Catch fresh lake fish and cook it in a local's home in Piliyandala, Colombo

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Catch fresh lake fish and cook it in a local's home in Piliyandala, Colombo

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

Malki was a preschool teacher and is now a homemaker and proud mother. She is very passionate about cooking and it gives her immense joy to cook for friends and family. Even as a child Malki was always fascinated by watching her mother cook which is how her love for food started. Malki truly enjoys cooking traditional Sri Lankan dishes for her family everyday. She is excited to share her love for cooking with travelers who would like to learn more about Sri Lankan food.

Malki lives with her husband and lovely daughter in the suburbs of Colombo. It is about 20 km from Colombo city, very close to the beautiful Piliyandala lake. This is a leafy, residential suburb and is much quieter and cooler than the city - you will notice the drop in temperature as soon as you leave the city and are close to the lake area. Join Malki for a private market tour to buy fresh vegetables and seafood and then return home to learn how to cook it in Sri Lankan style.

Available options

Cooking + lunch

Cooking + dinner

dinner

What's included

Private market visit + cooking class + dinner with your host Malki

Alcoholic beverages

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Lunch

Dinner

Gratuities

Detailed itinerary

Catch fresh lake fish and cook it in a local's home in Piliyandala, Colombo with Malki

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

Malki can offer a vegetarian meal 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.

Meeting point

Please meet your host Malki at her home in Piliyandala neighborhood of Colombo. Exact address can be found in your ticket upon booking confirmation.

Important notes

Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your host Malki at +94741057000 or via email at perera.mahesh77@gmail.com / mas.enginering@gmail.com

Address: 46/D, Uswatta Road, Dampe, Piliyandala, Colombo, Sri Lanka - 10300

Meeting Instructions: Meet Malki and Mahesh at their home. Here is a Google maps link to their location: https://goo.gl/maps/SPzKMF3PYGs.

We hope you are looking forward to your in-home culinary experience with a local in Colombo!
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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 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