I couldn’t think of a better guide with whom to explore Sri Lanka than Peter Kuruvita, so I’m happy to pass on some news about a wonderful tour he is planning early next year.
The Sydney chef had me enthralled with his first SBS TV series, My Sri Lanka, and more recently with his journey around the Pacific in Island Feast.
Born in London to an Austrian mother and Sri Lankan father, Kuruvita spent much of his childhood in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, where he developed his passion for food while watching his grandmother cook age-old Sri Lankan recipes in her simple kitchen.
In 2003, he opened Flying Fish Restaurant & Bar in Sydney and in the past few years has branched out into various other ventures, including producing his own condiments and releasing a cookbook, Serendip: My Sri Lankan Kitchen. His second book, Feast, is due for release in November.
Kuruvita is teaming up with adventure travel company, World Expeditions, for the 12-day food safari.
Departing Colombo on February 6, he will take travellers behind-the-scenes to meet the people and discover the spices that make up Sri Lanka’s melting pot and which first ignited his passion for food.
From High Tea on the lawn at the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya and tea-inspired dinners at some of Sri Lanka’s finest dining establishments to dining under the stars in Uda Walawe National Park, it’s a great opportunity to experience the country’s diverse culture and cuisine.
Highlights include accommodation in exquisite boutique hotels, exploring the World Heritage listed ruins at the old capital Anuradhapura and visiting an elephant orphanage.
The itinerary includes a visit to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and time exploring the hill town of Kandy with its splendid botanical gardens and lush tea plantations.
The tour costs $5,190 per person, excluding airfares.
More information: www.worldexpeditions.com or 1300 720 000.
Hi Chritine,
Thanks for the great write up. I’m really looking forward to showing the lucky people who take part of this tour, the inside of the real Sri Lanka I have grown up with and continue to discover. I’ll also be demonstrating how to cook my favourite recipes and the basics of Sri Lankan cooking along the way.
Cheers, PK
Hi Peter,
I’m sure it will be a great trip. I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Flying Fish while you were at the helm, and was a great admirer of your work long before TV took you into everyone’s lounge rooms. What an incredible opportunity to share in your knowledge and experience the beauty of Sri Lanka at the same time.