Gourmet Galle, a 12 week-long gourmet festival up and down the south coast of Sri Lanka. As a partner to the incredibly successful Galle Literary Festival. Since 2005 the Galle Literary Festival has become one of the most anticipated literary events in south Asia.
Gourmet Galle show cases amazing celebrity and world-renowned chefs along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The dinners take place in exquisite homes and the finest boutique hotels carefully curated to make each weekend its own unique and incredible event.
AMES LOWE | DINNER
KK Beach | Saturday 13th Jan
A regular on the World’s 50 Best list, Lyle’s ranked 33rd in the international guide for 2021 and 84th in the National Restaurant Awards’ Top 100. It also has two AA Rosettes. James is a Michelin Star Chef focused on seasonal and fresh cuisine, at his own Restaurant, Lyle’s Restaurant, Shoreditch.
JAMES LOWE | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 14th Jan
A regular on the World’s 50 Best list, Lyle’s ranked 33rd in the international guide for 2021 and 84th in the National Restaurant Awards’ Top 100. It also has two AA Rosettes. James is a Michelin Star Chef focused on seasonal and fresh cuisine, at his own Restaurant, Lyle’s Restaurant, Shoreditch.
O TAMA CAREY | DINNER
Trebartha East | Saturday 20th Jan
Owner and chef of Lankan Filling Station, Sydney and author of the cookbook, ‘Lanka Food: Serendipity & Spice’. Her restaurant in Sydney the Lankan Filling Station receives huge praise from critics
O TAMA CAREY | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 21st Jan
Owner and chef of Lankan Filling Station, Sydney and author of the cookbook, ‘Lanka Food: Serendipity & Spice’. Her restaurant in Sydney the Lankan Filling Station receives huge praise from critics
JEREMY LEE & FELICIA SORENSEN | DINNER
Jetwing Lighthouse | Saturday 27th Jan
With years of restaurant experience, his debut cookbook ‘Cooking: Simply and Well, for One or Many’ – the book has won many accolades including the Winner of a Fortnums Special Award 2023 and Winner of The André Simon Award 2022 For Best Food Book. He is patron/chef of Restaurant: Quo Vadis, Soho, London
KARAN GOKANI & JEREMY LEE | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 28th Jan
At the forefront of promoting Sri Lanka cuisine in London with his three restaurants called Hoppers and the release of his cookbook, Hoppers.
He is joined by Jeremy Lee of Quo Vadis – together they will delight you with culinary wizadry.
CYNTHIA SHANMUGALINGAM | DINNER
Fort Printers | Wednesday 24th Jan
Her debut cookbook ‘Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka’, which won the Fortnum and Mason’s Best Debut Cookery Book 2023, was named as a best cookbook of the year by the New York Times, LA Times, Chrissy Teigan, and Bon Appetit. She is the chef-proprietor of the restaurant Rambutan, which opened in 2023
CYNTHIA SHANMUGALINGAM | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Friday 26th Jan
Her debut cookbook ‘Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka’, which won the Fortnum and Mason’s Best Debut Cookery Book 2023, was named as a best cookbook of the year by the New York Times, LA Times, Chrissy Teigan, and Bon Appetit. She is the chef-proprietor of the restaurant Rambutan, which opened in 2023
NISHA PARMAR | DINNER
The Merchant Saturday | 3 Feb
Nisha Parmar shot to culinary fame when she became a finalist in Masterchef UK in 2018, now as a private chef to celebrities. Nisha is a social influencer with 80,000 Instagram followers, one of the most popular names in celebrity private dining. She recently published a cookery book, “Share: Asian inspired Dinner Party Dishes
NISHA PARMAR | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 4th Feb
Nisha Parmar shot to culinary fame when she became a finalist in Masterchef UK in 2018, now as a private chef to celebrities. Nisha is a social influencer with 80,000 Instagram followers, one of the most popular names in celebrity private dining. She recently published a cookery book, “Share: Asian inspired Dinner Party Dishes
MARK HIX | DINNER
Braganza House | Friday 16 Feb
Mark is frequently lauded as one of Britain’s most eminent restaurateurs with an unrivalled knowledge of ingredients with provenance. He is an award-winning author and food writer with 12 cookbooks to his name. Previous years at the Ivy, Caprice, Hix and the Oyster and Fish House.
MARK HIX | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 18th Feb
Mark is frequently lauded as one of Britain’s most eminent restaurateurs with an unrivalled knowledge of ingredients with provenance. He is an award-winning author and food writer with 12 cookbooks to his name. Previous years at the Ivy, Caprice, Hix and the Oyster and Fish House.
RISHI NALEENDRA | DINNER
Kurulu Bay | Saturday 24th Feb
Rishi Naleendra a celebrated Sri Lankan chef with an outstanding repertoire of restaurants and accolades. With stints at Tetsuya, Sydney and Macalister Mansion, Singapore he has moved on to his own restaurants in Singapore raising the bar on Sri Lankan cuisine; with Michelin stars under his belt. Cloudstreet, Kotuwa and Fool Wine Bar in Singapore.
RISHI NALEENDRA | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 25th Feb
Rishi Naleendra a celebrated Sri Lankan chef with an outstanding repertoire of restaurants and accolades. With stints at Tetsuya, Sydney and Macalister Mansion, Singapore he has moved on to his own restaurants in Singapore raising the bar on Sri Lankan cuisine; with Michelin stars under his belt. Cloudstreet, Kotuwa and Fool Wine Bar in Singapore.
DARINA ALLEN & J R RYALL | DINNER
Why House | Friday 1st March
Founder of the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School, biodiverse organic farm, gardens and greenhouses in East Cork and plenty of cookery books under her belt. 9x Awards incl. Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year. Ballymaloe Desserts is JR Ryall’s first book, the one he has been waiting to write his entire life. It’s a curated collection of 140 recipes from the Ballymaloe repertoire, some old, some new, and all with the home cook in mind
DARINA ALLEN & J R RYALL | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 3rd March
Founder of the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School, biodiverse organic farm, gardens and greenhouses in East Cork and plenty of cookery books under her belt. 9x Awards incl. Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year. Ballymaloe Desserts is JR Ryall’s first book, the one he has been waiting to write his entire life. It’s a curated collection of 140 recipes from the Ballymaloe repertoire, some old, some new, and all with the home cook in mind
DARINA ALLEN & J R RYALL | AFTERNOON TEA
Why House | Sunday 3rd March
Founder of the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School, biodiverse organic farm, gardens and greenhouses in East Cork and plenty of cookery books under her belt. 9x Awards incl. Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year. Ballymaloe Desserts is JR Ryall’s first book, the one he has been waiting to write his entire life. It’s a curated collection of 140 recipes from the Ballymaloe repertoire, some old, some new, and all with the home cook in mind
HARI NAYAK | DINNER
Malabar Hill | Saturday 9th March
Chef Hari is one of the world’s most famous Indian chefs today and a savvy restaurateur, Hari Nayak is responsible for the operation and success of several restaurants worldwide. Also a cookbook author of the 7 bestselling books like Modern Indian Cooking and My Indian Kitchen. Hari Nayak has managed to provide a new modern outlook on Indian cuisine, one that is creating a sensation of sorts in North America today.
HARI NAYAK | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 10th March
Chef Hari is one of the world’s most famous Indian chefs today and a savvy restaurateur, Hari Nayak is responsible for the operation and success of several restaurants worldwide. Also a cookbook author of the 7 bestselling books like Modern Indian Cooking and My Indian Kitchen. Hari Nayak has managed to provide a new modern outlook on Indian cuisine, one that is creating a sensation of sorts in North America today.
MANDY YIN | DINNER
The Sun House | Saturday 16th March
Mandy Yin is Malaysian-born Chinese of Peranakan Nyonya heritage. Mandy owns and runs cult Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar in London and is regularly featured in the national press. Mandy’s life goal is to showcase the exciting variety of Malaysian food. The first print of her debut book, ‘Sambal Shiok: The Malaysian Cookbook’ sold out in less than two months of release in 2021.
MANDY YIN | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 17th March
Mandy Yin is Malaysian-born Chinese of Peranakan Nyonya heritage. Mandy owns and runs cult Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar in London and is regularly featured in the national press. Mandy’s life goal is to showcase the exciting variety of Malaysian food. The first print of her debut book, ‘Sambal Shiok: The Malaysian Cookbook’ sold out in less than two months of release in 2021.
PETER KURUWITA | DINNER
Cape Weligama | Saturday 23rd March
Spanning 4 decades as an award-winning chef and restaurateur, Peter has expanded his career to encompass the roles of TV presenter, author, cookbook author, restauranteur & culinary ambassador. Cookbooks under his belt include: Serendip – My Sri Lankan Kitchen; My Feast with Peter Kuruvita: Lands of the Curry Leaf
PETER KURUWITA | MASTERCLASS
Masterclass Kitchen | Sunday 24th March
Spanning 4 decades as an award-winning chef and restaurateur, Peter has expanded his career to encompass the roles of TV presenter, author, cookbook author, restauranteur & culinary ambassador. Cookbooks under his belt include: Serendip – My Sri Lankan Kitchen; My Feast with Peter Kuruvita: Lands of the Curry Leaf
BEACH PARTY FINALE AT W15, WELIGAMA
Cocktails and Canapes | Saturday 30
Venues
If you’re a chef eager to expand your culinary horizons and refine your skills, you’ve come to the right place. Our masterclasses bring together the finest venues, the most accomplished chefs, and a wealth of culinary knowledge to create an unforgettable learning experience.
KK Beach, Habaraduwa
KK Beach, a 10 bedroom boutique hotel graces the pristine Indian Ocean beachfront. Open since 2016, it’s renowned for its style, comfort and Bamboo Restaurant’s delectable cuisine. Guests enjoy unrivaled views, a 20 meter pool, spa treatments and direct beach access. Just a 20 minute drive from Galle, it’s an idyllic base for exploring Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Trebartha East, Ahangama
Trebartha East, The Round House is a design-centric boutique hotel atop a 12 acre cinnamon plantation offering 360 degree views of rice paddies and jungle. Just a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from Ahangama, it features four spacious bedrooms, a stylish living room and an 18m curved infinity pool. The all-day kitchen serves locally sourced, on-site crafted dishes in a breezy hilltop setting.
Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, Galle
Jetwing Lighthouse, A Galle icon designed by Geoffrey Bawa rests on a rocky promontory, minutes from Galle Fort. Its intricate copper and brass balustrade narrates the clash between Portuguese and Sinhalese armies. The coastal haven offers 80 luxury rooms, five themed suites, two pools and various dining choices all complemented by gym, tennis court and spa.
Fort Printers, Galle Fort
The Fort Printers, an 18th-century mansion turned boutique hotel in Galle Fort, seamlessly blends minimalistic design with colonial heritage. Its intimate atmosphere, handcrafted details, and fresh seafood menu, set against a frangipani courtyard and bistro dining room, create an elegant escape with unparalleled service and a rich historical ambiance.
Kurulu Bay, Koggala
Kurulu Bay, a health and wellness-focused boutique hotel with 14 rooms offers serene views of Koggala Lake. Surrounded by lush greenery each suite or cottage provides intimacy with nature. Award winning architects designed the contemporary rooms while the hotel offers mindful activities and holistic spa treatments promoting reconnection and self-care. Featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s “The best hotels in Sri Lanka” and the “New York Times’ & “The L List”.
Braganza House, Talpe
Braganza house, a tropical chic retreat near Talpe’s stunning beaches, 20 minutes from Galle Fort blends Moroccan and Mediterranean influences. Designed by British interiors designer Chlöe Elkerton, It’s a December 2021 gem. The villa’s spacious layout, vibrant colour palette and carefully curated interior showcase Elkerton’s passion for diverse cultures. The verandahs organically shaped pool, alfresco dining and dedicated team promise a memorable experience.
Why House, Talpe
Why House, a family oriented boutique hotel nestles in a three acre walled garden with tropical plants. Offering luxury with informality, it accommodates up to 24 guests in 10 double ensuite rooms with private terraces. Each room features free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and amenities by Kemara. The in-house team crafts diverse, fresh, family style serving and a children’s menu while the large pool and dining pavilion provide scenic relaxation.
Malabar Hill, Weligama
Nestled by Sri Lanka’s famed forest, Malabar Hill exemplifies conscientious holidaying constructed with eco-friendly processes. Just a short trip from Weligama Bay, the 12 exclusive villas offer scenic vies, salt water chlorinated pools and luxurious, heritage- inspired interiors. With minimal environmental impact, the design seamlessly integrates with nature, providing a modern open plan feel and luxuriously bohemian style
Sun House, Galle
Built in the 1860s, The Sun House, once a Scottish spice merchant’s home is now a charming colonial hotel with seven unique bedrooms offering a country house atmosphere and privacy. Renovated to preserve its colonial elegance, it features a central living area and tropical gardens. Guests experience the relaxed lifestyle of early tea planters with fine dining and sunset cocktails.
Cape Weligama, Weligama
Cape Weligama, a luxury clifftop resort in Sri Lanka offers a slice of paradise with 39 suites and villas inspired by a traditional Sri Lankan village. Nestled on a headland, a Relais & Chateaux member reflecting a commitment to warm, lasting guest relationships. Stylish interiors, expansive terraces and gourmet dining define the experience.
W15 – Weligama
W15 Weligama, an iconic surf destination on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, opened in June 2015. With a unique blend of Sri Lankan hospitality, world-class beachfront location, intimate dining, and cutting-edge design, it’s a hot spot on Weligama Bay. Just under a 2-hour drive from Colombo, it offers 45 meters of beach frontage and easy access to water sports.
The Merchant Hotel
The Merchant nestled in Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site seamlessly blends history and contemporary design. The hotel’s evolution from a Dutch marketplace to a modern haven mirrors Galle’s rich past. Its 14 rooms adorned with deluxe amenities offer views of the Church and Tower while the restaurant, 1710 serves a sensory feast celebrating local flavours with a unique twist.
