Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise nestled in the Indian Ocean, offers visitors a delightful culinary experience that showcases a fusion of flavors and influences. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape, Sri Lanka boasts a unique and delectable cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds. From aromatic spices to exotic fruits, here is a comprehensive guide to the mouthwatering and diverse food and beverages that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Rice and Curry:
At the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine is the beloved dish known as “rice and curry.” This staple consists of fragrant rice accompanied by an array of curries made from vegetables, meat, or seafood. The curries are typically richly spiced with a combination of flavors such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and curry leaves. Don’t miss the chance to try mouthwatering favorites such as chicken curry, fish curry, brinjal (eggplant) curry, and dhal curry. The vibrant colors and intricate flavors of a traditional rice and curry meal will leave you craving for more.
Hoppers and String Hoppers:
Hoppers, known as “appa” in Sinhala, are a popular breakfast dish in Sri Lanka. They are made from fermented rice and coconut batter, which is poured into a round, bowl-shaped pan and cooked until crispy around the edges. Hoppers can be enjoyed plain or with accompaniments such as sambal (spicy sauce), dhal (lentil curry), or seeni sambal (caramelized onion relish). String hoppers, or “idiyappam,” are made from rice flour pressed into thin noodle-like strands and steamed. They are typically served with a variety of curries or coconut sambal.
Kottu Roti:
Kottu roti is a popular street food in Sri Lanka that combines chopped roti bread with vegetables, eggs, and a choice of meat or seafood. The ingredients are stir-fried on a hot griddle with a medley of spices, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The rhythmic chopping of the roti on the hot griddle is a captivating sight and adds a unique element to the dining experience. Kottu roti is often enjoyed with a side of spicy gravy or curry sauce.
Lamprais:
Lamprais is a legacy of Sri Lanka’s Dutch colonial heritage and is a beloved dish among locals. It consists of a fragrant mix of rice, meat (usually beef or chicken), and vegetables, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked to perfection. The flavors meld together as the ingredients steam inside the leaf, resulting in a mouthwatering and aromatic dish. Lamprais is often served with accompaniments such as brinjal (eggplant) pickle, seeni sambal (caramelized onion relish), and a boiled egg.
Seafood Delights:
With its abundant coastline, Sri Lanka is a seafood lover’s paradise. Freshly caught fish, prawns, crab, and squid are transformed into delectable dishes that reflect the island’s coastal flavors. From tangy fish curry to grilled prawns marinated in spices, the seafood in Sri Lanka is cooked with a harmonious blend of spices and herbs that amplifies their natural flavors. Indulge in spicy deviled fish, aromatic jumbo prawn curry, or a succulent crab curry for a true seafood extravaganza