Cookery Demonstration at Fort Bazaar or Galle
Meet with one of The Fort Bazaar chefs at 11am for an in-depth demonstration of how to make some of the stunning rice and curry dishes served in our restaurant. You’ll learn about the spices used to flavour the dishes and the different methods of preparing each of the delicious curries. The chef will select some fresh vegetables from the local markets prior to the demonstration to use in the cook; you are very welcome to join him on his visit to the fresh produce market if you like so please let our staff know at the time of booking if you’d like to visit the market too.
In the demonstration the chef will use clay pots to cook each curry; these clay chatties impart an authentic and distinctive flavour to Sri Lankan cuisine and have been used across the island for centuries. Villagers in rural areas still use them for cooking on an open hearth. You can choose from one fish, chicken or seafood curry, along with a dhal (red lentil) curry and a selection of vegetable curries depending upon what is fresh and in season. The chef will also share with you his secrets for making the perfect rice accompaniment. You may get involved as much or as little as you wish and you’ll have many opportunities to taste the curries during the cooking process. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like – our chefs will be happy to indulge you!
After the demonstration, enjoy a lunchtime feast of the delicious curries you’ve seen prepared followed by a traditional Sri Lankan dessert. As an alternative, we can also connect you with a lovely Galle family where you can enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cookery lesson, and lunch, in a local home.
Sithuvili Mask making and painting
This workshop, which takes place in the Galle Fort gallery of one of Sri Lanka’s foremost craftsman, Janaka, is designed to be an in-depth insight into traditional Sri Lankan mask making. As part of the experience, you will learn about the history of masks in Sri Lanka, their practical uses and representations, and be shown the age-old techniques and tools used to carve the masks by the in-house carvers. This is very much a hands-on experience with the team of craftsman there primarily to assist, correct and help you to enhance your own individual creations. If you have chosen to carve your own mask, you’ll also have the option to paint it using natural colours sourced from clay, plants and other earthy materials.
If you’re short on time, you could choose to enjoy a mask painting workshop, where you’ll personalise a pre-carved mask in your own style. The gallery has a range of masks, sculptures, painted timber boxes and elaborate antique panels for sale, which you can browse after the class. You’ll also have the option to paint it using natural colours sourced from clay, plants and other earthy materials.
Private Yoga Session
You can choose to enjoy a private one on one session with Eva, either in the hotel’s library or at the beautiful purpose-built Sri Yoga Shala, tucked deep into the Mihiripenna hills, a 20-minute drive from Galle. This centre is a tranquil timber construction that looks out over the palm trees and inland jungle, and also has a swimming pool and (soon-to-open) health food café. (except Sunday).
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