Culinary Journey of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the land of Serendipity. No wonder Marco Polo declared the atoll “the finest island of its size in the world; `Taprobane’ to the ancient Romans, `Serendib’ to Arab traders, `Ceilao’ as christened by the Portuguese, `Ceylan’ by the Dutch followed by `Ceylon’ by the British and finally Sri Lanka to the Sinhalese.

 SRI LANKAN CUISINE

Sri Lanka has a unique cuisine, shaped by the wonderful produce of its land & sea, & by the influence of traders & colonisers. Famed for its cinnamon plantations, Sri Lanka culinary traditions come from centuries of trading spices. Spices are an essential ingredient in any Sri Lankan kitchen – the most popular spices are chili powder, turmeric, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. 

Influenced by Arab traders, Malay navigators, Portugese, Dutch and British colonists ; along with the influences of Southern Indian neighbours on the cuisine in the north of Sri Lanka. Whilst traders & colonialists have left their gastronomic mark of Sri Lanka, there are still a huge range of distinctive indigenous dishes. 

Recipes are handed down from generation to generation, Sri Lankan’s are incredibly proud of their cuisine, and so they should be. Food plays an integral part in Sri Lankan culture; it’s used to celebrate Sinhalese and Tamil New Year and other festivals, religious ceremonies and all major events in a person’s life.

Sri Lankans make use of the abundant green isle from a wide variety of spicy curries to egg hoppers, chutneys, pickles and coconut sambals – a huge variety of dishes stem from the tiny island of Sri Lanka.  Coconuts are also vitally important in Sri Lankan cuisine – coconut oil for grilling and frying; coconut milk is added to curries and coconut flesh are shaved to make spicy pol sambol.

SRI LANKAN DRINKS – 

Refreshing drinks are vital with Sri Lanka’s hot climate. Tea is synonymous with Sri Lanka – the Hill Country with its high altitude, sloping terrain & warm climates have been producing tea since 1867. Lassi, just as in India a refreshing yoghurt-based drink often with mango can be found in restaurants and cafes, at roadside stalls Thambili or king coconut still in the husks makes for a refreshing drink.

Arrack is a somewhat refined alcoholic toddy made from the sap of the palm trees – quite powerful, arrack can leave you with a decent hangover. Rockland Distilleries began in 1924 – set up to produce high quality Arrack for the first time in Ceylon’s history; Rockland also produce another of Sri Lanka’s favourite drinks Colombo Gin.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

On this wonderful culinary journey, we seek out the hidden kitchens of Sri Lanka. We commence our journey in Jaffna, in the north of Sri Lanka and home to much of the Tamil population – this area was devastated during the 30 years of Civil War, so there is much history to see. You’ll visit the Jaffna fish markets,  experience local toddy & have a hands-on cooking class to prepare an authentic Jaffna meal. We then travel to the ancient city of Anuradhapuru, the world heritage sites Polonnaruwa & Sirigiya – after climbing to Sirigiya Rock Fortress you’ll be treated to a Paduru Party. Elephant sighting in Minnieriya & visit Dambulla Caves before heading to Kandy – where culinary & historical sights abound. A picturesque train to Hatton before a chance to relax amongst the tea plantations at Resplendent Ceylon. Foodie adventures then await you in Galle & Colombo.

Small Group Tour of no more than 8 people

Colombo – Negombo – Jaffna – Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Kandy – Hatton – Galle -Colombo

16 days/15 nights

• 1 night accommodation in Negombo – The Wallawwa
• 2 nights accommodation in Jaffna -North Gate by Jetwing
• 2 nights accommodation in Anuradhapura – Ulagalla Resort
• 2 nights accommodation in Sigiriya – Water Garden
• 2 nights accommodation in Kandy – Kings Pavilion
• 2 nights accommodation in Hatton – Ceylon Tea Trails
• 2 nights accommodation in Galle – The Fort Bazaar
• 2 nights accommodation in Colombo – The Residence by UGA
• Breakfast daily at hotels
• Many lunches and dinners included at specially selected restaurants and culinary experiences
• All private transfers 
• All Activities included as per itinerary
• Entrance fees
• Sightseeing and touring with a local English speaking guide 

Tour Dates:-

10 October 2022 – 25 October 2022

23 April 2023 – 08 May 2023

OR Contact Journeys Rediscovered to arrange your own private Culinary Journey or Sri Lanka Holiday

Boutique accommodation twin share. Single Supplements available.