First Time in Sri Lanka? You Will Love These Sri Lankan Seafood Dishes! - Top Local Seafood Dishes to Savour during Your

Often regarded as reason enough to head to a Chinese restaurant in Sri Lanka, Hot Butter Cuttlefish is a uniquely local invention and is a part of the island's fusion cuisine. While it may not have much to do with authentic Chinese cuisine, this delectable side dish that's often served with steamed rice or fried rice is a staple for all locals who are dining out in Colombo's favourite restaurant chains including Chinese Dragon and the Flower Drum. Batter fried prawn is infused into a spice mixture that's spicy, salty and sweet all at once to create this dish.

One need not venture to the northern peninsula of Sri Lanka to dig into a plate of this regional delicacy. Attributed to the Tamil community based in Jaffna, this signature crab curry is a clear celebration of the town's seaside location and the easy access local chefs have always had to quality crab meat. The curry which comes with an aromatic gravy includes classic Sri Lankan ingredients including coconut milk and mustard seeds with pepper, tamarind juice and fennel seeds added to give it an extra punch. One of the most curious ingredients used to create Jaffna Crab Curry is perhaps Moringa leaves which supposedly contribute to the texture of the dish.

Also known as Prawn Fritters, this is a street food variety that's available all across Colombo but especially at the Galle Face Green. This crispy and succulent snack is created by blending a lentil batter and prawns before deep frying them into round-shaped fritters. Usually consumed with a spicy sauce that's prepared by hawkers who specialize in Isso Vadai, this is among the most inexpensive local treats tourists can sample on the island.

Kottu Roti is a local favourite, especially during dinner time as the shredded Godamba roti meal is sold in nearly every local restaurant after sundown. Although chicken or fish kottu roti are widely available, the crab kottu roti is a speciality that is accessible at specific venues that have access to fresh crab meat. Tossed together with a host of vegetables, onions, an egg and a chilli mixture, crabs add an irresistible flavour to this already delicious meal.

A must-serve lunch dish at Turyaa Kalutara Hotel and countless other Kalutara restaurants on the coastline, Fish Ambul Thiyal is comprised of slow-cooked tuna cubes. Considered a comfort food, the special spice mixture in which the fish cubes are marinated for several hours is what is responsible for the delicate sour taste of the dish. Gamboge paste which is called Goraka in the local tongue is an indispensable ingredient in preparing this curry which pairs well with steamed rice and dhal curry.