KAMATHA AT UGA ULAGALLA: A TESTAMENT OF SRI LANKA’S CULINARY HERITAGE
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, the stunning Uga Ulagalla resort is inviting guests to step back in time with a unique outdoor dining experience called Kamatha, that celebrates the island’s rich culinary traditions.
Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla, a traditional Sri Lankan dining experience, offers a mesmerizing blend of flavor, culture, and history, all set within a 58-acre private estate near the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla is not just a meal; it’s an immersive culinary journey that transports guests to a bygone era, where the art of cooking was deeply intertwined with ritual, family, and the land. The experience takes place in the tranquil setting of a working rice paddy field, surrounded by nature and the sacred earth that has nourished generations of Sri Lankans. Here, diners are invited to partake in a dining ritual as old as time, with a menu that brings together 25 beloved Sri Lankan dishes, all prepared right before their eyes by local women using time-honored cooking techniques.
“We are thrilled to share some of rural Sri Lanka’s most sacred and ancient traditions with our guests through Kamatha,” says Priyanjith Weerasooria, Owner and Managing Director of Uga. “Post-Covid, there’s been an increased demand for outdoor dining, and there’s no more authentic experience than this. Set amidst our rice fields, Kamatha brings together intrepid travelers and the local community for an unforgettable journey into Sri Lanka’s culinary soul.”
A Feast of Tradition and Flavor
Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s long history of agricultural and culinary practices. Guests are treated to an outdoor, family-style dining experience where food is prepared using traditional methods over an open cinnamon wood fire. The venue itself—a Kamatha (a traditional open-air rice paddy dining pavilion)—is more than just a setting; it’s a sacred space where festivals and rituals tied to rice cultivation have been carried out for centuries. The pavilion’s clay walls and thatched roof echo the simple beauty of Sri Lankan village life, setting the perfect stage for an authentic culinary experience.
Each evening, a beautifully laid family-style table is set beneath the stars, where guests can dine al fresco, their toes touching the sacred soil of the rice fields. As they settle into cinnamon wood chairs, they will feel the magic of the past come alive around them. It’s a multi-sensory journey: the fragrance of sizzling spices fills the air, the vibrant colors of the dishes dazzle the eye, and the sounds of nature provide the perfect soundtrack to a truly unforgettable meal.
The Kamatha experience is as educational as it is delicious. As they dine, guests will have the opportunity to learn from the local women, who will not only serve the dishes but also share their stories and secrets behind these treasured family recipes. These women, who have honed their craft for generations, are passionate about preserving the culinary traditions that have been passed down through centuries. Guests will witness the use of ancient utensils and food preparation methods that have remained unchanged for over 2,000 years, and gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors that make Sri Lankan cuisine so unique.
A Menu Full of Sri Lankan Flavors
The menu at Kamatha is a veritable feast for the senses, showcasing the diversity and richness of Sri Lankan cuisine. The culinary team at Uga Ulagalla uses ingredients sourced directly from the estate’s organic farm, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful produce. Alongside this, the resort’s own paddy fields provide the star ingredient of the meal—traditional rice varieties, which are at the heart of every Sri Lankan meal.
Guests can look forward to a variety of mouth-watering dishes, each showcasing the bold, aromatic spices that define Sri Lankan cooking. Vegetarian options include Brinjal Moju, a sweet and sour aubergine dish, while fish lovers will relish fried lake fish, prepared with a delicious blend of spices. For meat lovers, mutton curry is a standout, cooked slowly to perfection, tender and rich in flavor. The meal is complemented by an array of traditional accompaniments such as string hoppers, corn pittu, and three different varieties of home-grown rice—each serving as a perfect canvas for the bold and complex flavors of the curries and side dishes.
For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert offerings are nothing short of heavenly. Habalapethi Aggala (sweet rice-flake balls) and Lavariya (sweet string hopper pancakes) are just a couple of the indulgent Sri Lankan treats on offer, each bite transporting guests to a world of sweet nostalgia. And no Sri Lankan meal would be complete without a steaming cup of Sri Lankan ginger tea, sweetened with Kithul Hakuru jaggery, a local delicacy that adds the perfect finish to this extraordinary dining experience.
An Exclusive, Intimate Experience
With its serene setting, rich history, and vibrant flavors, Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla offers an experience like no other. The dining experience is exclusive, with only 15 diners allowed each night, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all guests. Kamatha is available daily from 7:00 to 10:30 PM, with pricing set at $55 (£43) per person* for guests staying on a half-board basis, and $110 (£86) per person* for those on a bed and breakfast basis. Given its limited capacity, guests are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, a history lover, or simply in search of an unforgettable dining experience, Kamatha at Uga Ulagalla promises to be a highlight of any Sri Lankan adventure. This outdoor feast isn’t just about food—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the land itself, offering guests the rare opportunity to dine as Sri Lankans have for centuries.
A Culinary Journey Awaits
For more information and to make a reservation, visit Uga Ulagalla.
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