Coming together through food. Learning life skills. building community.
our mission
The Community Cook Project exists because food is more than what's on the plate. The Project aims to create opportunities to pass on knowledge and skills, especially to kids. Skills learned in the kitchen—teamwork, creativity, healthy eating, patience—that translate into real life lessons that can empower people long after the meal is finished.
our belief
Food is the ultimate universal language, a way to connect across cultures, generations, and backgrounds. Cooking and eating together is not just about the food. It's also about sharing time, ingredients, or expertise, with other people. This act of giving reinforces the idea that communities can thrive when people come together and share something of themselves.
Community Cook Events
Community Cook brings people together through the simple joy of sharing a meal. Each event is a chance for neighbours, families, and friends—old and new—to gather around great food and genuine connection.
Whether you come to eat, chat, learn, or just enjoy the atmosphere, everyone is welcome at the table.
Private Cooking Lessons
Community Cook private lessons offer a hands‑on, confidence building way to learn real life skills. Each session is fun, practical, and designed to help discover the joy of cooking—chopping, mixing, tasting, and creating dishes they’re proud of.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or already curious in the kitchen, our private lessons nurture skills, confidence, and a love of cooking that grows far beyond the classroom.
Group & home ed lessons
Group lessons give young people a fun, hands‑on way to learn real cooking skills while working together as a team. Sessions are practical, creative, and designed to build confidence—whether they’re chopping vegetables, trying new flavours, or mastering simple recipes.
Group learning, shared food, and genuine connection—this is what Community Cook is all about.
What people are saying
“After learning and practicing together, the children helped to cook a shared meal for the wider Elements community. It was moving to watch them feel proud, capable, and connected, knowing they were contributing something real and nourishing to others. This project was about much more than cooking - it was about collaboration, responsibility, generosity, and the joy of feeding people together. A heart-led initiative that left a lasting impression on both the children and the community.”
Daniella Sofer - Founder of Elements Worldschool (Sri Lanka)
"The community cook project was an amazing initiative where Andy helped teach and get the kids interested and involved in cooking in such a natural and engaging way. The kids did a practice run learning the cooking together then did it on a larger scale for the whole community. It was a wonderful event that brought the whole community closer together over delicious food and passing on valuable skills to the kids to help them get excited about food and cooking. Thank you Andy, it was so much fun. Wilfy still talks about the chicken and dumplings now.”
Tom & Ros Shortland
"The community cook was one of the highlights of our time in Sri Lanka. As a family traveling long-term, it was much more than just great food — it created an easy, natural way to connect with other families in a warm, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere. Everything was thoughtfully organized, the food was delicious, and from the very first moment we felt at home and part of something meaningful."
Gili Barel
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.