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A Conversation with Thushara Innasithamby
When it comes to authentic Jaffna cuisine, My Sister’s Kitchen (MSK) has made its mark as a trusted name for over a decade. A home-based cloud kitchen, MSK brings the bold, soulful flavours of Jaffna to life, whether it’s for intimate family dinners, lively gatherings, or special occasions. At the heart of this venture is Thushara Innasithamby, a passionate cook and ex-banker who has blended tradition and creativity to create a unique culinary experience. We sat down with Thushara to talk about the journey of MSK, her passion for food, and what’s next for this much-loved brand.
Q: Thushara, what inspired you to start My Sister’s Kitchen (MSK)?
My love for food and my roots in Jaffna were the biggest inspirations for starting MSK. Food has always been a part of our family’s story. Growing up, I saw how meals brought people together and how the distinct flavours of Jaffna cuisine made every gathering special. I wanted to bring those same authentic flavours to people’s homes, whether they were celebrating a special moment or just enjoying a casual dinner. That’s how MSK was born—as a way to share my passion for cooking and the heritage of Jaffna cuisine.
Q: MSK has been serving for over 10 years now. How has the journey been?It’s been an incredible journey! What started as a small home-based kitchen has now grown into something that serves not just friends and family but a wide community of people who appreciate authentic Jaffna flavours. It hasn’t always been easy—there’s a lot of hard work behind every dish—but seeing the joy and satisfaction on people’s faces makes it all worth it.
Q: MSK recently participated in Chronicles of Ceylon 2.0 in Dubai. How was that experience?
It was amazing! Chronicles of Ceylon 2.0 was a huge platform for us to showcase Jaffna cuisine to an international audience. It wasn’t just Sri Lankans in Dubai who came to enjoy the food—people from all over the world experienced the flavours of Jaffna. Seeing dishes like crab curry, mutton poriyal, and dosa being appreciated on such a large scale was truly rewarding. It was a sold-out event, and the feedback we received was overwhelming.
Q: What sets Jaffna cuisine apart, and how does MSK capture its essence?
Jaffna cuisine is bold, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s all about spices—how they’re balanced and layered to create unique flavours. At MSK, we stay true to the traditional recipes while adding a personal touch. For example, our dishes like kool, crab curry, and varai are prepared with authentic ingredients and techniques passed down through generations.
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Q: You’re also known for your fusion dishes. Can you tell us more about that?
While staying true to Jaffna traditions, I’ve always been curious about experimenting with flavours. Our fusion dishes combine Sri Lankan spices with a touch of Western influence to cater to a broader palate. For instance, we’ve created dishes that maintain the essence of Jaffna while being milder for those new to its bold flavours. It’s a way to make Jaffna cuisine more accessible without losing its authenticity.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of running MSK?
The most rewarding part is the connections we’ve built. Food is such a personal experience, and being part of people’s celebrations, family dinners, and milestones is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the memories we create with every meal.Q:What’s next for MSK? Are there any exciting plans on the horizon?
Absolutely! We’re working on expanding our menu to include more innovative dishes while staying rooted in tradition. We’re also exploring collaborations and pop-up events to bring Jaffna cuisine to new audiences. The dream is to take MSK beyond being a cloud kitchen and turn it into a space where people can experience Jaffna food in its truest form—perhaps a restaurant in the future.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own food business?
Follow your passion and stay true to your roots. Authenticity is key—people appreciate food that tells a story. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks or start small. Focus on quality and consistency, and the rest will follow. Most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Q:Lastly, what’s the one dish from MSK that everyone must try?
That’s a tough one! But if I had to choose, I’d say our crab curry. It’s a classic Jaffna dish that really showcases the bold, rich flavours of our cuisine. Pair it with our idiyappam or rice, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite!
Through My Sister’s Kitchen, Thushara Innasithamby has not only preserved the essence of Jaffna cuisine but has also reimagined it for a broader audience. With over a decade of dedication and passion, MSK continues to bring people together over food that’s steeped in tradition and love. As Thushara dreams big for the future, one thing is certain: MSK is here to stay, serving dishes that are as rich in flavour as they are in heritage.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to experience the magic of Jaffna cuisine through My Sister’s Kitchen!
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