Cook with Wasantha

Experience the Taste of Sri Lanka with “Cook with Wasantha”

If you’re after more than just a sightseeing tour—something that offers a real taste of local life—then “Cook with Wasantha” might be just what you’re looking for. For $39 per person, you get about four hours of immersive cooking, market exploring, and cultural exchange in Galle, Sri Lanka. Led by the warm and knowledgeable Wasantha, this experience offers a rare glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan culinary techniques, starting from the bustling markets to the cozy kitchen where the magic happens.

What truly makes this experience shine are two things: first, the intimate group size—restricted to just 10 travelers—which ensures plenty of personalized attention and interaction. And second, the authenticity of the process—buying fresh ingredients directly from markets and learning traditional methods like coconut milk making and rice cooking, not just following a recipe.

One possible consideration is that this experience is more of a cooking demonstration with some participation, rather than a fully hands-on class. Some might prefer a more participatory cooking session, but the trade-off is a relaxed, informative atmosphere that feels more like a visit to a local family’s kitchen than a commercial cooking school.

This tour suits travelers who love authentic experiences, enjoy food and culture equally, and are eager to learn practical skills they can recreate at home. If you’re curious about real Sri Lankan flavors, want to visit vibrant markets, and appreciate a personal touch, this class is an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit local markets, learn how to select fresh vegetables and fish directly from vendors.
• Hands-On Learning: Prepare five different curries, rice, and coconut milk, gaining useful cooking skills.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a relaxed and personalized atmosphere.
• Cultural Insight: Enjoy a buffet lunch served buffet style, eating with your fingers—the traditional Sri Lankan way.
• Expert Host: Wasantha’s warmth and knowledge provide a friendly, welcoming environment.
• Value for Money: For $39, you get a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience, including market visits, cooking, and lunch.

A Deep Dive into the “Cook with Wasantha” Experience

The Itinerary: From Markets to Morsels

Your day begins at Wasantha’s restaurant in Unawatuna, where you’re greeted with a warm cup of ginger tea—a perfect way to start a Sri Lankan culinary adventure. Afterward, a tuk-tuk ride whisks you to the Dutch Market outside Galle, where you’ll get a lively introduction to Sri Lanka’s vegetable scene. Our guide, Sasa (Wasantha’s daughter), shared her expertise on choosing vegetables based on freshness and health benefits, which is invaluable if you want to replicate this at home.

The market visit is a highlight, with travelers quoting how engaging and insightful it is, thanks to the vendor interactions and local ambiance. You’ll learn how Sri Lankan produce differs from other markets—an educational peek that elevates your understanding of the ingredients.

Next, a stop at the fish market introduces you to the bounty of the sea—here, you pick out fresh tuna or other local fish. The freshness of the seafood is evident, and selecting it yourself is a satisfying part of the process that adds a personal touch to the meal.

Back at the kitchen, the focus shifts to curry preparation. Wasantha takes you through the steps of making coconut milk from scratch, a skill that many travelers find surprisingly simple yet rewarding. She explains how to perfectly cook rice—crucial when making Sri Lankan dishes—and then guides you through creating five different curries, each with its own unique spice blend and flavor profile.

Throughout the class, you’ll discover how spices are made and smell their aromatic essence, with some reviewers noting Wasantha’s intuitive use of spices—adding just enough based on her nose rather than precise measurements. The dishes include varieties like pineapple curry, dhal, aubergine and onion, pumpkin, and tuna ambitar, offering a broad spectrum of flavors.

Learning by Doing (and Watching)

While some reviews mention the experience leans more toward demonstration than full participation, most agree the class remains engaging. You can expect to help out with vegetable chopping and perhaps some curry assembly, but the real value lies in observing and absorbing the techniques. Guests appreciated how Wasantha’s explanations were clear, and her personality made the atmosphere friendly and relaxed.

The highlight for many is the lunch buffet, where you help yourself to as much as you like of the dishes you’ve learned, served buffet style. Eating with your fingers, as locals do, adds a tactile dimension to the meal and completes the culture.

The Value in Authenticity

Guests consistently praise the authenticity and homely feel of the experience. Many reviewers mention how it feels like being a guest in a local home rather than a tourist trap, thanks to Wasantha’s family involvement and genuine hospitality. One reviewer noted, “It was a full-scale cultural experience with some of the kindest, most knowledgeable people we met on our trip.”

Pricing at $39 for a full morning of market visits, cooking, and a generous buffet makes it a highly accessible way to deepen your appreciation for Sri Lankan cuisine. Plus, you walk away with 21 recipes, enabling you to recreate your favorites back home.

What Could Be Better?

A small caveat is that this is more of a demonstration with participation rather than a fully hands-on class. If you’re seeking a cooking experience where you’re actively cooking every dish from scratch, this might feel a bit limited. Also, the schedule packs a lot into four hours, so punctuality helps ensure you see everything without rushing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers eager to engage with local markets and learn traditional cooking techniques will find this experience invaluable. It’s perfect for those who enjoy culinary culture and want a personal, intimate setting. Families, solo travelers, and couples alike will appreciate the warmth and genuine hospitality that Wasantha and her family offer.

If you’re looking for a culinary highlight that combines sightseeing, hands-on cooking, and a hearty meal, this class hits the spot. However, if you prefer a more participatory or professional cooking class, you might find it a bit relaxed in that regard, but still very rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

“Cook with Wasantha” offers an authentic slice of Sri Lankan life—from market stalls brimming with fresh produce to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of spices. The small group size, friendly host, and delicious food all contribute to a memorable experience that goes beyond just learning recipes; it’s about connecting with local culture through food.

The price is reasonable for the depth of insight and the quality of the meal. You’ll leave with cooking skills, new recipes, and a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s culinary traditions—all in a warm, welcoming environment.

This tour is best suited for food lovers, culture seekers, and adventurous travelers who want to experience Sri Lanka in a truly authentic way. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and enjoy a flavorful journey into Sri Lankan cuisine, this class will not disappoint.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 4 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour take place?
It begins at Wasantha’s Sri Lanka Cuisine in Unawatuna and includes visits outside Galle, such as the Dutch Market and fish market.

What do I need to bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for cooking and exploring markets. All ingredients and utensils are provided.

Is transportation included?
Yes, tuk-tuks are arranged for the market visits, and transportation costs are covered in the price.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Most reviews mention the ability to adapt recipes to dietary needs, but it’s best to communicate specific concerns in advance.

How many people are in each class?
Group size is capped at 10 travelers, which ensures plenty of personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Will I learn how to make coconut milk?
Absolutely, Wasantha personally demonstrates how to make coconut milk from scratch, a valuable skill.

What do I get at the end of the class?
You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch of the dishes prepared, and receive a booklet with 21 recipes to try at home.

Final Words

For anyone interested in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and eager to learn real cooking techniques, “Cook with Wasantha” offers a warm, genuine experience. It’s more than just a cooking class—it’s a cultural exchange that leaves you with new skills, tasty memories, and an appreciation for Sri Lanka’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this class happily welcomes all who want to connect through food and flavor.