Sri Lanka is not only known for its clean beaches, tea plantations, and old temples, but it is also a destination for food lovers. The food of the island is a colorful blend of tastes shaped by rich history, diverse cultures, and fresh natural products. For tourists planning to explore Sri Lanka with Go Kite Tour, experiencing the vibrant food scene is something one cannot miss. Whether it’s spicy curries or tropical desserts, Sri Lankan food is a treat to the eyes as well as the palate.
Below are 10 mouth-watering dishes that every foodie should try:
1. Rice and Curry
Rice and curry is the mainstay of almost every Sri Lankan household and the core of the local cuisine. The dish is a classic meal that consists of fluffy white or red rice accompanied by numerous types of curries using vegetables, lentils, fish, or meat. These curries are comfortingly spiced with coconut milk, aromatic spices and herbs. Each bite narrates a story of the culinary history of the island, and thus it is one of the most recognizable Sri Lankan dishes.
2. Kottu Roti
Of all the Sri Lankan street foods, Kottu Roti is probably the most popular and delicious combination of chopped flatbread, vegetables, eggs, and meat or seafood all stir-fried together on a hot griddle. The rhythmic clang of metal knives slicing the roti is a common sound in the Colombo streets and other cities. It is tasty, nourishing, and it is ideal to be served in the evening as a fast supper after a day of sightseeing.
3. Hoppers (Appa)
Hoppers are pancakes in the shape of a bowl, and they are prepared using fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. They may be eaten as is, with the crispy outer and fluffy inner, or with an egg cracked in the center-called egg hoppers. They are typically served with hot sambols or curries. Hoppers are a favorite component of the Sri Lankan dishes repertoire and are either eaten at breakfast or dinner.
4. String Hoppers (Idiyappam)
Light and delicate, string hoppers are steamed rice noodles shaped into flat spirals. They are soft as opposed to normal hoppers and they are ideal to absorb tasty curries. String hoppers are generally taken as a breakfast dish or dinner and complemented with dhal (lentil curry) and coconut sambol. You should not miss trying them in case you want to have a less heavy, but still delicious Sri Lankan dish.
5. Pol Sambol
Pol sambol, a spicy coconut relish prepared using freshly grated coconut, red chili, onions and lime juice, cannot be left off any list of Sri Lankan dishes. It gives rice, bread, and even hoppers a spicy kick. This unpretentious but daring side dish reminds of the passion of the island to powerful tastes and fresh food.
6. Fish Ambul Thiyal
It is a classic sour fish curry which was developed in the southern coastal regions. Fish cubes (typically tuna) are cooked in goraka (a souring agent) and a combination of spices and has a flavour that is tangy and savoury. The dish is usually dry that is to say that there is a minimum of gravy so that the fish can absorb all the spices of aroma. It is a local favorite and seafood lovers should not miss it.
7. Lamprais
Lamprais is a distinctive rice dish that has a concoction of meat curry, vegetable curries and sambols all enclosed in a banana leaf and baked to perfection, a Dutch Burgher legacy. The steaming process gives the rice the aroma of the banana leaf which leaves behind an inimitable aroma and flavour. You would be lucky to find them in the ordinary restaurants but you should seek them out when you are on your Sri Lanka tour.
8. Kiribath (Milk Rice)
Kiribath is a religious food that is prepared through the cooking of rice in the coconut milk until it gets creamy and hard. Then it is sliced into diamond or square shapes and usually eaten with spicy lunu miris (onion and chili paste). Kiribath is traditionally served on special occasions and during New Year, which makes it a special dish to the Sri Lankans.
9. Watalappam
Watalappam is a sweet, rich pudding that is made using coconut milk, jaggery, eggs and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg. It is a Malay dessert which is commonly served at festive moments. It has a very silky texture and a deep caramel flavor, which is why both locals and tourists love it.
10. Tropical Fruits
The tropical climate of Sri Lanka yields so many exotic fruits like mangoes, pineapples, bananas, papayas, rambutans, and the much-hyped king coconut. Most of these fruits are consumed fresh and in refreshing juices and desserts. To get a truly local experience, have them at street side stalls or local markets.
Why Sri Lankan Cuisine is Unforgettable
Sri Lankan food is very diverse and its flavors are blended in a charming way. Each region has a variation of the same dish which is dependent on the local produce and traditions. Be it the curries with spices of the south or the mild coconut richer curries of the north, every meal is an adventure in culinary terms.
With Go Kite Tours, you not only get to experience the beauty of the island, but also get to taste its soul in the form of well thought-out food experiences. We also schedule visits to local markets, cooking demos and genuine restaurants-so you get the best Sri Lankan cuisine.
Final Thoughts
Travelling to Sri Lanka is like entering the world of the culture where food is a language of love and hospitality. These 10 dishes are only the start- there is a world of tastes that awaits to be explored. When you happen to travel to this island paradise, do not forget to taste these delights and enjoy every bite. Click here to start planning your delicious journey with Go Kite Tours.
