In this podcast episode, I interview Tasha Marikkar about her new cookbook, Jayaflava, which dives into the rich and diverse world of Sri Lankan cuisine. 

I loved talking to Tasha who shares her passion for Sri Lanka food, our legendary aunties of Sri Lankan cooking and the unique blend of heritage, ethnicity, and religion that is reflected in Sri Lankan food.

Tasha tells me how she selected 80 recipes out of 200, shares her favorite places to eat in Sri Lanka and the UK, discusses the cultural significance of dishes like ribbon cake and how Felix Buxton of the band Basement Jaxx helped inspire the cookbook’s title: Jayaflava.

Tasha also hints at an upcoming TV series that will further explore Sri Lankan culinary traditions.

00:00 Introduction to Tasha Marrikar and her cookbook

00:31 A deep dive into into Sri Lankan cuisine

01:30 Tasha's background and family heritage

03:14 Exploring the diversity of Sri Lankan food

05:30 The journey of writing Jayaflava

10:48 Choosing Jayaflava’s rockstar recipes

21:14 Fusion recipes

23:48 Tasha's dinner party and restaurant recommedations

28:01 Upcoming projects and where to buy Jayaflava

You can buy Jayaflava here.

Tasha’s favourite restaurants in Sri Lanka and the UK

Sri Lanka 

* Gini

* Ministry of Crab

* Renuka City Hotel

* Smoke and Bitters

London

* Hoppers

* Jaffna House 

* Rambutan

* Paradise Soho

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