Cook with Wasantha

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with Sri Lankan culture beyond just sightseeing, the Cook with Wasantha tour offers a heartfelt glimpse into the island’s culinary traditions. This highly-rated, small-group class combines visiting lively local markets, learning traditional cooking techniques, and savoring the dishes you create—all for just $39 per person.

We love how this experience blends authentic market tours with hands-on cooking, the chance to learn how to make coconut milk and perfect rice, and the cozy, family-run atmosphere. The small group size (capped at 10) promises an intimate, personalized interaction, plus the opportunity to ask questions and get tips straight from a local expert.

A possible consideration is that some reviews mention it leans more towards demonstration than full hands-on participation. If you’re expecting a highly participative cooking class, this might be slightly less intense, but many find it rewarding nonetheless.

Ideal for food lovers, cultural explorers, and those eager to bring home genuine Sri Lankan recipes, this tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and are comfortable trying new things.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Tours: Visit two vibrant markets, learn to select fresh vegetables and fish, and understand local ingredients.
• Hands-On Cooking: Learn to prepare five traditional curries, rice, and coconut milk, all led by a knowledgeable local host.
• Small Group Setting: With a cap of 10 travelers, enjoy personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Cultural Experience: Get insights into Sri Lankan food customs, including eating with fingers, as locals do.
• Value for Money: For $39, you get a comprehensive lesson, market visits, and a buffet lunch—making it a truly worthwhile spend.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Hosted at Wasantha’s family-run restaurant, the experience feels like visiting a friend’s home.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Meeting at Wasantha’s Restaurant and Setting the Tone

The class begins in the welcoming setting of Wasantha’s restaurant in Unawatuna, where you’re greeted with a warm cup of ginger tea. This simple gesture sets the tone for the relaxed, family-oriented experience that follows. The host, Wasantha herself, exudes friendliness and genuine passion for sharing her culinary heritage.

Market Tour: A Feast for the Senses

The first part of the journey involves hopping into a tuk-tuk for a short ride to the Dutch Market outside Galle. Here, you get a chance to hear about its history and browse stalls brimming with colorful vegetables and tropical fruits. Reviewers highlight how Wasantha’s husband, Sam, guides the market tour expertly, explaining how to pick the freshest produce and the health benefits of different ingredients. One reviewer noted, “We learned so many great techniques and tips,” emphasizing how this part is both educational and fun.

Next, you’ll visit the fish market to select fresh fish, usually tuna, directly from vendors. This step is especially appreciated by travelers who enjoy seeing the local food supply chain firsthand. Many reviews mention how browsing these bustling markets provided not only a taste of local life but also insight into traditional ingredient selection.

Returning to the Kitchen: Cooking with Authentic Flair

Back at Wasantha’s family-run kitchen, the real magic begins. You’ll learn how to make coconut milk, a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, simply by grating and extracting fresh coconut. The class covers how to cook perfect fluffy rice—a crucial skill—and then moves into making five different curries. These often include dishes like dhal, eggplant, pumpkin, tuna, and a unique avocado curry, as some reviewers happily recall.

While some feedback indicates that participation might lean towards demonstration rather than full hands-on involvement, many appreciate the detailed explanations. Wasantha’s approach focuses on sharing tips and techniques, which can be just as valuable as direct participation. For example, one review noted how she added spices by smell rather than measuring, showcasing her intuitive mastery.

Cultural Touches: Eating Like a Local

The experience culminates in a buffet-style lunch, where you eat with your fingers, embracing a thoroughly local way of dining. Guests report that the meal is generous and delicious, with many describing it as a highlight. The chance to taste dishes you’ve just cooked adds to the sense of accomplishment and culture.

What’s the Real Value?

For only $39, this tour offers a comprehensive look into Sri Lankan food traditions, combining educational market visits, cooking demonstrations, and a communal meal. Many reviews praise the value for money, with some mentioning they received recipes to take home, making it easy to recreate the dishes later.

The Personal Touch

What sets this experience apart is the warmth of the hosts. Wasantha and her family contribute to an atmosphere of genuine hospitality, often making guests feel like they’re part of the family. Multiple reviews mention how Sasa, Wasantha’s daughter, leads the market tour, adding a personal and friendly touch.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts about four hours, starting at 10:00 am, which fits nicely into a morning outing. The group size, capped at 10, ensures a relaxed pace and ample opportunity to interact. The activity is conducted near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re passionate about authentic culinary experiences and want to learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes, this class ticks all the boxes. It’s perfect for foodies, cultural travelers, or anyone wanting to bring home flavorful recipes with a local twist.

Those looking for a highly participatory, full-on cooking workshop might find it more demonstration-focused, but the wealth of knowledge shared and the chance to visit markets make it worthwhile. It’s also an excellent choice if you love family-run experiences and want to support local livelihoods.

The Sum Up

Cook with Wasantha offers a heartfelt, genuine taste of Sri Lanka that combines market exploration, cooking mastery, and cultural insights—all in an intimate setting. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the focus on traditional techniques makes it a valuable experience for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Sri Lankan cuisine.

The tour’s affordability, combined with the quality of the food and the warmth of the hosts, makes it one of the best options for travelers seeking authentic, hands-on culinary discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or simply curious about Sri Lankan flavors, this experience promises a memorable day filled with learning, laughter, and delicious food.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately four hours, starting at 10:00 am, providing enough time to explore markets, cook, and enjoy the meal.

Is participation fully hands-on?
Some reviews suggest it’s more of a demonstration, but many find that the explanations are detailed enough to learn valuable techniques even if not actively involved in every step.

What is included in the price?
For $39, you get the market visits, cooking instruction, and a buffet lunch of the dishes you’ve prepared. Recipes are also provided to take home.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
While the focus is on traditional dishes including fish, vegetarian options could potentially be accommodated. It’s best to contact the provider directly for specific dietary needs.

How accessible is the tour?
The activity is near public transportation and starts at a central location in Unawatuna, making it reasonably accessible.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Refunds are issued if canceled within this window.

Whether you’re craving an authentic Sri Lankan meal or eager to learn traditional cooking techniques, Cook with Wasantha offers a memorable, heartfelt journey into local flavors—perfect for food lovers and culture seekers alike.