Sri Lanka’s 1st Culinary Studio opened by The Hungryislander

In a bold leap from cloud kitchen to creative hub, Sajida Shabir, the visionary behind Hungryislander’s Kitchen, has launched Hungryislander’s Studio, Sri Lanka’s first culinary studio of its kind. 

Nestled under the Hungryislander brand Sajida has spearheaded since 2017, this vibrant physical space for culinary exploration marks a new chapter in Lankan food culture that blends innovation, education, and community. 

Sajida first began Hungryislander as a food blog, capitalising on the trend and need for such blogs at the time. By 2021, she transformed her passion into Hungryislander’s Kitchen – a cloud kitchen offering keto and gluten-friendly meals, desserts, and meal plans. 

This addition – the Hungryislander’s Studio – is the next step of her food philosophy, and embodies the belief that cooking should be joyful, experimental, and communal.

Inside the studio

The Hungryislander’s Studio breaks the mould with its immersive, food-themed design. From ceiling decor to branded aprons, every detail screams culinary artistry. Unlike traditional cooking schools, this space embraces a ‘test kitchen’ ethos:

• Workshops and classes: Weekly sessions for kids and adults, ranging from dumpling making to dessert crafting, with collaborations featuring local chefs and artists.
• Customisable events: Host bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or corporate team-building activities in a dynamic, food-centric environment.
• Playful learning: A no-pressure zone where mistakes are welcome. “It’s about experimentation – mix, fail, and try again,” Sajida emphasised.

A space for culinary connection

The studio fills a gap in Sri Lanka’s market, offering a dedicated venue for culinary exploration. Sajida, though candid about her nerves, radiated passion saying: “When people step inside, they realise how unique this concept is. We’re creating a community, not just a kitchen.”

For Sajida, the studio is a mission to democratise culinary creativity. “In Sri Lanka, there is no space like this. We want everyone to feel empowered to cook, learn, and celebrate through food,” she shared. Her goal is to make the studio a staple for food lovers, fostering connections through shared experiences.

With a public schedule launching soon that features weekly workshops, the studio aims to become a cultural landmark. Future plans include expanding collaborations, introducing themed culinary camps for kids, and showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse flavours through pop-up events.

For more information:

Instagram: @hungryislanderr