How to Enjoy Sri Lankan Cuisine

Sri Lanka is not only known for its beautiful beaches and exotic tea, but also its delectable rice and curry dishes. Although Sri Lankan cuisine is comparable to South Indian cuisine, it does have its own unique taste and flavour profile that should not be overlooked. Years of colonialism and significant influence from many nations can be observed in the variety of cuisines, curry creations, and distinctive kinds of bread eaten in Sri Lanka.

Lamprais

This dish is prepared by wrapping rice, meat and sambal chilli hot sauce in banana leaves and then steamed. This method adds a distinct banana leaf flavour to the meal, thereby enhancing its flavour. The rice is then cooked in beef stock and afterwards mixed with the meat curry. This is one of the most popular Sri Lankan rice dishes, and for this reason, you must not miss out on it! Besides, when booking accommodation makes sure to look into places that serve authentic Sri Lankan food. For instance, you can check out menus of a Kandalama hotel the likes of Heritance Kandalama for their dining options.

Parippu

Are you ready for a flavorful Sri Lankan curry? Boiled red lentils are used to make this delectable Sri Lankan dish. Onion, spices, curry leaves, and garlic are cooked together in heated oil until the curry becomes yellow. Plain steamed rice will taste divine with this flavorful and creamy parippu or dhal curry.

Wambatu Moju

This flavourful side dish is made by chopping eggplant into wedges and then deep-frying them for a crispy finish. Then sugar, green chillies, red onions, vinegar, and mustard seeds are caramelised and then fried eggplants are added and mixed.

Fish Ambul Thiyal

This is a traditional Sri Lankan dish that is quite simple in terms of preparation. Fish is cut into cubes, after which those are cooked in a flavorful spice mixture. The dish is then cooked till the little amount of water has evaporated. Enjoy a blast of flavours within your lips with this delectable Fish Thiyal.

Kottu

Made with godamba roti, which is a crispy flatbread, Kottu is a famous Sri Lankan dish. The flatbread, before being mixed with spices and veggies, is deep-fried and diced. The dish is served with a fiery curry sauce. This is one of the popular street foods and one you definitely cannot miss out on!

Chicken Curry

Spices are cooked in oil before being mixed with some tomato puree and coconut milk. After that, the chicken pieces are put into the thick gravy and cooked for a bit. Rice and toast are the ideal accompaniments for this curry. In Colombo, this is a renowned Sri Lankan dish.

Asmi

Rice flour is kneaded continually and milk is added. Then cinnamon leaves are pressed into a glass of coconut milk before being used to create the batter. It's then dipped in treacle syrup before being deep-fried in oil. Local families and groups of friends tend to enjoy this snack in the evenings while spending quality time together.

Gotu Kola Mallum Sambola

This nutritious leafy dish is similar to a green salad made with shredded green vegetables, common spices, coconut, onion, chilli, and Umbalakada. In the afternoon, serve this green leafy and spicy vegetable dish with steaming hot rice to enjoy this dish!

Polos

Small bits of jackfruit are combined with specially selected roast spices. Firstly, you'll have to heat mustard seed oil in a pan, then add shredded onions, garlic, lemongrass, curry leaves, and cinnamon. The jackfruit pieces are then added to this savoury mixture and coconut is added to it. The jackfruit is cooked for an hour and it'll be ready to be devoured.