Sri Lankan Cooking Workshop
Cook, learn and enjoy a Sri Lankan meal at BBC.
Sri Lankan cuisine is built around fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, coconut and a remarkable variety of curries and sambols. Our hands-on cooking workshop takes place in the BBC restaurant kitchen, where you prepare a personalised Sri Lankan meal together with our chef. Depending on what you would like to cook, the experience can also begin with a local market visit to choose fresh fish, meat, vegetables and other ingredients.
A hands-on cooking experience
Together with our chef, select approximately two to four dishes according to your interests, dietary wishes and the ingredients available that day. Prepare vegetables, work with spices, learn how coconut and coconut milk are used, and discover how flavours are balanced in a Sri Lankan kitchen.
Depending on your menu, dishes may include vegetable, fish or meat curries, dhal, sambols or other Sri Lankan favourites. There is no fixed recipe list: the exact selection is agreed with you before the workshop. This is active participation rather than a demonstration.
An optional visit to the market
If fresh ingredients are needed for your chosen dishes, the workshop can include a visit to a nearby local market or food shop before cooking begins.
Choosing fish, meat, vegetables, herbs and spices together offers an insight into how Sri Lankan cooks select ingredients for everyday meals. The visit is included when useful for your selected menu; guests purchase the food ingredients separately.
Discover Sri Lankan flavours
Rice and curry is central to Sri Lankan everyday food, but encompasses an enormous variety of dishes. Curries are combined with dhal, sambols, pickles and other accompaniments, with flavours ranging from mild and creamy to strongly spiced.
Learn about ingredients, preparation methods and the balance of spices and coconut as you cook with our BBC chef.
Enjoy what you have prepared
At the end, sit down and enjoy the dishes you have cooked. Choose the ingredients, prepare the dishes and share the finished meal—a practical introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.
Practical details
Duration
Approx. 1–2 hours for the cooking workshop.
Dishes
Approx. 2–4 dishes, selected with you.
Location
BBC restaurant kitchen.
Market visit
Optional; included where useful for the chosen menu.
Guidance
Hands-on instruction by our BBC chef.
Meal
Enjoy the dishes you prepare.
Suitable for
Couples, families, food lovers and home cooks.
Difficulty
Easy; no previous cooking experience required.
Price & what is included
LKR 4,200
per group of 1–2 guests.
Included in the rate
- Hands-on cooking workshop with our BBC chef
- Use of the BBC kitchen
- Basic kitchen ingredients such as salt, pepper and cooking oil
Food ingredients are purchased separately
Guests purchase the food ingredients for their selected dishes from the market. These ingredients are not included in the workshop rate.
Purchases, tips and donations are not included.
Made for your preferences
Please tell the BBC team in advance about allergies, dietary requirements or ingredients you prefer to avoid. Vegetarian options can be included, and the chilli level can be adjusted to your taste. Each workshop is adapted to your preferences and the ingredients available.
How to join this activity
Speak to reception or any BBC team member. We will discuss the dishes you would like to prepare, arrange any necessary market visit and coordinate the workshop with our kitchen.