Shayama, SRI LANKA

“No matter where we live, some memories give us a thousand reasons to feel connected, so every time I make my special curry I always remember my mother’s love and kindness.”

For Shayama, spice is life. Shayama believes that cooking is a way of sharing with the people you love, and a way to stay connected to memories of those we’ve lost. It was her mother who taught her how to cook, her hands blessed by God, as Shayama fondly remembers. These same hands collected fresh lemongrass, and pandan leaves from the land, blending them together to form their own family curry mixes. “I remember my mother’s food,” she says. “My mum and aunties never bought the curry powder spices. They would make everything by hand in the mortar and pestle each day, from scratch. Now, I make my own curry powder too, because it brings memories. The smell is so beautiful.”

As a child, the kitchen would be filled with Shayama’s beautiful singing, while her mother and aunties would cook together, spending their mornings at the markets so their afternoons could be spent cooking for themselves and their community. Every plate that they touched was always blessed, so that their food would nourish all those they fed. “We always like sharing and giving,” she says. “Family is very important. You have to look after each other. You have to look after everyone.”

Please note: Our menus are thoughtfully designed in consultation with our cooking instructors, ensuring they stay true to their cultural roots and story. Due to the shared nature of our cooking experiences, we are unable to accommodate dietary modifications. We have listed dietary information in brackets under each menu for your convenience. If you have any questions about the menu, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email prior to booking - we would love to host you!