full day Ticket prices vary depending on the match

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan)

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried on a hot plate.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)

A sour fish curry made with goraka (a sour fruit), spices, and fish, typically served with rice.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Scuba diving Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Exploring Galle Fort Visiting temples and churches

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the best time to visit Galle as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for exploring the historic sites and enjoying the beaches. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Galle is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or apps like PickMe
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 110 km from Galle
Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km from Galle

By train

Galle Railway Station

By bus

Galle Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Galle. They are frequent and cover most parts of the city and nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fort Area Unawatuna Hikkaduwa Ahungalla

Day trips

Hikkaduwa

20 km from Galle • Half day to full day

Hikkaduwa is a popular beach destination known for its surfing spots, coral reefs, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, enjoy water sports, and explore the local culture.

Koggala Lake

25 km from Galle • Half day to full day

Koggala Lake is a scenic freshwater lake known for its beautiful surroundings and various water activities. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and take a boat tour.

Turtle Hatchery (Habaraduwa)

10 km from Galle • Half day

A turtle hatchery dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. It's a great place to learn about these fascinating creatures and support their conservation efforts.

Festivals

Galle Literary Festival • January (dates vary) Esala Perahera • July or August (dates vary based on the lunar calendar) Sinhala and Tamil New Year • April (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Explore the Fort Area on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
Visit the Galle Fort at sunrise or sunset for a more peaceful and scenic experience.
Try local street food, such as kottu roti and isles, for an authentic culinary experience.
Use apps like PickMe for reliable and affordable taxi services.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.