Gourmet Galle: A culinary extravaganza every weekend on South coast

Cynthia Shanmugalingam

Hari Nayak

Mandy Yin

Rishi Naleendra

Karan Gokani

Peter Kuruvita

James Lowe

O. Tama Carey

Jeremy Lee

Nisha Parmar

Darina Allen

J. Ryall

Mark Hix

Gourmet Galle, the partner festival to the esteemed Galle Literary Festival, is set to launch an exceptional 12-week culinary celebration on the picturesque shores of the south of Sri Lanka. Conceived by Geoffrey Dobbs, the festival director, and founder, Gourmet Galle aims to bring people out of the wintry cold and dark countries, offering an extended food festival experience amidst the palm-fringed coastal landscape.

Started on 12 January and held every weekend until 31 March, the Gourmet Galle promises to be a gastronomic delight, featuring 12 internationally renowned chefs. The impressive line-up of chefs includes Darina Allen, O. Tama Carey, Karan Gokani, Mark Hix, Peter Kuruwita, Jeremy Lee, James Lowe, Hari Nayak, Nisha Parmar, J. Ryall, Cynthia Shanmugalingam and Mandy Yin.

Festival Manager Eliane Sterchi said, “The idea of Gourmet Galle was born with Geoffrey Dobbs, our festival director and founder. What a brilliant idea. To get people out of the UK and other wintry cold and dark countries and have an extended food festival along the palm-fringed shores of the south of Sri Lanka.”

Peter Kuruwita, proudly fly the Sri Lankan culinary flag, Indian restaurateur and global trotting chef Hari Nayak; chef Mark Hix with his expertise in seafood cooking and exceptional knowledge of all things culinary; Michelin star chef James Lowe are some of the talented names visiting southern shores to cook up a storm.

The chefs will use local ingredients, stepping out of their comfort zones to create inventive and exciting menus. Masterclasses, covering knife and fish butchery skills, inventive Sri Lankan cuisine, cooking with fire, and knowledge of spices, will add an educational dimension to the culinary celebration.

All hosting exclusive dinners and masterclasses at the latest boutique hotels, private villas, and luxury spaces on Sri Lanka’s South Coast such as Malabar Hill, Cape Weligama and Jetwing Lighthouse to name a few.

From antique jungle estates to hilltop architectural marvels, the diverse range of venues highlights the rich offerings of the south coast, putting Sri Lanka on the map as a destination for the discerning gourmet traveller. Gourmet Galle culminates with a beach party on 30 March as a celebration of all things culinary – ‘Cocktails and Canapes’ at W15, Weligama.

“We are also honoured to have ‘AmEx for Foodies’ as our festival sponsor – with Nations Trust Bank American Express, we are sure to get the message out to the perfect customers,” Sterchi added.

Gourmet Galle 2024 Patron and the ‘Queen of Curries’ Felicia Sorenson said, “Gourmet Galle is such an exciting way to bring Sri Lanka and its’ food to the world, with all the amazing chefs coming to showcase Sri Lanka and our cuisine.”

Since its launch in 2007, orchestrated by Geoffrey Dobbs, the Galle Literary Festival has become one of the most anticipated arts and culture events in South Asia. Built on the success of these culinary events, the GLF team now brings you Gourmet Galle, dedicated to showcasing culinary excellence and promoting the exceptional offering of Sri Lanka’s south coast to foodies both local and international.

Gourmet Galle 2024 is held in partnership with the Nations Trust Bank American Express and is supported by Sri Lanka Tourism Board and Sri Lankan Airlines.

Tickets for Gourmet Galle dinners or masterclasses is now available on website: [www.gourmetgalle.com](www.gourmetgalle.com)