Kandy: Village Cooking Class with Market Tour & Lunch

Summary

Hands-on Sri Lankan cooking in Kandy’s village kitchens with local flavors

You’ll start your day exploring Kandy’s bustling market for fresh ingredients, then head to a nearby village for a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking class with local hosts. Prepare traditional dishes together, share lunch around a family table, and soak up daily life in rural Kandy—a real taste of connection you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—like turmeric and something citrusy—when we stepped into the Kandy market. Our guide, Priya, waved us over to a pile of tiny eggplants, grinning as she showed us how to check for freshness (I still don’t know if I got it right). She let us pick out five vegetables for our Sri Lankan cooking class. The vendors called out prices in rapid Sinhala; one handed me a sprig of curry leaves just to sniff. It was loud, but somehow kind of comforting—everyone seemed to know each other.

After the market, we bumped along a narrow road back to the village. I didn’t expect the kitchen to be so open—just a few walls and a tin roof, sunlight slanting through gaps. Priya’s aunt was already grinding spices by hand; she laughed when I tried to help (apparently my technique needs work). We learned how to make rice and curry from scratch, chopping and stirring while someone else kept an eye on the coconut sambol. At one point I got distracted watching chickens outside and nearly burned the onions—Priya rescued them before anyone noticed.

Lunch happened around a low table with everyone sharing what we’d made. Eating with my hands felt strange at first, but honestly? The food tasted better that way—spicy, tangy, so many textures at once. Someone poured sweet tea; we swapped stories about where we were from. There was this easy warmth in the air—not just from the weather but from everyone around us. On the way back through the village, kids waved and shouted hello. That whole afternoon still sits with me whenever I think about Sri Lanka—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience

• Visit local market
• Select vegetables and chicken or fish
• Learn about spices and ingredients
• Return to village
• Prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes
• Taste the cooked meal
• Visit nearby village

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Kandy cooking class?

Yes, pickup is provided from a designated point for the market visit.

How many people can join the cooking class?

The class accommodates individuals or groups up to 15 people.

What meals are included during the experience?

Lunch or dinner is included as part of the cooking class.

Will I visit a local market during this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit a local market in Kandy to select fresh ingredients before cooking.

Can I choose between chicken or fish for the meal?

Yes, you can choose either chicken or fish during ingredient selection at the market.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near the meeting point.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Do I need any prior cooking experience?

No prior experience is needed—the hosts guide you through each step.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from a central spot in Kandy for your market visit, all ingredients for your Sri Lankan meal, hands-on guidance throughout the village cooking class itself, plus lunch or dinner shared together before heading back into town.