Anuradhapura: Traditional Milk Rice Cooking Class
About
Our cooking experience blends the rich flavors of Sri Lanka with the charm of village life. You’ll cook in a traditional clay kitchen under a coconut-leaf roof, using age-old tools like the miris gala (stone grinder), hiramanaya (coconut scraper), and wood-fired stove. Every dish is infused with the smoky aroma of firewood and the freshness of hand-prepared ingredients. From creamy kiribath paired with spicy lunu miris, to festive sweets like kokis and konda keum, each bite carries the taste of tradition, celebration, and home. More than a meal, it’s an edible journey into Sri Lanka’s cultural soul.
- Private experience
What to expect
Learn to make Kiribath — Sri Lanka’s beloved milk rice — in a hands-on cooking class set in an authentic village kitchen. Discover its cultural significance in celebrations, from New Year to weddings, while mastering the art of perfect milk rice cooked in creamy coconut milk. Pair your creation with spicy lunu miris or sweet jaggery for a true taste of tradition. Experience cooking the old way: grind spices on a miris gala (stone grinder), scrape coconut with a hiramanaya, winnow grains with a kulla, and cook over a wood-fired stove for that irresistible smoky flavor. You’ll even learn to eat the Sri Lankan way — with your hands! Surrounded by nature and rustic charm, this is more than a class — it’s an immersion into Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage. Perfect for travelers, food lovers, and anyone seeking a genuine taste of village life.
Sample menu
Traditional Sri lankan milk rice
Learn the techniques of crafting the perfect milk rice, infused with the rich flavors of coconut milk and served with delicious local accompaniments.
Spicy Katta sambol
A fiery Sri Lankan condiment made from crushed red chili, onions, lime, and salt—perfectly balanced to add a bold, zesty kick to any meal!
Fresh local fruit
Fresh local welcome drink
Sri Lankan Traditional Onion Sambol with Maldive Fish
A spicy and tangy relish made with finely sliced onions, chili flakes, salt, lime juice, and the rich umami flavor of sun-dried Maldive fish.
Konda keum
A traditional Sri Lankan deep-fried sweet made during New Year celebrations. Made from rice flour, treacle, and coconut milk, shaped into flower
kokis
A crispy, golden Sri Lankan snack made for festive occasions. Prepared by dipping a decorative mold into a rice flour and coconut milk batter.
Peni Walalu
A traditional Sri Lankan sweet made from urad dal flour, deep-fried into coil shapes, and soaked in golden treacle syrup.
Asmi
A delicate Sri Lankan sweet made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk, blended with cinnamon leaf extract.
Photos
What’s included
- Kokis
- Scrape Coconut with a Hiramanaya Try a fun kitchen skill that every Sri Lankan home cook knows! It’s easy to learn and very satisfying.
- Konda Keum
- Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal featuring creamy milk rice (kiribath) served with spicy katta sambol and lunu miris, followed by freshly made festive sweets. End your experience + Ceylon tea.
- Peni Walalu
- Cook on a Wood-Fired Stove Make your meal over a firewood stove, just like our grandmothers did. The smoky flavor makes it extra tasty!
- Miris Gala (Grinding Stone): Experience the meditative art of grinding spices, unlocking bold flavors the traditional way.
- Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal featuring creamy milk rice (kiribath) served with spicy katta sambol and lunu miris, followed by freshly made festive sweets. End your experience + Ceylon tea.
- Asmi
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Meeting & pickup
If you have trouble locating our place, please don't hesitate to reach us.