Discover the Heart of Sri Lankan Cuisine with Sajee’s Cooking Class in Sigiriya
If you’re visiting Sigiriya and eager to explore authentic Sri Lankan culture, a cooking class with Sajee and his wife Suzy offers a fantastic way to do so. For just $36 per person, you’ll spend around three hours in a cozy, intimate setting learning to prepare traditional dishes that are central to Sri Lankan life. Located in Mahanuvara, this class is designed not just for food lovers but for curious travelers wanting a genuine taste of local flavors.
What we love about Sajee’s class is its personal touch—Sajee’s deep knowledge of spices and ingredients shines through in every explanation, making the entire experience both educational and fun. Plus, the focus on hands-on participation means you’ll leave with practical skills, not just a recipe card.
The only thing to consider is that the class operates within a limited schedule—check availability in advance to lock in your preferred time. This experience suits foodies, culture seekers, or anyone eager to bring a piece of Sri Lanka back into their kitchen. Whether you’re a beginners or a seasoned cook, Sajee’s warmth and expertise make this a memorable highlight of any Sigiriya trip.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Experience: Learn traditional Sri Lankan recipes directly from locals Sajee and Suzy.
- Hands-On Cooking: Engage actively in preparing a full Sri Lankan meal, including curries and accompaniments.
- Personalized Attention: Small group size ensures a warm, friendly environment with plenty of individual guidance.
- Recipe PDFs: Receive detailed documents with nearly 20 recipes and spice explanations for future cooking.
- Value for Money: For $36, you gain practical skills, local insights, and delicious food—an excellent deal.
- Cultural Insight: Beyond cooking, you’ll learn about Sri Lankan ingredients, spices, and culinary traditions.
Planning more time in Sigiriya? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at Sajee’s Cooking Class in Sigiriya
Location and Setting
Nestled in the heart of Mahanuvara, Sajee’s home offers a welcoming environment that feels both authentic and intimate. It’s a place where the aroma of spices and freshly cooked dishes fills the air, instantly transporting you into Sri Lankan culinary culture. The setting is simple but charming, emphasizing genuine connection over fancy decor.
Who Are Sajee and Suzy?
Sajee is described as knowledgeable and passionate about his cuisine, able to explain complex spice profiles and traditional cooking techniques with clarity. His wife Suzy plays a vital supportive role, helping to host and guide participants. Their teamwork creates a warm atmosphere that feels more like cooking with friends than a class.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat’s Included in the Experience?
For $36, you get a comprehensive three-hour session that includes:
– Preparation of 5 vegetable curries
– Dhal (lentil) curry
– Choice of chicken or fish curry (vegetarians get an extra vegetable curry)
– Accompaniments like coconut sambol or mallum
– Steamed rice and papadams
– Herbal tea and bottled water
– Dessert, typically curd with honey or fresh fruits
This built-in menu covers staples of Sri Lankan cuisine, giving you a well-rounded introduction.
The Cooking Process
As soon as you arrive, Sajee and Suzy greet you with a friendly, inviting attitude. The class begins with a brief overview of ingredients—Sajee’s explanations about spices and local herbs are both informative and accessible, making it easier to understand how each component influences the flavor.
Throughout the session, you’ll participate in chopping vegetables, measuring spices, and stirring curries. Sajee emphasizes techniques like balancing heat and preparing fluffy rice, which are crucial for authentic results. Many reviews praise how patient Sajee is—he takes the time to explain each step clearly, whether you’re a total beginner or have some cooking experience.
Authenticity and Quality
We loved the way ingredients are treated with respect—fresh vegetables, quality spices, and traditional methods are prioritized. The class isn’t rushed, allowing you to soak in the aromas and flavors, which are often more intense than what you’ll find in restaurants. The dishes are flavorful yet approachable, making them perfect for recreating at home.
The Experience of Learning and Eating
What sets Sajee’s class apart is the combination of instructional learning and shared meal. After cooking, everyone sits down together to enjoy the fruits of their labor—many reviewers mention how delicious the dishes are, often describing them as the best curries they’ve tasted in Sri Lanka.
Liis, one reviewer, found the experience “so personal and authentic,” while Catherine appreciated the detailed PDFs containing recipes and spice lists, which she said will be incredibly useful back home.
Flexibility and Convenience
The class is available on a reserve-now, pay-later basis, providing flexibility in planning your trip. With small groups limited to 10, the environment remains friendly and relaxed, allowing for plenty of personal attention.
Value and Practicality
At $36, this class offers great value, especially considering the personalized guidance, the variety of dishes prepared, and the take-home recipes. The PDFs with nearly 20 recipes and spice explanations are an added bonus, helping you recreate Sri Lankan flavors long after your trip.
Who Will Love It?
This experience is perfect for foodies, culture lovers, and curious travelers who want to go beyond just tasting food and actually learn how it’s made. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate authentic, home-cooked dishes rather than touristy or overly commercialized cooking classes.
Why This Cooking Class Matters for Your Trip
A Cultural Window
Cooking with Sajee and Suzy isn’t just about recipes—it’s about connecting with local traditions. You’ll gain insight into Sri Lankan ingredients, like coconut sambol, and learn about spice blending, which is central to the island’s cuisine.
The Joy of Participating
Many reviews highlight how patient and knowledgeable Sajee is, making the experience enjoyable regardless of your skill level. The hands-on approach ensures you’re not just observing but actively creating, which significantly boosts your confidence to cook Sri Lankan dishes at home.
A Delicious and Practical Takeaway
By the end of the session, you’ll have a full meal of curries and accompaniments, along with new skills and a recipe PDF to recreate these dishes for friends and family later. It’s a tangible souvenir—more meaningful than a postcard or souvenir T-shirt.
Timing and Accessibility
The class lasts about three hours—a flexible, manageable duration that fits well into most travel plans. It’s wheelchair accessible, broadening its appeal, and operates in a small-group setting for an intimate experience.
The Reviews Speak Volumes
With a perfect 5/5 rating from 32 reviews, many travelers have found this class to be delightful, educational, and delicious. They often mention how Sajee and Suzy are warm hosts, and how the curries and sambols they made were the best they encountered during their visit.
Final Thoughts: Is Sajee’s Cooking Class Right for You?
Whether you’re a culinary adventurer eager to master Sri Lankan dishes or a culture seeker wanting a genuine local interaction, Sajee’s class offers a valuable, fun, and tasty experience. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate authenticity and personalized guidance in a relaxed setting.
This is more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a chance to understand and appreciate the flavors that define Sri Lankan cuisine. With a friendly host, delicious food, and practical recipes, it’s a memorable addition to your Sigiriya trip.
If you’re looking to bring home a taste of Sri Lanka and learn a skill you can use again, this class is a fantastic choice. Just remember to check availability early, as spots fill up quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the class suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians are accommodated with an extra vegetable curry instead of chicken or fish, making the class flexible for different diets.
How long does the class last?
The experience takes about three hours, including cooking and sitting down to enjoy the meal.
What’s included in the price?
You’ll receive the cooking lesson, all ingredients for the dishes, a full meal, herbal tea, bottled water, a dessert, and a detailed PDF with recipes and spice info.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in your travel plans.
Do I get to take recipes home?
Absolutely. Sajee provides a PDF with almost 20 recipes and detailed spice explanations, perfect for recreating the dishes later.
Is the class accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the class is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most visitors.
What language is the class taught in?
The instructor speaks English, ensuring clear communication.
Is this experience popular?
Yes, with 32 glowing reviews and a 5-star average, it’s a highly recommended activity for travelers in Sigiriya.
Do I need prior cooking experience?
Not at all. The class is suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Where exactly is the class held?
It’s located in Mahanuvara, Sigiriya, in the home of Sajee and Suzy, making for an authentic and personal experience.
To sum it up, Sajee’s Place Cooking Class in Sigiriya offers an authentic, hands-on encounter with Sri Lankan cuisine that’s hard to match. It’s an opportunity to learn, eat, and connect with local culture in a cozy setting. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply curious about Sri Lankan flavors, this class delivers delicious results and lasting memories.
You can check availability for your dates here: