Joanna James
Sri Lanka - the pearl of the Indian Ocean has various marvels and surprises to discover and its food scene is not to be underestimated. You might think it's just only rice and curry but don't be fooled; the food here is varied in texture, flavour and style with so many things to try. Here are some of the dishes you must try when you're here.
All Sri Lankans will tell you that rice and curry is their one true love. Sri Lankans will have piping hot, fluffy rice with an array of curries on any given meal of the day. Usually, rice is served with veg curries made using coconut cream, dhal and a meat of your choice but if you're a vegan, Sri Lankan rice and curry is a tasty, filling meal you can find anywhere.
Rice is cooked until it becomes mushy and porridge-like in rich coconut milk with a hint of salt. Milk rice is a symbol of prosperity in Sri Lankan culture, and as such, fresh beginnings like the first day of work, birthdays, and celebrations are frequently honoured with a few diamond-shaped slices of milk rice.
Watalappan is a dreamy dessert made using coconut milk, and jaggery and flavoured with cardamoms and nutmeg. It's a speciality among the Muslim community here, commonly seen around the festivals. Although nothing beats a homemade watalappan, you can try the real taste of this sweet pudding at Colombo hotels near the airport such as the popular Pegasus Reef too.
This delicacy was brought here with the South Indians. It's like noodles but made with rice flour and is enjoyed with curries instead of broth. The art of making them is an acquired skill and it's hard to press them into the stringy moulds so that they would retain the fluffy and airy but chewy texture.
This is by far the best street food you'll ever find here. Isso vadai is a genius invention that is deep fried in golden coconut oil; a thin crispy vadai topped with three or four prawns flavoured with spices, chillies and curry leaves served with a rich spicy gravy that you'll fall in love with. Going to Galle Face Green just to eat isso vadai and enjoy the beautiful sunsets is a popular activity among youngsters here and your kids can run around and fly kites too.
You've probably heard of these in India. They're triangular-shaped pastries filled with potato and pea filling. The best samosas are always served hot with a piping hot cup of tea or if you're in Kandy a large refreshing glass of vanilla milkshake.
This round-shaped snack looks like an upside-down bucket hat with a fluffy middle. You can even get an egg hopper that comes with a golden sunny-side-up egg with a perfectly runny yolk in the middle. It's crispy and best enjoyed warm with chilli sambal and beer
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
