Traditional Ambul Thiyal clay pot cooking class near Sinharaja

Asked about 10 hours agoViewed 1646 times
M
Mia K.6545 rep2
asked about 10 hours ago

I am staying near the Deniyaya entrance of the Sinharaja rainforest. Are there any local villages offering cooking classes specifically for traditional southern Ambul Thiyal sour fish.

23
asked about 10 hours ago
M
Mia K.6545 rep2

6 Answers

Accepted Answer

Yes, many of the eco lodges in Deniyaya partner with local village women to teach this. True Ambul Thiyal must be cooked in an unglazed clay pot using Goraka fruit to give it that distinct sour, black crust. It was historically a method of preserving fish for long journeys before refrigeration. Ask your lodge to book a session with the village cooperative.

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answered about 10 hours ago
A
Amma Sita.5120 rep1

Yes, you can buy dried Goraka paste in almost any local supermarket or wet market. It travels very well.

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answered about 10 hours ago
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Chloe R.5945 rep2

If you love Ambul Thiyal, try taking a portion of it on your hike into the rainforest. It does not spoil easily in the heat, which makes it the ultimate hiking food.

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answered about 10 hours ago
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Saman W.5590 rep1

Can confirm, this is the best fish dish on the island. The heavy black pepper and sour goraka combo is mind blowing.

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answered about 10 hours ago
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Leo M.8290 rep2

Is Goraka available to buy in the markets to take home. I would love to try making this back in the US.

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answered about 10 hours ago
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Sam T.7800 rep2

The secret is layering the bottom of the clay pot with banana leaves so the fish does not burn while the water boils away completely.

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answered about 10 hours ago
N
Nimali D.4260 rep1

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