Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, influenced by its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Here are some must-try Sri Lankan foods for tourists
Rice and Curry
Sri Lankan cuisine boasts a staple combination: fragrant rice and flavorful curry. Rice, typically cooked to perfection, serves as a neutral base for an array of curries infused with spices like turmeric, cumin, and cardamom. From fiery fish to creamy Coconut,Dhal curry, At the end offers a variety of delectable desserts
Wash Hands: Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their hands. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. Or use cutlery set
Dhal curry
“Dhal curry,” also spelled “dhal curry” or “dal curry,” is a popular dish in Sri Lankan cuisine. It’s made from lentils (usually red lentils, also known as Masoor dhal) cooked with aromatic spices and coconut milk ,use as a side dish with rice.
Fry tank fish curry
Sri Lankan fish curry, known as “Malu Mirisata” in Sinhalese, is a delicious and aromatic dish that’s often made with a variety of fish, including tank fish
Jack fruit curry
Is a spicy Sri Lankan curry prepared with tender young jackfruit (known as “kos” in Sinhala) cooked in a rich coconut milk gravy. This dish is flavored with a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and curry leaves. Sometimes, dried Maldive fish is added to enhance the flavor. Use as a side dish with rice
Baby jackfruit curry
Is a delicious dish made using young or green jackfruit. Baby jackfruit refers to the young, unripe fruit of the jackfruit tree, which is typically used in savory dishes rather than the ripe, sweet jackfruit variety.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a popular dish in Sri Lanka, as well as in many other Asian countries. It’s made by stir-frying pre-cooked rice with a variety of ingredients, typically including vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat or seafood
Wash Hands: Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their hands. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. or use cutlery set
Kothu Roti
Koththu, also known as “Kottu Roti,” remains a popular Sri Lankan street food dish comprising chopped up roti (flatbread), vegetables, eggs, and/or meat (such as chicken, beef, or seafood). Street vendors stir-fry these ingredients together on a hot griddle with a blend of spices and sauces, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish often served with a side of spicy curry or gravy.
Wash Hands: Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their hands. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. or use cutlery set
String Hopper
A popular Sri Lankan dish. String hoppers are made from rice flour dough that is squeezed through a sieve to make thin noodles, which are then steamed. They are often served with a sambal or coconut milk gravy called “kiri hodi” and accompanied by other curries and condiments. String hoppers are a staple breakfast or dinner item in Sri Lanka and are enjoyed by many for their unique texture and flavor.
Sambal
Is a popular condiment in Sri Lankan cuisine. It’s made from freshly grated coconut mixed with chili peppers, onions, lime juice, salt, and sometimes Maldive fish flakes or dried shrimp for added flavor. The ingredients are typically ground together using a mortar and pestle, creating a coarse mixture that is both spicy and flavorful.
DESSERTS
Kiri Peni
A sweet made from milk, sugar, and spices, often garnished with cashews or almonds.
Curd and Treacle
Thick buffalo curd served with treacle (palm syrup), offering a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Watalappam
A rich and creamy coconut custard flavored with jaggery (palm sugar), spices, and cashew nuts.
DRINKS
Ceylon Tea
Ceylon tea, which is celebrated worldwide for its high quality and unique flavor profiles. The country’s tea estates are nestled in picturesque hill country regions like Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Ella.
Brewing Tea: To brew a cup of Ceylon tea, start by bringing water to a rolling boil. Use fresh, cold water for the best results. Add tea leaves to a teapot or infuser — typically, 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of water is a good guideline. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Strain the tea and serve it hot with milk, sugar, or honey according to your preference with sweets.
King coconut
Also known as Thæmbili in Sinhala, is a variety of coconut native to Sri Lanka.Here are some interesting facts about it: Less Sugar Content,Varieties,Nutritional Benefits
Kurumba
Is a variety of coconut native to Sri Lanka. The name “Kurumba” actually means “young coconut” (the green kind that provides coconut water)
SWEETS
Kevum
Kevum, known as Oil Cake, is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet prepared during Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities. Loved by people of all ages, it’s a cherished delicacy with a unique taste and texture. Its preparation and enjoyment signify the joy and togetherness of festive occasions in Sri Lanka.
Weli Thalapa
Known as “Thalapa,” is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet snack or dessert that holds a cherished place in the country’s culinary heritage. It is characterized by its simple yet delightful combination of ingredients, including rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, which come together to create a unique and flavorful treat.
Kokis
Kokis is a traditional Sri Lankan crispy snack that people make during special times like Sinhala and Tamil New Year. It’s loved by everyone in Sri Lanka, and people enjoy its special shape and crunchy texture.
Aasmi
Aasmi is a traditional Sri Lankan deep-fried sweet snack. People serve it during celebrations like Aluth Avurudda (Sinhalese New Year), weddings, and birthdays. To make Aasmi, mix rice flour and coconut milk. Then, add juice from Davul Kurundu leaves (or pandan leaves) to the mixture. Deep fry the batter in coconut oil until it turns golden brown and crispy.
Aluwa
Indeed, Aluwa is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert that people enjoy on various occasions, including festivals and celebrations. It consists of simple ingredients like rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and spices, yet it boasts rich flavor and texture