NIPUN LIYANAPTHIRANA

Sri Lankan takes Australia by storm as the up-and-coming culinary personality in Sydney

Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 2025 – Sri Lankan cuisine is stepping into the global spotlight, with Sydney-based culinary personality, budding chef and digital creator – Nipun Liyanapathirana (@nipcooks), who recently received an award at the coveted Sydney Markets Fresh Award 2025.

Redefining how international audiences experience the flavours of his homeland – Sri Lanka, from prime-time television features to prestigious culinary awards, Liyanapathirana is positioning Sri Lankan food as one of the most exciting, modern, and globally relevant cuisines today.

Since 2020, Liyanapathirana has championed Sri Lankan cuisine across digital platforms, building a loyal following of more than 400,000 worldwide. His reach spans audiences in Australia, the USA, Canada, and the UK, where his engaging videos and storytelling have transformed dishes like curries, sambols, and street food into must-try global favourites. Fondly known as “the internet’s King of Curry,” he has made Sri Lankan food accessible, modern, and appealing to younger international audiences.

Liyanapathirana’s influence has also been amplified through mainstream media exposure. He has appeared on ABC Australia, been profiled in The Guardian Australia, showcased live cooking on Channel 7’s Morning Show, and joined Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield, one of Australia’s most respected culinary programs. Collectively, these appearances reach millions of viewers, sparking global curiosity about Sri Lankan cuisine and culture.

In 2025, his work was further recognised with the Sydney Markets Fresh Award, placing him among Sydney’s most celebrated chefs and solidifying his role as a leading culinary voice.

The Sri Lankan born budding chef also currently runs a series of sold-out pop-up dining events and interactive cooking classes in Sydney. These experiences have given audiences a chance to taste authentic Sri Lankan flavours in a modern setting while also learning the stories, traditions, and techniques behind the dishes. His hands-on approach further cements his role as a culinary bridge between Sri Lanka and the world.

For Sri Lanka, Liyanapathirana’s story extends beyond food. It represents a powerful opportunity for tourism, hospitality, airlines, and food producers to collaborate with a chef who is authentically amplifying the island’s identity on the world stage. Through his unique blend of cultural storytelling and culinary expertise, Liyanapathirana is not only cooking dishes — he is inspiring a new wave of global travellers and food lovers to discover Sri Lanka.