Sigiriya: Sri Lankan Cooking Class with Sajee & Suzy, Lunch Included

Summary

Learn to cook real Sri Lankan curries in Sigiriya with friendly locals

You’ll chop, stir, and laugh alongside Sajeeva & Suzy in their Sigiriya kitchen as you learn to cook classic Sri Lankan dishes like coconut sambol and dhal curry. Expect hands-on guidance with local spices, stories from your hosts, and a shared meal at the end—plus a few new friends and flavors you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

Suzy was already laughing when we walked up—she’d spotted my friend trying to pronounce “pol sambol” and just shook her head, grinning. Sajeeva waved us inside, where the kitchen felt like someone’s home (because it is). The air was thick with cinnamon and something I couldn’t place at first—maybe curry leaves? It was hot but not uncomfortable, just that slow afternoon warmth you get in Sigiriya. I liked how nobody rushed us. Sajee handed me a little bowl of dried red chilies and said, “Careful, this one is strong.” He wasn’t kidding.

I’ve done a few cooking classes before but never one where the hosts actually sat down and ate with us after. Suzy showed us how to scrape coconut for the sambol—my hands still smelled faintly sweet for hours after. She had this way of explaining spices that made it feel less intimidating (I’m not exactly a pro). We chopped onions for dhal curry while Sajee told stories about his grandmother’s recipes. There was a moment when the rice started bubbling and everyone went quiet except for the sound of birds outside. Funny how food can do that—just make people pause together.

When we finally sat down to eat what we’d made—three vegetable curries, chicken curry, sambol, all of it—I realized I’d probably never be able to recreate the exact flavors at home. But that didn’t really matter. Suzy poured us water and asked if we wanted more rice (we did). I tried saying thank you in Sinhala; Li laughed when I butchered it. I still think about that table sometimes—the smell of coconut and spice lingering as dusk crept in through the open window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sri Lankan traditional cooking class

• Welcome to Sajee's Place Cooking Class
• Learn about Sri Lankan spices
• Prepare vegetable curries and sambol
• Cook chicken or fish curry
• Enjoy the meal you created

Top questions

Where is Sajee's Place Cooking Class located?

The cooking class takes place in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

What dishes will I learn to cook?

You’ll prepare three vegetable curries, dhal curry, a stir-fried or tempered dish, chicken curry, coconut sambol, and rice.

Is lunch included in the class?

Yes, you’ll eat the meal you’ve cooked together at the end of the class.

Are there vegetarian options available?

Yes, several vegetable curries and dhal curry are part of the menu.

Is Sajee's Place wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

How do I book or contact Sajee's Place?

You can find their WhatsApp number by searching “Sajee’s Place Cooking Class Sigiriya” on Google or contact them directly via WhatsApp or phone.

Are drinks provided during the class?

Bottled water is included with your meal.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for three vegetable curries, dhal curry, one stir-fried or tempered dish, chicken curry, coconut sambol and rice plus bottled water throughout—and ends with everyone sharing the full meal together right there at Sajee’s family kitchen in Sigiriya.