• Charith N. Silva takes Sri Lanka to the world and lands on ‘Forbes’

The visionary behind the wildly popular YouTube channel ‘Wild Cookbook’, Charith N. Silva, has been honoured with a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list, under The Arts (Art and Style, Food and Drink) category. This recognition not only celebrates his innovative approach to cooking but also underscores his role in redefining digital culinary storytelling in South Asia.

Fresh off the news that he’d been named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list, Charith was still coming to terms with the recognition. “It feels surreal,” he admitted. “I started ‘Wild Cookbook’ during the Covid-19 lockdown, just cooking in my backyard. I never imagined it would take me here, to an international platform like Forbes.”

Charith’s story is as much about food as it is about resilience. In 2020, while the world was grappling with uncertainty, he turned to what he knew best – cooking. “I grew up watching my mother and grandmother cook. Food was always a way for us to connect as a family,” he recalled. “During the pandemic, I wanted to create something that felt real and comforting. I set up a makeshift kitchen outside, grabbed my phone, and just started filming.”

The result was ‘Wild Cookbook’, a channel that quickly struck a chord. Charith’s signature approach, filming outdoors, using traditional Sri Lankan methods, and narrating each dish’s cultural backstory, resonated far beyond the island. By 2025, ‘Wild Cookbook’ had not only crossed 10 million subscribers but also racked up over 4 billion views, making it the first Sri Lankan YouTube channel to receive the coveted Diamond Play Button.

“People want authenticity,” Charith said, reflecting on his meteoric rise. “I think what makes ‘Wild Cookbook’ special is that it’s not just about recipes, it’s about stories. I’m sharing a part of our heritage, our way of life.”

He credited his audience, both local and global, for the channel’s success. “I get messages from people in Canada, Australia, even Japan, telling me they tried making something I posted. That connection is what keeps me going,” he shared.

Charith’s influence extends beyond YouTube. He boasts a significant following on social media platforms, with 4.6 million followers on TikTok and 2.3 million each on Instagram and Facebook.

“Each platform offers a unique way to connect with audiences,” he noted. “It’s about adapting content to suit different mediums while staying true to our message.” His ability to navigate the digital landscape has not only expanded his reach but also positioned him as a leading figure in Sri Lanka’s digital content arena.

From screen to plate

Charith didn’t stop at digital fame. In late 2024, he opened Wildish, a brick-and-mortar restaurant nestled in Colombo’s Capitol TwinPeaks. “Opening a restaurant was always a dream,” he said. “I wanted to create a space where people could not only watch my food but taste it, feel the experience,” he explained. “At Wildish, we bring those recipes to life, blending tradition with innovation.”

“Sri Lankan cuisine, especially, isn’t just about flavours or ingredients,” he noted. “It’s a living, breathing reflection of our history, our struggles, and our joys. Every spice, every technique, carries generations of stories that deserve to be shared with the world.”

Wildish mirrors the spirit of ‘Wild Cookbook’, earthy and rooted in Sri Lankan flavours, yet bold in its reinterpretations. “I always say: Cooking is storytelling. At Wildish, every dish tells a story, whether it’s a modern twist on a village staple, an international classic, or an old family recipe brought to life,” he explained.

The restaurant’s menu features a fusion of global and local flavours, reflecting Charith’s creative culinary style.

Looking ahead

Looking back on his journey, Charith admitted there were challenges. “When you’re trying to do something different, not everyone understands it. Some people told me outdoor cooking wouldn’t appeal to a wide audience. Others doubted whether Sri Lankan food could stand out globally. But I believed in it because it’s real, it’s who we are.”

With his Forbes recognition, Charith aims to further elevate Sri Lankan cuisine on the global stage. “This acknowledgment isn’t just for me; it’s for every Sri Lankan,” he stated. “It’s a testament to the richness of our culture.”

He plans to expand ‘Wild Cookbook’ into a comprehensive platform, offering much more than just everyday food. “I want to create immersive experiences that allow people to truly understand and appreciate our food,” he envisioned.

Charith acknowledged those who stood by him. “I wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support of my followers, friends, family, and everyone who believed in me, even in the early days when ‘Wild Cookbook’ was just a dream,” he shared. “Your encouragement, love, and faith in what I do have meant everything. This recognition isn’t just mine – it’s a tribute to the incredible community that has made it all possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

A message to aspiring chefs

Charith’s journey serves as an inspiration to many. “Passion and perseverance are key,” he advised. “Stay true to your roots, embrace your culture, and let your authenticity shine.”

Charith reflected on his path. “From a small village kitchen to the global stage, it’s been a remarkable journey,” he mused. “And it’s just the beginning!”

Now, with his name etched on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, Charith hopes his story inspires others. “This recognition isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about showing that Sri Lankan creators, chefs, and storytellers can stand on the world stage. It’s a win for all of us.”

As we wrapped up our conversation, he left us with a thought that perfectly encapsulated his journey: “Food brings people together. Whether it’s on YouTube, in a restaurant, or around the family table, it tells a story that connects us. That’s what I want to keep doing, telling those stories, one dish at a time.”