Joanna James
If you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to indulge in the country's delicious cuisine. Here are the best and most loved Sri Lankan dishes that you shouldn't miss.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful fusion of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients, influenced by the country's rich history and diverse cultural traditions. And hoppers are a must-try dish in Sri Lanka. They are made of fermented rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in a small bowl-shaped pan, giving them a unique shape. Hoppers are usually served with a variety of curries and sambals, making them a perfect breakfast or dinner option.
Kottu Roti is a popular Sri Lankan street food that has gained a cult following worldwide. The dish is made by finely chopping up pieces of roti, a type of flatbread, and mixing it with vegetables, spices, and a choice of meat or egg. The mixture is then cooked on a hot griddle, where it's chopped up into small pieces with metal blades. Kottu Rotti is often served with a spicy curry sauce, adding an extra layer of flavour to this delicious and hearty dish.
Lamprais is a traditional Sri Lankan dish that originated in Dutch colonial times. It's a combination of rice, meat, and vegetables, all cooked together in banana leaves to create a unique and flavourful dish. You will be able to have this dish anywhere in Sri Lanka, from cafes in Kandy to restaurants near Galle offered by the likes of Tri Koggala.
String hoppers have a unique circular shape and a delicate texture that pairs well with savoury or spicy curries. They are a popular breakfast option in Sri Lanka. To make string hoppers, rice flour is mixed with hot water and kneaded into a dough, which is then extruded through a sieve-like utensil to create thin noodles that are then steamed. These soft and fluffy noodles are a staple food in Sri Lankan households and are often served with coconut sambal or dhal curry.
Pol Sambol is a spicy coconut sambal made with grated coconut, red onions, lime juice, and a range of spices. It's usually served as a side dish with rice and curry but can also be enjoyed as a spread on bread.
Fish Ambul Thiyal is a sour and spicy fish curry that's unique to Sri Lanka. It's made with chunks of fish cooked in a blend of spices and tamarind, giving it a tangy and flavourful taste.
Wambatu Moju is a sweet and sour brinjal (eggplant) pickle, made with vinegar, sugar, and a range of spices. It's usually served as a side dish with rice and curry and is a great way to add flavour to your meal.
Gotu Kola Salad is a refreshing and healthy salad made with fresh Gotu Kola leaves, red onions, tomatoes, and grated coconut. It's dressed with a tangy lime and chilli dressing. Gotu Kola, also known as Asiatic Pennywort, is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits, such as improving memory and reducing stress. In Sri Lankan cuisine, Gotu Kola Salad is a popular dish that showcases the herb's fresh, earthy flavour.
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.
