Our Sri Lanka food tour: Lunch with a local family

  • 13 Jan 25

Embark on a journey with Bunnik Tours and delve into the heart of Sri Lanka and its rich food culture. Our unique tours take you to a local village near Sigiriya, where you'll have the opportunity to experience the warmth of traditional hospitality and savour authentic Sri Lankan flavours.

Local village lunch in Habarana, Sri Lanka by David Hein

Local village lunch in Habarana, Sri Lanka by David Hein

Overview

 

Sri Lankan cuisine

Sri Lankan cuisine is a dynamic fusion of flavours shaped by its historical position along trade routes. Its culinary identity is characterised by a mix of indigenous ingredients, international spices and diverse cooking methods. With influences from Indian, Arab, Malay, and European cultures, Sri Lankan dishes showcase a blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy elements.

At the core of Sri Lankan meals is rice and curry, featuring an assortment of curries, sambol and chutneys. Coconut, a prevalent ingredient, adds richness to dishes, while spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and cumin contribute to the unique taste.

Seafood lovers will be in paradise thanks to Sri Lanka's extensive coastline. Fresh catches, combined with aromatic spices and coconut milk, result in mouthwatering seafood curries that are a testament to the island's coastal bounty.

 

Sigiriya: a UNESCO World Heritage Site

On our Sri Lanka tours, travellers will discover the Ancient City of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit a local village near the iconic Sigiriya rock, which is famed for its history and extensive views.

Here, away from the tourist crowds, Bunnik Tours offers an authentic Sri Lankan experience as you step into the welcoming embrace of a local family. This immersive encounter provides a rare glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the locals, away from the usual tourist hotspots.

 

Lunch in a local home

Sri Lankan cuisine is not just about flavours; it's rooted in communal traditions. Meals are often shared, emphasising the cultural importance of food. The culinary practices have been passed down through generations, preserving the authenticity of recipes and cooking techniques.

The highlight of our Sri Lankan Discovery and Sri Lanka In-Style tours is the invitation into a local home for a traditional lunch to experience the warmth and generosity of the Sri Lankan people.

The opportunity to savour a home-cooked meal prepared with love and care with ingredients from the local market is a rare treat when travelling abroad and a nice deviation from restaurant and cafe-prepared meals!

Local village lunch in Habarana, Sri Lanka by Dennis Bunnik

 

Why you will love a Sri Lankan food experience

It’s not often you get the chance to do any cooking overseas, but here you will have a hands-on opportunity to experience traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations and create your own unique Sri Lankan story. And if you would rather hang back and observe, that’s fine too. Watch as the local family creates mouthwatering dishes.

From aromatic spices to succulent curries, every bite tells a story of Sri Lanka’s diverse culinary influences, making it a memorable highlight for food enthusiasts. You might even learn some pointers to recreate a recipe for your family and friends back at home!

Local village lunch in Habarana, Sri Lanka by David Hein

 

Discover Sri Lanka with Bunnik Tours

Our small group tours of Sri Lanka offer so much more than just a holiday – they provide a genuine connection to the local community and a deep dive into the culinary heritage of this beautiful island.

From the warm welcome in a local home to witnessing traditional cooking techniques, every aspect of the tour is designed to offer an authentic and enriching experience. Join us in exploring the flavours and traditions that make Sri Lanka truly unique.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the famous food of Sri Lanka

Rice and curry - Kiribath is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from rice. It is prepared by cooking rice with coconut milk and can be considered a form of rice cake or rice pudding. Often served with a curry of fish or meat, along with other curries made with vegetables, lentils, or fruits. Dishes are accompanied by pickled fruits or vegetables, chutneys, and sambols.

What is a typical Sri Lankan breakfast?

Sri Lankans usually prefer rice and curry for any meal. Commonly breakfast consists of rice and curry, string hoppers, roti with a curry, bread, dahl or simply tropical fruits

How much does a meal cost in Sri Lanka?

A budget meal at a local restaurant will set you back around $3 to $5 per person, while a mid-range meal will cost you around $8 to $15 per person. Sri Lanka is a food lover's paradise, and you can indulge in the local cuisine without breaking the bank.

 

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