Sri Lankan Crab Curry Class in Colombo: Cook in a Local Home

You pick moringa leaves from the rooftop garden before you start cooking.

A private three-hour cooking class in a Colombo home where you learn to make Sri Lankan crab curry and other dishes from Nanditha, a home cook and entrepreneur who has perfected her signature recipes over years of cooking for family and friends. The class includes a tour of her organic rooftop garden, hands-on instruction, dinner with your host, all beverages and gratuities. Menu may shift with the season, and you're welcome to bring your own alcohol.

The experience

Nanditha's home in central Colombo 5 is where the class unfolds. You'll start with a welcome drink and snacks (baked garlic and cassava chips), while she introduces you to Sri Lankan home cooking traditions. Before the cooking begins, she takes you up to her rooftop garden, where she grows herbs, chilies, curry leaves and vegetables for her kitchen. You'll pick a few moringa leaves yourself, the ones that go into her signature crab curry.

The two-hour cooking class centers on her crab curry and red coconut sambol, the dishes she's refined over years of hosting feasts for friends and family. You'll also learn string hoppers, roasted bread, dhal curry and milk toffee: her own confectionery specialty, which she's been making from her home for fifteen years. Nanditha's daughter contributes a dessert of her own to the menu. Throughout, she walks you through technique and the reasoning behind each step, not as a commercial instructor but as someone sharing how she actually cooks at home.

Dinner happens at her table with Nanditha and her family. All beverages (ginger tea, water, juice) are included, and gratuities are built into the price. If you have allergies or dietary preferences, let the operator know at booking so she can adjust. The experience is fully refundable up to 48 hours before. Cancellations within 48 hours cannot be refunded because she begins preparing two days in advance.

What’s included

• Private three-hour cooking class with Nanditha in her Colombo home.
• rooftop garden tour where you pick fresh moringa leaves.
• dinner with your host and her family.
• all non-alcoholic beverages including ginger tea.
• gratuities.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Stroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Traveling Spoon

Is this one for you?The class is taught in English by a live guide, so you'll follow along comfortably whether you're a beginner or have cooked before. This suits anyone who wants to learn real Sri Lankan home cooking in an intimate setting rather than a commercial kitchen.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What dishes will I learn to cook during the class?

You'll cook Sri Lankan crab curry and red coconut sambol, the signature dishes Nanditha has perfected over years. The menu also includes string hoppers, roasted bread, dhal curry, milk toffee and a dessert her daughter makes, though the exact menu may shift depending on the season and what's available.

Does the class include a meal, or is it just instruction?

Dinner is included and you eat at Nanditha's table with her and her family. All non-alcoholic beverages (ginger tea, water and juice) are also included, along with gratuities, so there are no hidden costs at the end.

Will Nanditha teach me about her rooftop garden?

Yes, she takes you on a tour of her organic rooftop garden before the cooking class begins. She grows herbs, chilies, curry leaves and vegetables, and you'll pick moringa leaves yourself to use in the crab curry you'll prepare.

Is this a group class or private?

This is a private, personalized experience in Nanditha's home. It's not a commercial cooking school. You're visiting her as a guest to learn how she actually cooks for her family and friends.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Let the operator know at booking and Nanditha will adjust the menu to suit your needs. She's accustomed to working around preferences and restrictions.