Fondly known as Thush, is a name synonymous with Jaffna/Yaal culinary catering. Renowned for her authentic and aromatic Jaffna dishes, Thush has become one of the most sought-after Yaal cooking chefs in Sri Lanka. Her culinary journey began at the tender age of five, deeply inspired by her family’s rich culinary traditions.
Growing up in Jaffna, Thush was immersed in the art of authentic Jaffna cooking, a legacy passed down from her mother, aunts, and grandmothers on both sides. Cooking in her family was not just about preparing food; it was an elaborate tradition of hosting and spreading the delightful flavors of Jaffna cuisine. The women in her family were naturally gifted cooks who prepared dishes with exceptional finesse, a talent Thush inherited and perfected over the years.
Thushara’s family history is steeped in culinary excellence. Her grandmothers and aunts were revered for their cooking skills, effortlessly creating mouthwatering dishes that left a lasting impression on all who tasted them. This rich heritage of culinary expertise naturally flowed into Thushara, who has taken it a step further to become a celebrated chef in her own right.
What sets Thush apart in the culinary world is her unwavering commitment to authenticity. She believes in taking no shortcuts, ensuring that every dish she prepares is infused with genuine flavors. Thushara meticulously makes all her spices from scratch at home, a painstaking process that guarantees the authentic taste and aroma of Jaffna cuisine in every bite.
While Thushara excels in a wide array of Jaffna dishes, her top three favorites are:
For Thush, the most rewarding part of her culinary journey is the joy and nostalgia her food brings to others. She especially treasures the moments when Jaffna expatriates, visiting for holidays, attend Yaal Food Festivals where she has been hired to cook. Their compliments and expressions of gratitude for the authentic, nostalgic experience her dishes provide are deeply fulfilling. Her food does more than satiate hunger; it transports people back to their cherished memories of Jaffna, often evoking tears of joy and nostalgia.
Thushara’s culinary prowess has made her a strategic partner for many prestigious events and private functions. Dr. G THE ONE and Blueprint are honored to have her as their premier culinary catering partner for weddings and other significant events. The combination of Blueprint’s exceptional event planning and Thushara’s magical Yaal catering ensures that every function is nothing short of extraordinary.
Looking ahead, Thushara has exciting plans to expand her culinary footprint. Her bucket list includes participating in a food festival in the hill country of Kandy and hosting a Yaal Food Festival in Canada. These aspirations reflect her desire to share the rich flavors of Jaffna cuisine with an even wider audience.
