EMBARK ON A CULINARY SAFARI

Join Chef Chaminda Ambagaspitiye, the visionary founder of Culinary Safari, on an immersive journey through the vibrant flavors and rich heritage of Sri Lankan cuisine. Experience the heart of Sri Lanka right here in North America.

Where authentic cooking meets cultural storytelling in a hands-on experience

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A JOURNEY ROOTED IN HERITAGE

Born and raised in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Chef Chaminda's career spans luxury hotel kitchens in Dubai and culinary operations in Fort McMurray and Edmonton, Alberta, allowing him to develop a style that fuses traditional Sri Lankan flavors with global cuisine.

Sri Lanka, the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", has a culinary history stretching back centuries. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a central hub in the spice trade, attracting Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences while nurturing indigenous culinary traditions.

Today, Sri Lankan food is celebrated for its aromatic spices, coconut-based curries, and vibrant flavors that balance history, culture, and community.

THE VISION BEHIND CULINARY SAFARI

Chef Chaminda founded Culinary Safari to share Sri Lanka's rich culinary heritage with a wider audience, especially in North America. Through this initiative, he aims to:

  • Introduce North American audiences to authentic Sri Lankan flavors and techniques.
  • Highlight the historical and cultural significance of Sri Lankan cuisine.
  • Foster cross-cultural exchange through food, connecting people with Sri Lanka's history and traditions.

THE CULINARY SAFARI EXPERIENCE

Participants enjoy an immersive journey into Sri Lankan gastronomy:

  • Cooking Demonstrations

    Learn to prepare signature dishes using traditional spices and techniques.

  • Cultural Exploration

    Discover markets, spice gardens, and culinary traditions that date back centuries.

  • Gastronomic Events

    Experience curated dinners and tasting events showcasing the full spectrum of Sri Lankan flavors.

Meals in Sri Lanka are a communal celebration, emphasizing harmony of flavors and the importance of sharing—a reflection of centuries-old cultural traditions.

ICONIC SRI LANKAN DISHES

Sri Lankan cuisine is a blend of history and flavor. Highlights featured in the Culinary Safari include:

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped rice pancakes often served with sambol or curry.

String Hoppers (Idiyappam)

Steamed rice noodles paired with coconut milk curry or dhal.

Lamprais

Spiced rice, meat, and accompaniments baked in banana leaves—a dish with Dutch colonial roots.

Kottu Roti

Stir-fried chopped flatbread with vegetables, eggs, and meat or seafood, representing dynamic street food culture.

Sri Lankan Curries

Coconut-based curries with fish, chicken, or vegetables, reflecting the spice trade era's layered flavors.

These dishes showcase the island's history, from colonial influences to indigenous culinary mastery, allowing participants to taste centuries of culture in every bite.

JOIN THE CULINARY ADVENTURE

Whether you are a seasoned gastronome or a curious traveler, Chef Chaminda's Culinary Safari offers a unique opportunity to experience the heart of Sri Lanka's culinary and cultural legacy—right here in North America.

For more information about events, bookings, and culinary consulting, visit chamindaambagaspitiye.com

Embark on a journey where every dish tells a story, every spice evokes a memory, and every meal celebrates the enduring legacy of Sri Lanka's culinary heritage.