Everything you need to know about Gourmet Galle Festival 2026

After serving up two successful years, Gourmet Galle Festival is back on the menu for 2026.

Running from mid-January to the end of the month, Sri Lanka’s southern coast will come alive with a feast of flavours, unforgettable dining experiences and masterclasses by celeb chefs.

These events will be hosted at a few of our favourite hotels like Kahanda Kanda, Cape Weligama, and Galle Fort House.

Get in touch with one of our Sri Lanka specialists if you’d like to squeeze this into your holiday next year. (Oh, and a heads up – it’s likely to book up quickly, so it’s worth getting in early if you’re keen).

Gourmet Galle

This 12-week festival featured dinners and masterclasses by internationally renowned chefs – such as Karan Gokani of Hoppers fame and celebrity chef Mark Hix – up and down the south coast.

You can expect pop-up supper clubs and kitchen take overs, too – all while enjoying Sri Lanka’s fabulous food and watching the chefs in action.
These events took place at a few of our favourite hotels like Why House, Cape Weligama, Malabar Hill and Jetwing Lighthouse.

Hungry for more details?

Full chef lineup:

James Lowe • O Tama Carey • Cynthia Shanmugalingam • Jeremy Lee • Mark Hix • Rishi Naleendra • Paul Flynn • Hari Nayak • Mandy Yin • Peter Kuruvita

Full venue list:

KK Beach, Habaraduwa • Galle Fort Hotel • 14 Chando Street • Trebartha East, Ahangama • 5 Middle Street • Fort Printers, Galle Fort • Jetwings Lighthouse, Galle • Braganza House, Talpe • Kurulu Bay, Koggala • Why House, Mihiripenna • The Sun House, Galle • Cape Weligama • W15, Weligama

Don’t miss out on the fun – talk to us and we’ll make sure to weave this into your 2025 Sri Lanka escape.

The inaugural Gourmet Galle Festival (2024)

There’s a fresh new festival in Sri Lanka called Gourmet Galle (set to add a culinary dimension to the wonderful Galle Literary Festival).

We’re so pleased that this country’s foodie scene is finally being celebrated. It’s so deserving of the limelight (despite flying relatively under the radar – until now!).

Gourmet Galle

This inaugural 12-week festival features dinners and masterclasses by internationally renowned chefs – such as Karan Gokani of Hoppers fame and celebrity chef Mark Hix – up and down the south coast.

You can expect pop-up supper clubs and kitchen take overs, too – all while enjoying Sri Lanka’s fabulous food and watching the chefs in action.

These events will take place at a few of our favourite hotels like Why House, Cape Weligama, Malabar Hill and Jetwing Lighthouse.

Hungry for more details?

Full chef lineup:

James Lowe • O Tama Carey • Cynthia Shanmugalingam • Jeremy Lee • Karan Gokani • Mark Hix • Rishi Naleendra • Paul Flynn • Hari Nayak • Mandy Yin • Peter Kuruwita

Full venue list:

KK Beach, Habaraduwa • Trebartha East, Ahangama • Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, Galle • Fort Printers, Galle Fort • Kurulu Bay, Koggala • Braganza House, Talpe • Why House, Talpe • Malabar Hill, Weligama • Sun House, Galle • Cape Weligama, Weligama • W15 – Weligama • The Merchant Hotel

Tempted to attend Gourmet Galle and experience the joys of Sri Lankan cuisine?

You’re in luck! We’ve created a brand-new 15-night journey to give you a taste of Sri Lanka’s spices and rich flavours – most of which you’d never taste at home – and in turn, trace the island’s multicultural history through its delicious dishes…

We also have an entire menu of other Sri Lankan holidays for your perusal.

Is it worth visiting Galle, Sri Lanka?

Absolutely – there’s plenty of do in this sun-dappled coastal city.

Wander the ramparts of its lovely 17th century Dutch Fort and learn about its chequered and varied history from our expert guides. Pop into its boutique shops and restaurants and unwind in its wonderful small hotels.

What’s more, its prime position on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka means you’re in easy reach of palm-fringed beaches and wildlife spots like Mirissa (famed for whale and dolphin watching). Explore more along the coast – and inland – from Galle.

READY TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT GOURMET GETAWAY?

Please get in touch on 0203 993 4264 .

Alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to start your journey.

Melissa Nicholas

Melissa is one of the original members of team ETG. Having travelled extensively worldwide and worked in the industry for years, she pioneered our holidays to Southeast Asia in 2006. Now, as our Head of Product, Melissa makes sure we offer the most varied and interesting holidays in the business. She is famous for her eye for detail and works tirelessly to ensure each ETG experience is the best it can be. Melissa loves working in travel not only to feed her own wanderlust but because she gets to spark curiosity in others too – not least her two children, who have been lucky enough to accompany her all over Asia.