Thadini, together with her husband, runs a beloved street food stall that captures the true spirit of Madiha–Polhena village. She inherited her remarkable cooking skills from her mother and grandmother — women who kept the region’s culinary heritage alive through generations. Most of her dishes are lovingly crafted with the essentials of local life: fresh fish, creamy coconut, and fragrant rice.

Her favourite, Fish Ambul Thiyal, is one of the most iconic dishes of down-south Sri Lanka. Prepared the traditional way, this tangy, spiced fish curry can be kept for days at room temperature — and, as locals say, its flavour only deepens with time.

Through every dish, Thadini shares not just food, but a story — a story of family, culture, and the timeless taste of the south