Sajees Place Cooking Class

Experience the Taste of Sri Lanka at Sajee’s Place Cooking Class

If you’re craving an authentic encounter with Sri Lankan culture that goes beyond sightseeing, Sajee’s Place Cooking Class in Sigiriya offers an engaging, hands-on culinary experience. For just $35 per person, you’ll spend about three hours with hosts Sajee and Suzy, learning traditional recipes and cooking techniques that you can easily recreate at home. The class combines a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with the opportunity to explore Sri Lankan spices, local ingredients, and regional flavors.

What we truly appreciate about this experience is its approachability—it welcomes both beginners and culinary enthusiasts, with clear explanations of spices’ benefits and origins. Plus, the chance to share your freshly cooked meal alongside a traditional Sri Lankan dessert like curd and treacle makes it a complete culture. Another highlight is the detailed recipe PDF you receive afterward, giving you the confidence to reproduce these dishes back home.

A consideration worth noting is that this tour is limited to 10 participants, which helps ensure a personalized experience—but it also means booking in advance (about 11 days on average) is recommended to secure your spot. If you love authentic food experiences in a calm, picturesque setting**, this class is especially suited for food lovers, cultural travelers, or anyone eager to bring a taste of Sri Lanka into their own kitchen.

Key Points

• Authentic Sri Lankan recipes: Learn traditional dishes like curries and coconut sambol.
• Expert guidance: Hosts Sajee and Suzy are praised for their warmth, friendliness, and detailed explanations.
• Cultural insights: Discover the benefits and origins of Sri Lankan spices, enriching your understanding.
• Hands-on experience: You’ll actively prepare your own meal, making this a memorable, practical activity.
• Take-home recipes: A PDF guide with 20 recipes ensures you can recreate the experience later.
• Limited group size: Maximum of 10 travelers for personalized attention.

A Deep Dive into Sajee’s Place Cooking Class

A Warm Welcome to Sri Lankan Cooking

From the moment you arrive at Sajee’s place in Sigiriya, you’re greeted with genuine friendliness. Sajee and Suzy create an inviting atmosphere that makes even novice cooks feel at ease. The location itself offers a tranquil, homey setting that feels removed from touristy chaos, allowing you to focus fully on the experience.

The class begins with an introduction to the ingredients—highlighting local herbs and spices that define Sri Lankan cuisine. You’ll learn about their benefits, origins, and how they weave into the dishes you’ll prepare—making the whole process both educational and practical. We loved the way Sajee explained the different types of spices, giving us the confidence to use them properly when we cook at home.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Actually Do

The cooking session is designed to give you a rundown of Sri Lankan cuisine in about three hours. You’ll prepare:

• Seasonal vegetable curries: using fresh, local vegetables, seasoned with expertly explained spices.
• Coconut sambol: a staple condiment, made from freshly grated coconut and chili, showcasing Sri Lanka’s love for coconut.
• Chicken or fish curry: depending on your preference, prepared with authentic techniques that Sajee and Suzy are eager to share.

Throughout the process, Sajee’s detailed explanations make even complex-sounding techniques approachable. We loved the way he guided us through self-made coconut milk, as well as washing rice and lentils—these hands-on steps help you appreciate the origins of the ingredients.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamic

With only up to 10 participants, the class fosters an intimate environment. You’ll often hear positive feedback in reviews, describing the hosts as “loveliest people” and noting how they make sure you understand the recipes. Several visitors mention how engaging the experience is, with children and teenagers actively participating—making it a family-friendly activity.

Tasting and Sharing the Meal

After all the preparation, you sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve created—this is truly the highlight. Nothing beats tasting your own homemade curry paired with a traditional curd and treacle dessert, which Sajee and Suzy serve as a sweet finish. Many reviews comment on the deliciousness of the dishes, with guests noting how they left inspired to recreate these flavors at home.

The Recipes and Post-Class Resources

Once the class ends, you receive a PDF with 20 traditional recipes. This comprehensive handout enables you to revisit the techniques and ingredients, encouraging you to continue experimenting in your own kitchen. The fact that Sajee makes himself available via WhatsApp for follow-up questions adds further value, helping you feel supported once you’re back home.

Price and Value

At $35 a person, the class offers excellent value. For a few hours of immersive learning, authentic food, and cultural insight, it’s a budget-friendly way to deepen your understanding of Sri Lankan cuisine. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which is often missing in larger, more impersonal classes.

Booking and Practicalities

Booking is recommended about 11 days in advance, as the class is popular—probably thanks to its high reviews and excellent value. The activity starts at a convenient location accessible by public transportation, and the tour ends back at the meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cooking class is ideal for travelers who love food and want a practical, cultural activity that results in a delicious meal. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to learn new skills and bring home authentic recipes. If you enjoy interactive experiences and prefer small-group settings over large tours, Sajee’s class will meet your expectations.

The Sum Up: Why You Should Consider Sajee’s Place Cooking Class

In our view, Sajee’s Place Cooking Class offers a genuine, accessible window into Sri Lankan cuisine. The hosts’ warmth, combined with their expert guidance, creates a welcoming environment that makes cooking feel approachable, even for complete beginners. The focus on spices and local ingredients enriches your understanding of the cuisine’s flavor profile, while the hands-on approach ensures you’re not just watching but actively participating.

The value of this experience lies not just in the meal itself, but in the knowledge and confidence you gain to cook Sri Lankan dishes at home. The small group size enhances the personal touch, and the included recipes are a lasting resource. Whether you’re a culinary traveler, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone eager to try something different, this class offers a memorable, enriching experience.

In the end, it’s a wonderful way to connect with local food traditions, enjoy delicious flavors, and bring a piece of Sri Lanka into your own kitchen. Just remember to book early, especially if you want to secure your spot during peak travel times—these classes are clearly in demand!

FAQ

Is the cooking class suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Sajee and Suzy explain cooking methods clearly, making it accessible even if you’ve never cooked Sri Lankan food before.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, providing enough time to prepare multiple dishes and enjoy the meal.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You’ll prepare seasonal vegetable curries, coconut sambol, and either chicken or fish curry. Afterward, you can enjoy your creations with a traditional curd and treacle dessert.

Can I get the recipes afterward?
Yes, you receive a PDF with 20 traditional recipes so you can recreate the dishes at home.

How do I contact Sajee or Suzy for more information?
You can find them on Google as “Sajee’s Place Cooking Class Sigiriya” or contact via WhatsApp at 0094767419738.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point is accessible by public transportation, and the activity begins at a specific location in Sigiriya.

If you’re looking for an enriching, authentic cooking experience that offers both education and delicious food, Sajee’s Place Cooking Class is a top choice. It bridges the gap between a tourist activity and a genuine cultural exchange, making your time in Sigiriya even more memorable.