Nim, our guide and teacher, showed us round the market and explained how many vegetables are used in Sri Lankan cooking. We then went back to his lovely home and he showed us how to cook several dishes. Finally, we had a delicious meal together. We learned a lot about food and Sri Lankan life in general.

We had a wonderful day with Nim touring the market and then creating our delicious Sri Lankan lunch at a private house outside the city. The market walk was fun and informative, and the setting for our cooking class was perfect next to a forested area with monkeys in the trees and lots of other wildlife to see on our breaks. Nim was the perfect host and was very friendly, engaging and knowledgeable about local cooking. We made coconut roti, coconut sambal, chicken curry and beetroot curry, and it was all amazingly tasty. We really loved the experience and highly recommend it.

Nim is a very relaxed gentle character who is very willing to engage and share. He met us promptly at the agreed meeting point. We shopped for ingredients at a nearby local market. Then transferred to his place for our cooking lesson. A fabulous environment, very clean and neatly set out. A totally enjoyable afternoon/evening. Some wonderful conversation, some great food and an overall very positive experience. First time cooking class ever and would recommend Nim, and would repeat the whole experience . Future classes will be judged against this one !

Everything was well organized and ran smoothly. Ashee arranged for us to be collected from our cruise ship and driven to the market to meet Nim. We wandered through the market and Nim introduced us to lots of new vegetables and fruits and spices. We got to try lots of things at the market and could decide what we wanted to cook that morning for our lunch. The people at the market were warm and friendly, and Nim shared his knowledge at every step. Next we took a TukTuk ride to Nims place. Away from the business of the city, with monkeys swinging in the trees, mongoos and other animals wandering around in the gorgeous surroundings outside his place. Then it was time to get to work. Nim gave us step by step instructions and what and why we were doing things. We cooked a jackfruit curry, an amazing fish curry, we made coconut sambal and coconut roti. All delicious!!! And washed down with a Sri Lankan beer. When it was time to get back to our ship, Nim had a car waiting to take us back on time for sailing. Really a wonderful day that gave us not just a taste of Sri Lankan food, but also the culture and the kindness.

‘Rustic’ is underrating the service that Nim, the culinary master, provides. He is passionate about food and through the market tour and the cooking lesson, he wants you to understand what the ingredients are, how they go together, how they are best presented and how you feel about the food you’re cooking. Oh, and it’s delicious as well! He was also willing to take me by myself, which as a solo female traveller I really appreciated. He is trustworthy, respectful, knowledgeable and funny. Generous with his time and experience. It is a little off the beaten path, which is also good. The cooking space has ample room and a lovely ambience. I really had a fantastic experience.

Our tour of the market was fascinating and we got to test new fruits. It was fun choosing what to cook with and to discover that you can cook with coconut oil - we had only ever come across it is skin cream before. Back in Nim’s kitchen the venue was calm, spotlessly clean and we enjoyed the monkeys and other wildlife in the surrounding green space. We enjoyed preparing the jackfruit, onions, garlic, chillies, chicken and other ingredients for the curries. Making coconut roti was a joy and easy (when you have fresh chopped coconut). It was good to discuss food and cooking in various countries and also comparing and contrasting what happens in the U.K. and Sri Lanka. Conversation was easy with such a competent and friendly host. The resultant meal was delicious and we travelled home in our tuk tuk contented.

If i could have given a 6* review, I would. We started our experience with meeting our chef at around 3.30. First I must say that upon instantly meeting Nim, I knew we were in good hands! Nim then took us to a local fruit and veg market to choose various ingredients for our cooking class. Between my husband and I, we chose pineapple, bread fruit and banana flower. After learning so much about the different ingredients sold at the market, we headed to Nim's home by taxi (included). And then it began. First we had a drink and learned a little more about what we were going to cook. We were taught how to correctly prep the beautifully presented ingredients and began to cook the most wonderful dinner - it was incredible! Every single element of this experience was beyond expectation and outstanding. We will take home fabulous memories of the teacher, the class, and the meal. Thankyou Nim!

One day in Colombo so well spent. We had a private a/c taxi collect us from the cruise terminal and took us to a local market where we met Nim, our guide and chef extraordinaire. Nim guided us through the market where we explored, sampled and bought local vegetables and fruits for the feast we were about to prepare. On leaving the market we hopped into a tuk tuk with produce in tow and were driven higher into the hills. On arrival at Nim’s kitchen on the jungle’s edge we sampled a wood apple smoothie from the fruit selected at the market. A surprising and delicious flavour. Then Nim set us to work in a well thought out kitchen area, kindly guiding us through the preparation and cooking of a fresh coconut sambal, 2 vegan curries and many coconut roti. At the completion of cooking in clay pots over a gas fires, Nim expertly arranged our feast on the table for us all to share and washed down with a delightful local beer. It is easy to relax in Nim’s company and he is a wonderful host. At one point we took a break from cooking and we witnessed a monkey family and multiple squirrels and other wildlife playing in the jungle. Nim called a taxi and rode with us back to the cruise terminal where we were safely delivered. Honestly one of our most rewarding travel experiences and would highly recommend.

By far the best cooking class experience I’ve done. We first went to the market to experience an authentic shopping experience, was so great to learn about different fruits & vegetables and how they’re used in Sri Lankan cooking - and even better we got to decide what vegetable curries we would make later in the day. Following that we went to the house to cook along with Nim our guide. The experience was great, really nice vibes, didn’t feel rushed, the food was delicious and very enjoyable to learn about Sri Lankan food and culture. For the price, I would definitely recommend and will be sure to keep in touch with Nim going forward on any return trip to Sri Lanka! As I struggled to find authentic Sri Lankan food at restaurants out, this was one of the best meals of my trip. Went for the evening class, which started around 3:30pm and ended around 9pm, so was a great way to spend a day in Colombo. I loved it!

This was a great experience with Nim as our brilliant host. The market visit was informative and fun. The evening cooking was great. We learnt a lot, had great food and company and left feeling we could replicate the food at home. A thoroughly enjoyable activity that we’d highly recommend.

This was an excellent experience led by a brilliant host (Nim). The market visit was informative and fun. The evening of cooking was really enjoyable and we felt we learnt a lot and had great food that we could replicate at home (thanks to the tuition and recipes given to us).

If you are looking for a personal, authentic, and delectable experience this is the tour to book! My partner and I had a fantastic tour of the markets (complete with explanation of all new ingredients) led by our incomparable cooking coach Nim. We had the opportunity to smell and taste ingredients, sample a variety of sweets and pickles, and learn about local produce and delicacies. Following this we spent several hours in the kitchen while overlooking beautiful green treetops catching glimpses of fruitbats, birds, and a troupe of monkeys. Nim guided us through the preparation of a beautiful Sri Lankan meal (words cannot do the flavours justice) and we learned a great deal about the local culture and customs in the process. I would recommend this experience to anyone with curious tastebuds who is seeking a representative introduction to local cuisine.

Nim was super kind and patient with me, as I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to cooking. He was a gracious host in his own kitchen. I've learnt recipes that I can take back home and recreate for my family! Thanks Nim!

My cooking class was an absolute treat! The warm hospitality, hands-on learning, and mouthwatering dishes made it an unforgettable experience. From mastering the art of spice blending to savoring the rich flavors of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, it was a culinary journey like no other. Highly recommended!

We had a fantastic day with Nim learning about the various local foods at the market and then being expertly guided as to how to cook authentic Sri Lankan food. His willingness to share his knowledge of local politics, tourism, the country's recent ecomonic struggles and his own personal aspirations was an unexpected bonus and a real highlight. Not only did we make great food, we made a great friend. Highly recommended!

It was great to go through a local market and chat about the different foods. We then went to our guide’s house to cook and learn about life in Sri Lanka. The food was very good, overall the experience was a highlight of our trip.

We had a fantastic day with Nim our brilliant chef/guide. Visiting the local market to select awesome produce and then a tuk tuk ride to prepare the food. Nim explained everything so well and gave us the confidence to cook Sri Lankan curries when we are home again.

Chef Nim’s passion for cooking and his sharing of cooking tips while we went about preparing and cooking to end with a delicious meal.

Book this tour, it is brilliant! I was a bit worried signing up for this on my own and then finding out I'd be on the class solo 😅 but I was totally wrong. Nim made me feel right at home, a tuk tuk was organised to pick me up and drop me back to the hotel and they sent me the licence plate and driver info which made me feel safe (important for me as a solo female). The tuk tuk ride itself was an adventure! I met up with Nim, who was great at communicating throughout, at the market and he is clearly a popular and well liked local figure to the stall owners. His knowledge of the local veg and fruit is as impressive as his fluent English. I'm a chatty person with a lot of questions and he took me in his stride! The location of the cooking class is an oasis in the busy city, I spotted so many monkeys swinging on the trees. The whole experience felt surreal. Nim is brilliant at explaining and directing during the cooking process, I felt like I was cooking with a friend. Everything was beautifully layed out and prepared, at every step. For the instagrammers out there, Nim is a natural at taking photos and videos so you'll finish the class with your stomach full, heart happy and lots of content!

A truly amazing Sri Lankan cooking experience, from collecting fresh produce from the market, cooking in clay pots and eating with your fingers! A wonderful half day, with exceptionally kind and thoughtful host Nim. Excellent attention to detail and delicious food. Highly recommended, thank you Nim 🙏