Here are some of the best foods to try in Sri Lanka and why they are worth savouring.
Rice and Curry:
- Why: A staple in Sri Lankan, fragrant rice is served with an assortment of curries. Each curry whether it is fish, chicken, or vegetable is infused with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and aromatic herbs.
- Must-Try: Ambul Thiyal (sour fish curry) a robust fiery curry
Hoppers (Appa):
- Why: These bowl-shaped, crispy pancakes are made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They’re often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
- Must-Try: Egg Hoppers, an egg is cracked into the centre of the hopper during cooking.
Kottu Roti:
- Why: A popular street food, kottu roti is a stir-fried dish made from shredded flatbread, vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat.
- Must-Try: with Chicken Kottu.
String Hoppers (Idiyappam):
- Why: These light and delicate rice noodles are steamed and served with coconut sambal or curries.
- Must-Try: Perfect with Dhal Curry.
Lamprais:
- Why: A legacy of Dutch colonial influence, features rice cooked with meat (usually beef or chicken), sambal, and other accompaniments, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.
- Must-Try: The flavours meld beautifully in this unique dish.
Fish Ambul Thiyal:
- Why: The fish is marinated in spices, dried goraka (a sour fruit), and then slow-cooked.
- Must-Try: It’s a bold explosion of flavours.
Pol Sambol:
- Why: A fiery coconut relish made with grated coconut, red onions, chili, and lime juice. It adds a zesty kick to any meal.
- Must-Try: Pair it with hoppers or string hoppers.
Watalappan:
- Why: A traditional Sri Lankan dessert, steamed coconut custard infused with jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg.
- Must-Try: The velvety texture and sweet-spiced flavour are divine.
Wood Apple (Bel):
- Why: Not a dish but a unique fruit native to Sri Lanka. Its tough outer shell hides a sweet-tangy pulp that’s often made into a refreshing drink.
In Sri Lanka, food isn’t just sustenance, embark on a culinary adventure and savour some of these delightful dishes