A Complete Guide to Sri Lankan Cuisine: Best Dishes and Where to Try Them
Sri Lanka, often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Sri Lankan cuisine is a tantalising blend of spices, flavours, and traditions, offering an unforgettable culinary journey. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular Sri Lankan dishes and recommend the best places to savour these delightful creations.
Sri Lankan Cuisine: A Symphony of Flavors
Sri Lankan cuisine is often described as a symphony of flavours due to its unique blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and diverse cooking techniques. Each dish is a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury notes, creating a culinary experience that is both complex and deeply satisfying. The use of coconut, rice, and an array of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves are the hallmarks of this cuisine, making every meal a feast for the senses.
Must-Try Foods in Sri Lanka
Rice and Curry
Rice and curry are the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cuisine, enjoyed daily by locals. A typical meal includes steamed rice accompanied by several curries, such as dhal (lentil curry), fish curry, and vegetable curries, each offering a unique taste experience.
Where to Try:
- Ministry of Crab (Colombo): Known for its exquisite seafood, this restaurant offers a refined take on traditional Sri Lankan curries.
- Upali’s by Nawaloka (Colombo): A popular spot among locals and tourists alike, serving authentic rice and curry dishes.
Hoppers (Appa)
Hoppers, or appa, are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, typically enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. They are crispy on the edges and soft in the centre, often served with a choice of curries or sweetened with palm sugar.
Where to Try:
- The Gallery Café (Colombo): Offers a contemporary twist on traditional hoppers.
- Nuga Gama (Colombo): Experience authentic village-style hoppers in a rustic setting.
Kottu Roti
Kottu Roti is a beloved street food dish made by stir-frying chopped roti with vegetables, eggs, and a choice of meat or seafood, all seasoned with aromatic spices. The rhythmic chopping sound of kottu being prepared is an iconic part of Sri Lankan Street food culture.
Where to Try:
- Pilawoos (Colombo): A famous spot for late-night kottu roti.
- Hotel De Pilawoos (Kandy): Renowned for its generous portions and flavorful kottu.
Lamprais
Lamprais is a Dutch Burgher-influenced dish comprising rice, meat, and accompaniments like eggplant curry, seeni sambol, and frikkadels, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked. This dish offers a complex and rich flavour profile.
Where to Try:
- The Fort Printers (Galle): Serves an exquisite version of lamprais in a historic setting.
- Palmyrah Restaurant (Jaffna): Known for its traditional preparation of lamprais.
Sri Lankan Crab Curry
Sri Lankan Crab Curry features succulent crab simmered in a rich and spicy curry sauce. The dish is renowned for its bold flavours and the use of fresh, local crab.
Where to Try:
- Ministry of Crab (Colombo): Famous for its world-class crab dishes.
- The Fat Crab (Colombo): A great place to enjoy fresh and flavorful crab curry.
String Hoppers (Idiyappa)
String Hoppers are delicate, steamed rice noodle cakes often served with a variety of curries and sambols. Their light and airy texture makes them a delightful addition to any meal.
Where to Try:
- Palmyrah Restaurant (Colombo): Specialises in traditional Tamil cuisine, including excellent string hoppers.
- Kaema Sutra (Colombo): Tantalizes taste buds with its inventive take on traditional hoppers, featuring gourmet fillings and innovative twists.
Fish Ambul Thiyal
Fish Ambul Thiyal is a tangy and spicy fish curry made with dried goraka (a type of tamarind), black pepper, and other aromatic spices. This dish is a staple in coastal regions and is known for its distinctive sour flavour.
Where to Try:
- Nuga Gama (Colombo): Serves a traditional version of this coastal favourite.
- Seafood Cove (Mount Lavinia): Offers fresh and delicious fish ambul thiyal.
Wattalappam
Wattalappam is a rich and creamy pudding made from coconut milk, jaggery, eggs, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. This dessert is a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.
Where to Try:
- The Kingsbury Hotel (Colombo): Known for its rich and flavorful wattalappam.
- Barefoot Garden Café (Colombo): Recognized for its inviting atmosphere and delightful watalappam
Kiribath (Milk Rice)
Kiribath is a celebratory dish made with rice cooked in coconut milk, often cut into diamond shapes and served with lunu miris (a spicy onion relish). It’s commonly enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
Where to Try:
- Sinhagiri Restaurant (Kandy): Known for its traditional breakfast dishes.
- Ambalama Leisure Lounge (Gampaha): Offers an authentic dining experience.
Sri Lankan cuisine promises a memorable dining experience that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving for more. It offers bold flavours that appeal to culinary adventurers and those seeking something new. Whether you’re exploring prime locations for foods or enjoying exclusive room offers at top hotels with personalised service, Sri Lanka offers a paradise living experience that is unparalleled. So, pack your bags, ready your taste buds, and embark on a culinary adventure.
Keywords: Sri Lankan cuisine, popular Sri Lankan dishes
