Chefs: Imad Alarnab - Darina Allen - O Tama Carey – Karan Gokani – Mark Hix – Peter Kuruwita - Jeremy Lee - James Lowe – Hari Nayak – J Ryall - Cynthia Shanmugalingam – David Thompson - Mandy Yin  

Get ready for a tantalising journey of cuisine as Gourmet Galle takes centre stage every weekend from the 11th of January until the 31st of March across the South Coast of Sri Lanka. From the team that brings us Galle Literary Festival, this exceptional culinary celebration presented by Nations Trust Bank American Express, promises to be a gastronomic delight like no other, featuring 12 internationally renowned chefs who will host exclusive dinners and masterclasses every weekend from the latest boutique hotels, private villas and luxury spaces on Sri Lanka’s South Coast.

"Nations Trust Bank American Express is pleased to partner with Gourmet Galle as its title sponsor. This exciting initiative is well in line with the enticing lifestyle and travel experiences that we offer our American Express cardmembers, including ‘#AMEXFORFOODIES’, our dedicated dining and culinary experiences. Gourmet Galle not only promises the chance to savour a range of exquisite dining experiences, but it also offers adventure and an enjoyable opportunity to explore the beauty of Southern Sri Lanka. This event will also help promote the country as a preferred destination for foreign travellers and offer a boost to our economy", Nations Trust Bank Head of Cards, Niluka Gunatilake said.  

The line-up of chefs is astounding, featuring a variety of cuisines and home-grown talent that have reached monumental pinnacles overseas. Cynthia Shanmugalingam, O Tama Carey, Peter Kuruwita, and Karan Gokani 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; David Thompson renowned for his knowledge of Thai cuisine and Michelin star chef James Lowe are a few of the talented names visiting southern shores to cook up a storm next year.  

Felicia Sorenson our very own 'Queen of Curries' and Patron of Gourmet Galle 2024 says this: "Having spent many years promoting Sri Lankan cuisine overseas, I am so excited that it is now hitting the headlines, with many of our chefs flying the flag overseas and opening incredible restaurants, writing down our recipes in sought after cookery books. And 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. This 12-week-long food festival is a celebration and I am so proud to be a part of it".    

Each weekend, the visiting chefs will host an unforgettable dining experience, curating a menu inspired by locally sourced ingredients and spices, making the event a celebration of richness born from Sri Lankan soil. Every Sunday Galle Fort will play host to a culinary masterclass by the visiting chefs in a pop-up kitchen within the walls of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to learn from the masters and immerse themselves in the art of cooking.  

From antique jungle estates to hilltop architectural marvels, the range of venues represents the diversity that the south coast has to offer and puts Sri Lanka on the map as a destination for the discerning gourmet traveller. Overlapping with GLF2024, Gourmet Galle travels to Jaffna over Independence weekend for a taster of northern cuisine and culminates with a beach party at the end of March in a celebration of local talent from all over Sri Lanka held at one of Asia’s 50 Best, Smoke & Bitters.  

Tickets for Gourmet Galle dinners or masterclasses will be announced on the website and social media very soon www.gourmetgalle.com  

About Gourmet Galle and Galle Literary Festival  

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. A favourite among guests and attendees alike, the festival hosts a wide variety of talks, workshops and culinary events in an intimate, historic setting.   Built on the success of these culinary events, the GLF team now bring 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.  Partners  Gourmet Galle 2024 is held in partnership with the Nations Trust Bank American Express and is supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Board and Sri Lankan Airlines.  Contact   For press inquiries and more information, please contact:   [email protected]   Stay updated on the latest news and announcements by following us on Instagram: @gourmetgalle and our website www.gourmetgalle.com