Flavors of the South: Cooking with Villa Kelly's Culinary Team

Twice a week the culinary studio fills with the aroma of tempered spices as Villa Kelly's chefs demonstrate heritage recipes. Expect the snap of curry leaves, the hiss of coconut hitting the pan, and the careful balance of heat and tartness that defines southern Sri Lankan cuisine.

Sessions often begin with a stroll through the garden to pluck pandan and lemongrass, then move indoors where roasted curry powder is ground to a fine fragrance. The finale is a communal feast - black pepper prawn curry, jackfruit polos, tempered long beans, and a jaggery-infused kiribath for dessert.

Signature Recipes Covered

"Sri Lankan food should sing with spice, not burn with heat."

- Chef Nadeesha