Anastasia Smith
Sampling the local cuisine is all part of the classic holiday experience, and Sri Lanka in South Asia is certainly no exception. Embark on an exploration of tropical island cuisine; indulge yourself in an assortment of delectable traditional dishes and savour the taste of authentic Sri Lanka.
Nothing says an authentic Sri Lankan classic like a dish of Sri Lankan rice and curry. Traditionally served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — undoubtedly the country’s most popular staple — Sri Lankans could hardly go a day without the all-day meal. The white fluffy rice is complemented by a variety of side dishes — locally referred to as curries — and has at least three (ideally five) side dishes, one of which is usually based on fish or meat, while the rest are vegetables and other greens. Sri Lankan rice and curry with the right selection of “curries” is characteristic of a well-balanced meal and is also very filling, especially for travellers to the island country.
For foodies craving something uniquely Sri Lankan, a plate of steaming hot Kottu is as unique as it gets. A favourite among locals and tourists alike, the stir-fried chopped flatbread is one of Sri Lanka’s fine creations and can only be found right here in the little island country. The local “roti” flatbread is the primary ingredient, which is mixed with a whole host of other ingredients, such as carrot, leeks, cabbage, onions, chillies, egg and meat of your choice, all of which are stir-fried in a wok.
A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast to start off your morning in beautiful Sri Lanka, hoppers, better known as Sri Lankan hoppers, is a popular breakfast choice in the South Asian nation, among locals and travellers alike. No matter where you go in the island country, all cafes and eateries serve the local classic, even the seaside Passikudah restaurants, including the likes offered by properties such as Amethyst Resort.
The national dish of Sri Lanka and a speciality during the festive season of Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Milk rice is more than just another dish for the people of the Indian Ocean island nation; it is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and new beginnings. The traditional dish is a simple yet delectable combination of white rice and coconut milk, where the rice is cooked in milk and left to set to embrace the dish’s characteristic “kiribath” (as it is known locally) consistency.
A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast to top off your traditional Sri Lankan meal, a mouthful of sweet and creamy curd and treacle is just what you need to complement the characteristically Sri Lankan savoury flavours. The speciality of this dessert choice is that the curd is a product of fermented buffalo milk instead of the most commonly used cow milk. The breathtaking sugary goodness that is treacle is sourced from the sap of the fishtail or toddy palm.
