Sri Lankan Muslim Cooking Class and Lunch in Wattala

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Muslim Cooking Class and Lunch in Wattala

Active

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Shifu lives in Wattala, an hour's drive from Colombo, and is a passionate cook and decorator in addition to being a homemaker and mother. She learned to cook from her mother when she was a teenager and has not stopped cooking since, experimenting with unique cooking techniques whenever she can. Being half Malay and half Moore, and having friends from various communities, she has learned a variety of dishes from recipes she has gleaned from grandmothers, aunts, neighbors and friends. She cooks authentic Sri Lankan food, both Sinhalese and Muslim cuisines.

Shifu will welcome you into her home with a steaming cup of milk tea or a refreshing lime juice depending on the season. As you sip on your welcome drink she will introduce you to Sri Lankan cuisine, the ingredients used and how she learned to cook. Book this private cooking class in Wattala and learn more about Sri Lankan Muslim cooking. Cook three dishes during this hands-on cooking class right outside Colombo.

Available options

Sri Lankan Muslim Cooking Class and Lunch in Wattala

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Private cooking class + lunch with your host Shifu

Lunch

Gratuities

Non-Alcoholic beverages

What you'll see

During your 1.5 hour hands-on cooking class you will learn to make three dishes along with Shifu. She will first introduce you to the spices and herbs used in Sri Lankan cooking. Then Shifu will explain how each dish is prepared before you help with the prepping and cooking of the dishes. You will learn to cook two seasonal vegetables and one chicken dish in your cooking class. Join Shifu, an Instagram influencer, to style and plate the meal once it is cooked - so that it is Insta ready!

You will then join her at the dining table to share a traditional Sri Lankan Muslim meal along with some of Shifu's signature dishes. She offers a choice between two menus. Please indicate your preference when making your booking. The first menu, a blend of Muslim and Malay cuisine includes Sri Lankan Muslim chicken biryani, green peas curry, lemongrass chicken and Malay pickle. Menu 2, a traditional Sri Lankan menu includes ghee rice, kaliya (brinjal and ash plaintain), daal (lentils), potatoes in coconut milk, mango curry and chicken curry.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

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

Shifu can offer vegetarian, vegan and halal meals on request, please advise at time of booking if required

Private, personalized experience

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

Important notes

Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your host Shifu at +94 773 289 889 or via email at melovescookingofficial@gmail.com

Address: #118/2, C Daya de Silva Mawatha, Padiliyathuduwa Road, Hunupitiya, Wattala, Colombo, Sri Lanka - 11300

Meeting Instructions: Meet Shifu at her home. Here is a Google maps link to her location: https://goo.gl/maps/gVGNpewpeTH2

Once you pass Hemas Hospital Wattala, you will see a clock tower at Wattala junction, turn in and drive along that road. Cross the railway tracks and turn left when you come upon a Buddha statue. Pass the cemetery, and further down you'll see a small restaurant called "Shine" - turn into the lane just opposite the restaurant on the left. It is best to take an Uber to this location, it will take you approximately 1 hour from Colombo city to get here.
--

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 Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

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

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat