26 January – 1 February |
Gourmet Galle, the island’s signature food festival, is set to return from 26 January to 1 February 2026 with a fresh and immersive format. Against the stunning backdrop of Sri Lanka’s southern coast, this week-long celebration promises to bring together visionary chefs, carefully crafted menus, and indulgent experiences that honour the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Taking place immediately after the Galle Literary Festival (22–25 January), the festival invites food enthusiasts, culture lovers, and travellers to explore the diverse flavours and stories behind Sri Lankan cuisine.
This year, the festival goes beyond simply tasting great food, inviting guests into a deeper connection with the craft, culture, and stories behind Sri Lankan cooking and dining.
Festival Highlights:
Signature Dinners
Hosted by world-renowned chefs in extraordinary settings, from candlelit paddy fields and tea estates to clifftop villas and secluded beaches.
Masterclasses
Intimate sessions where guests enjoy live demonstrations filled with expert techniques, insider secrets, and industry insights.
Farmer’s Market
A newly introduced interactive market where local producers, spice growers, and artisan makers offer tastings, talks, and ingredients that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich food heritage.
Culinary Experiences
Immersive excursions that explore the origins and processes behind the island’s finest ingredients, including tea, coconut, spices, arrack, ancient grains, seafood, fruit, and foraged greens.
Cook-Off
A thrilling live competition spotlighting rising local culinary talent, as the country’s most promising young chefs go head-to-head.
Pop-Up Events
A dynamic series of surprise moments, from roaming cocktail bars and beach bonfires to foraged breakfasts and chef collaborations that keeps the festival alive with spontaneity and discovery.
“Gourmet Galle is about celebrating the best, not just of Sri Lankan food and produce, but bringing chefs and food writers from all over the world. We’re sitting here in history where the festival brings people from around the world, but more importantly, to Sri Lanka. It’s about coming to experience the food, the ingredients, the culture. It’s magical, in every way – and so beautifully organised.”
— Tom Parker Bowles (image)
Celebrated Names, Global Talent:
Over the years, Gourmet Galle has attracted some of the world’s most respected culinary figures. Past participants include Mark Hix, Tom Parker Bowles, Ixta Belfrage, Ravinder Bhogal, Peter Kuruvita, James Lowe, Mandy Yin, Jeremy Lee, Cynthia Shanmugalingam, Rishi Naleendra, O’ Tama Carey, JR Ryall, Andi Oliver, Darina Allen, Dom Fernando, Paul Flynn, Karan Gokani, and Mr Lyan. The 2026 line-up promises to be just as impressive, with full details to be revealed soon.
Gourmet Galle is more than just a food festival, the event celebrates Sri Lanka’s vibrant food culture, creativity and community. Whether you are a seasoned gourmet, a curious traveller or simply someone who enjoys good food and company, be sure to save the dates to experience a week of culinary excellence on the southern coast.
Be the first to hear about this year’s line-up and special events. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.gourmetgalle.com or follow us on socials @gourmetgalle.
