Savindri Perera, a woman of Sri Lankan origin, has recently taken the traditional Sri Lankan dish, Kiribath, to the international stage by presenting it at Australia’s prestigious cooking competition, ‘MasterChef Australia’. Her culinary skills and homage to her cultural roots garnered praise from the judges, elevating the humble Sri Lankan breakfast to new heights.
Fondly known as ‘Sav’, Perera wowed the judges with her rendition of Kiribath, a dish made of milk rice, accompanied by blackened coconut snapper covered with Sri Lankan treacle. The judges, captivated by the presentation and flavors, likened her dish to a work of art, describing it as “a celebration” and commending her for presenting “really good Sri Lankan food.”
For Perera, participating in MasterChef Australia represents more than just a cooking competition; it symbolizes a personal journey of growth and self-discovery. Moving to Australia from Sri Lanka at the age of 18, she initially struggled to reconcile her cultural heritage with assimilation into a new country. However, as she matured, Perera embarked on a journey of reconnecting with her roots, a process she describes as “reclaiming my own identity.”
The passing of her mother in 2017 served as a catalyst for Perera’s introspection, prompting her to break out of her comfort zone and pursue new opportunities. Auditioning for MasterChef became a pivotal moment in her life, signifying a transition to a new phase of personal and culinary growth.
Reflecting on her journey, Perera acknowledges the challenges of balancing two distinct cultural identities but emphasizes the importance of embracing both her Sri Lankan heritage and Australian upbringing. Through her participation in MasterChef, she seeks to showcase the rich culinary traditions of Sri Lanka while also bridging the gap between cultural understanding and appreciation.
Despite not cooking Sri Lankan food on a daily basis due to its time-consuming nature, Perera’s passion for her heritage cuisine remains unwavering. She views MasterChef as a platform to not only showcase her culinary skills but also educate others about the cultural significance and history behind Sri Lankan cuisine.
Perera’s journey exemplifies the power of food as a conduit for cultural exchange and understanding. As she prepares to showcase her skills on a global stage, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their cultural heritage and celebrate the diversity of culinary traditions around the world.
In a world where borders are increasingly blurred, Perera’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing cultural traditions, one dish at a time. Sri Lankan Kiribath may have gone international, but its roots remain firmly grounded in the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture, thanks to culinary ambassadors like Savindri Perera.
