A Taste of Sri Lanka – Cooked Just for You

At Lanka Excursions Holidays, we believe that travel is more than just seeing new places — it’s about feeling the culture. That’s why I, Nuwan Gajanayaka — Founder, CEO, and your personal guide — offer something truly special and close to heart during our journeys across Sri Lanka.
During our tour, I love to pause in a peaceful spot surrounded by nature or local life and prepare a simple, home-style Sri Lankan meal for you — or together with you. This isn’t just a nice break — it’s a cherished part of Sri Lankan travel culture. Across the island, locals heading on pilgrimages or countryside excursions traditionally bring along ingredients to cook and share a meal along the way. The picnic lunch is an integral part of the experience, blending food, conversation, and natural surroundings.
And yet, despite its deep cultural roots, this tradition is almost never offered to foreign guests. Unless you’re invited to join a Sri Lankan family on a private trip — a rare opportunity — you’re unlikely to ever experience this side of local life. It’s not something tour guides typically organize. That’s why I’ve made it part of my tours.
A picnic lunch prepared on the spot is not only a rewarding experience for adults — children also enjoy it. If you observe local picnickers, you'll notice that while many groups consist of young people, you’ll also see families and older travelers enjoying their own picnic meals.
Expect 2 freshly made curries, a vibrant salad, and warm coconut roti — all prepared with care, right there on the spot. It’s more than a meal — it’s a moment. A chance to connect, to slow down, and to experience the spirit of Sri Lanka in the most authentic and truly unique way.
During our tour, I love to pause in a peaceful spot surrounded by nature or local life and prepare a simple, home-style Sri Lankan meal for you — or together with you. This isn’t just a nice break — it’s a cherished part of Sri Lankan travel culture. Across the island, locals heading on pilgrimages or countryside excursions traditionally bring along ingredients to cook and share a meal along the way. The picnic lunch is an integral part of the experience, blending food, conversation, and natural surroundings.
And yet, despite its deep cultural roots, this tradition is almost never offered to foreign guests. Unless you’re invited to join a Sri Lankan family on a private trip — a rare opportunity — you’re unlikely to ever experience this side of local life. It’s not something tour guides typically organize. That’s why I’ve made it part of my tours.
A picnic lunch prepared on the spot is not only a rewarding experience for adults — children also enjoy it. If you observe local picnickers, you'll notice that while many groups consist of young people, you’ll also see families and older travelers enjoying their own picnic meals.
Expect 2 freshly made curries, a vibrant salad, and warm coconut roti — all prepared with care, right there on the spot. It’s more than a meal — it’s a moment. A chance to connect, to slow down, and to experience the spirit of Sri Lanka in the most authentic and truly unique way.