How to enjoy a gastronomic journey in Southern Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is not only known for its tropical climate, rich culture and stunning coastal areas. One of the most crowd-pulling features of this island nation is its authentic cuisine. Characterised by bold flavours and using rice and coconut milk as staples in the dishes, here is a glimpse of how you can make the most of a culinary exploration on the southern coast of the island.  

Defining the Southern Sri Lankan cuisine 

Fragrant, wholesome and bursting with diverse flavours such as spicy, sweet, sour and salty, the Sri Lankan food scene encompasses a variety of dishes that would tingle the taste buds of any foodie. Made using spices namely black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, coriander, cardamom, fenugreek, turmeric, and mustard seeds, the dishes also include ingredients like rice, coconut milk, pandan leaves, curry leaves and lemongrass. 

The southern Sri Lankan cuisine includes fresh seafood in its ingredients due to its proximity to the sea. It also uses the souring agent named Goraka or Garcinia Cambogia to prepare popular dishes like sour fish curry. The usage of roasted curry powder sets off a smoky flavour. Premium quality cinnamon, which is grown along the coastal areas, is also frequently used to infuse flavours into the meals. 

Coastal dining experiences 

Generating laid-back vibes and featuring food accompanied by spicy traditional curries, setting off a tropical ambience with its clear skies, dining in the coastal area is an experience that anyone visiting this region must try. Apart from the food, what is in store for those who are looking for trendy coastal dining experiences in a popular coastal town like Kalutara is breathtaking sunset views over the waters and toes in the sand affairs. You can even experience a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars in a beachfront setting. Since Asian dining in Kalutara is all about its fresh seafood, the barbecues there are sure to include some grilled fish and prawns. Rice and curry with side dishes like a fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry), pol sambol (grated coconut sambol with onion, lime and chilli), dhal curry and tender jack fruit curry are also popular. 

Anantara Kalutara Resort offers an awesome dual waterfront dining setting where guests can enjoy Asian, Italian and international favourites facing both the sea and the lagoon. Enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, breathe in the salty air, feel the gentle breeze sweeping across the waters and hear the lulling melody of the waves lapping at the shore as you sink your teeth into some scrumptious food that might either be alien to you or on your favourite menu.  

The street food scene 

Those who are looking to immerse themselves in the culture of Sri Lanka while tasting some local southern dishes for budget-friendly prices should seek out the nation’s street food scene. A city like Kalutara has a notable street food culture in which you can taste snacks like isso vade (crispy lentil fritters with shrimp) and kottu roti (flatbread pieces mixed with egg, meat, or seafood, vegetables and sauces). 

Taking part in such events will also allow you to witness these dishes being prepared right in front of your eyes. Since many locals also stop by these stalls for a pick-me-up, you can interact with them as well. 

Traditional cooking classes and market tours 

Those who have placed themselves in homestays in the south are in for a treat as they get a chance to have hands-on experiences in whipping up popular southern Sri Lankan dishes such as fish curry, dhal curry, aubergine fry, and coconut sambol. The culinary instructors will train you on how to use the utensils, pots and firewood. 

Local market visits are also part of the package. You will be taken on a tour and taught how to pick fresh ingredients to make the dishes with. Some resorts also have their own local gardens from where you can hand-pick the herbs and vegetables to prepare the food.