Anu & Assanti – Abinu"s Place, Sigiriya
Staying with Anu and Assanti was a real feast for the senses. Their breakfasts were enormous and let us dive into so many Sri Lankan dishes including hoppers, string hoppers, pol roti, coconut sambols, dhal curry, fried plantain, and a multitude of pastries. Every dish was bursting with flavour and the perfect hit of chilli that would later inspire our own paste. Dinner was just as impressive, especially the fried rice, which had just the right balance of heat and flavour.
Anu and Assanti didn’t just feed us, they shared their love for Sri Lankan food and hospitality. Anu showed us his carpentry through the woodwork in our rooms and even hand-carved a beautiful table in his home during Covid. He also took us on his tuk-tuk around the area, pointing out the best local foodie spots and hidden gems, while Leon, their gorgeous dog, made our mornings even brighter.
Their sweet jungle town felt alive, with elephants wandering the streets and the smells of home cooking drifting from every kitchen. Staying with Anu and Assanti wasn’t just a trip, it was a full immersion into Sri Lankan flavours and life, and it gave us endless inspiration for our own chilli creations.
If you ever find yourself travelling through Sri Lanka, we can’t recommend a stay with Anu and Assanti enough. Their homestay is a true reflection of their kindness, craftsmanship and love for incredible food - an experience that goes far beyond a place to sleep. You’ll be welcomed like family, eat some of the best home-cooked meals imaginable, and leave completely inspired by their warmth and generosity. You can book your stay and support their wonderful small business here: Anu and Assanti’s Homestay
Abinu''s Place pictured above.