Sajee’s Place Cooking Class sigiriya

Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the island with "Sajee’s Cooking Class"—a private educational project that offers guests of Sigiriya a unique opportunity to master the secrets of local cuisine. Classes take place in a cozy home surrounded by nature, where gracious hosts Sajee and Susie share traditional recipes far from the noisy tourist trails. This place is perfect for those who want to do more than just taste the food, but to understand the very essence of the culinary traditions Sri Lanka is famous for.

Sajee's Cooking Class. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

During the masterclass, participants learn to cook 4–5 types of vegetable curries, the famous lentil dhal, as well as a choice of chicken or fish curry. The process is accompanied by detailed stories about spices, their origins, and health benefits. A special feature of the program is maximum involvement: guests grate the coconut themselves, prepare fresh milk, and mix the spices, turning ordinary products into true gastronomic masterpieces.

The classes are geared toward small groups of up to 10 people, ensuring a personalized approach and a friendly atmosphere. At the end of the lesson, everyone enjoys a shared meal with the dishes they've prepared, and as a bonus, each participant receives a PDF file with recipes to recreate the experience at home for their loved ones.

To book your spot or clarify menu details, you can contact the hosts directly. The masterclass is quite popular, so it is highly recommended to arrange your visit in advance.

The main reason to visit Sajee is the active participation in preparing authentic Sri Lankan masterpieces. Under Susie's expert guidance, you will learn to make fragrant coconut sambol using only fresh ingredients and a traditional grater, as well as master the nuances of preparing dhal curry and crispy papadums. Every step is accompanied by an explanation of how specific spices affect the flavor and why the sequence of adding ingredients is so important.

In addition to the cooking itself, you will be able to:

• learn the secrets of selecting the freshest fruits and vegetables at the local market;
• learn how to make coconut milk from scratch, which is the base of most local dishes;
• discover the benefits of turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom in the context of Ayurvedic traditions.

After all the pots and pans are taken off the heat, the most pleasant part begins—dining with new friends. You will be able to taste everything you have prepared, accompanied by fragrant rice and refreshing drinks. The atmosphere of home comfort and sincere conversations with the hosts make this experience truly memorable, turning an ordinary lesson into a warm cultural exchange.

Finding "Sajee’s Cooking Class" is quite simple, as it is located at No 92 fourth mile post. This location is in close proximity to the main tourist trails while maintaining a secluded atmosphere. If you are staying in the center of a city like Sigiriya, a tuk-tuk ride will take only about 5–10 minutes.

For travelers using public transport, the best option is to take a bus to the main stop in Sigiriya and from there take a taxi or a local tuk-tuk to the Fourth Mile Post landmark. Drivers usually know this area well, and you will reach your destination without any trouble.

Those coming from more distant cities or Colombo Airport will find it most convenient to use a rental car with a driver. For the most accurate navigation, it is recommended to use GPS coordinates or contact Sajee via WhatsApp in advance to get their current location. Road signs will also help you find your way during the final stage of the journey.

Although "Sajee’s Cooking Class" is a modern private project created to introduce tourists to local culture, its roots go deep into the past. Sri Lankan cuisine has been shaped over centuries by the island's ancient traditions, with each region adding its own unique notes to the use of spices and coconut milk.

Sajee and Susie don't just teach you how to cook; they pass on family recipes that have been preserved and perfected over several generations. There is no pretense of a restaurant kitchen here; instead, the spirit of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality prevails, where knowledge of the benefits of each spice is considered an integral part of the culinary art.

Interestingly, the techniques demonstrated in the class—such as making coconut milk from scratch or grinding spices by hand—have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. This allows guests to touch the living heritage of the country, which remains a constant in the daily lives of locals despite the rapid growth of tourism in the region.

For a full immersion in the process followed by a tasting of the dishes, you should set aside about 3 hours. This is enough time to unhurriedly master the preparation of several types of curry, learn how to work with traditional ingredients, and enjoy socializing with the hosts at a shared table.

The masterclass usually begins with a brief introduction and food preparation and concludes with a full lunch or dinner. We recommend arriving at the location 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time to meet Sajee and Susie and get into a creative mood in a relaxed setting.

Officially, the doors are open daily from 06:00 to 23:30. However, it is worth considering the specifics of cooking classes: the main masterclasses are most often held during the day, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, so that guests can enjoy a freshly prepared lunch.

Since the ingredient preparation process takes time, it is highly advisable to book your slot in advance. Evening classes are also possible by prior arrangement, allowing you to flexibly fit a visit to Sajee into your travel schedule.

A visit to this cooking lesson can be perfectly combined with exploring other interesting sites in the vicinity. Sigiriya is rich in natural and historical attractions located just a few kilometers from Sajee’s home, allowing you to create a full-day itinerary.

After a hearty lunch or before the masterclass begins, you can head out on a safari or visit ancient ruins to dive even deeper into the island's atmosphere.