A Culinary Journey Through Sri Lanka: Must-Try Foods and Drinks

Sri Lanka is a paradise not only for nature and adventure lovers but also for culinary enthusiasts. Known for its bold spices, tropical fruits, and inventive use of coconut, Sri Lankan cuisine is a delicious blend of flavors shaped by the island’s diverse cultural influences. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, here are some must-try dishes and drinks that will make your journey unforgettable.

Rice and Curry

This is the quintessential Sri Lankan meal, served in almost every household and restaurant. Rice and curry typically consists of steamed rice accompanied by a variety of curries, ranging from spicy dhal (lentil) curry to fish, chicken, or vegetable curries. Each curry has its own distinct blend of spices and textures, making every meal different from the last.

Pol Sambol (Coconut Relish)

Pol sambol is a simple but flavorful coconut relish made from freshly grated coconut, chili, onions, lime, and salt. It’s a versatile side dish served with everything from rice to bread to hoppers, adding a spicy and tangy kick to any meal.

Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)

A specialty of the southern coast, ambul thiyal is a sour fish curry made with chunks of fish, typically tuna, cooked with a spice blend that includes dried goraka (a souring agent), black pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric. This curry has a dry consistency and intense flavor.

Dhal Curry (Parippu)

This staple Sri Lankan curry is made from red lentils simmered with coconut milk, curry leaves, turmeric, and spices. Dhal curry is often a mainstay in Sri Lankan households and pairs beautifully with rice or bread.

Watalappan

A traditional Sri Lankan dessert, watalappan is a coconut custard pudding made with coconut milk, eggs, jaggery, cardamom, and spices. The rich flavor and silky texture make it a favorite, especially during festive occasions.

Sri Lankan Crab Curry

Seafood is abundant in Sri Lanka, and crab curry is one of the most beloved dishes. Prepared with a rich, spicy coconut-based sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Gotukola Sambol

Gotukola (pennywort) is a leafy green commonly used in Sri Lankan salads. It’s chopped finely and mixed with grated coconut, lime, onions, and a touch of chili, making a refreshing side dish to complement spicy curries.

Kiribath (Milk Rice)

Often served on special occasions, kiribath is rice cooked with coconut milk, giving it a creamy texture. It’s usually shaped into blocks and served with lunu miris (a spicy onion sambol) or jaggery (palm sugar) for a mix of savory and sweet flavors.

Sri Lankan Roti

Sri Lankan roti is made with coconut and flour, and is often served with spicy sambols or curries. Another variation, pol roti (coconut roti), is slightly thicker and more filling, making it a perfect breakfast or snack.

Eggplant Moju (Pickled Eggplant)

Moju is a type of pickle, and eggplant moju is a popular side dish in Sri Lankan cuisine. Sliced eggplant is deep-fried and then mixed with a combination of vinegar, mustard seeds, chili, and onions to create a sweet, sour, and spicy relish.

Ceylon Tea

Although not a dish, Ceylon tea is an integral part of Sri Lankan culture and is renowned worldwide. Grown in the lush central highlands, Sri Lankan tea has a unique flavor that varies depending on the region, and you can enjoy it black, with milk, or as a refreshing iced tea.

Hoppers (Appa) – The Beloved Bowl-Shaped Pancake

Start your culinary adventure with hoppers, a unique Sri Lankan dish resembling a bowl-shaped pancake made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. Crispy around the edges with a soft, fluffy center, hoppers are often served with a soft-cooked egg in the center, known as egg hoppers. Pair them with a selection of sambols (spicy condiments) or a rich curry for an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast.

Kottu Roti – Street Food Staple with a Twist

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without trying kottu roti. This street food favorite combines chopped roti bread with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood, all stir-fried together with spices. Watching it prepared is an experience in itself, as vendors use two metal blades to chop the ingredients on a hot griddle, creating a rhythm that’s as much a part of the meal as the flavor.

Polos – Green Jackfruit Curry

Sri Lanka’s love for curries is undeniable, and one that stands out is polos, a curry made from young jackfruit. This dish is particularly unique due to its texture, which is similar to meat, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Simmered in a rich blend of spices, coconut milk, and aromatic herbs, polos embodies the earthy, wholesome flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.

The Many Curries of Sri Lanka

The term “curry” in Sri Lanka is incredibly versatile, encompassing a wide variety of dishes. Each region has its specialties, from the sour fish curry known as ambul thiyal in the south, to the bold, spicy Jaffna curries in the north, known for their depth and use of regional spices. If you enjoy seafood, don’t miss a prawn or crab curry – bursting with the flavors of coconut, turmeric, and chili.

Mallung – A Fresh and Nutritious Side Dish

A meal in Sri Lanka often includes mallung, a simple yet flavorful dish made from shredded leafy greens (such as kale or gotukola), grated coconut, and lime. Often seasoned with mustard seeds and a touch of chili, mallung is a deliciously healthy accompaniment to rice and curry. It’s perfect for vegans and vegetarians and is packed with nutrients.

Lamprais – Dutch Burgher-Inspired Feast

Lamprais is a Dutch-influenced dish that has become a Sri Lankan classic, especially among the Burgher community. This hearty meal combines rice cooked in a meat broth with meat curry, frikkadels (meatballs), and a spicy sambol, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked to perfection. This is a true fusion dish, blending elements of Sri Lankan spices with European influences for a unique flavor experience.

Tropical Fruits and Wood Apple Smoothies

Sri Lanka’s markets are filled with a colorful array of tropical fruits, from mangos, pineapples, and bananas to unique local treasures like wood apple, rambutan, and mangosteen. One of the most beloved fruit-based treats is the wood apple smoothie, made from the sweet and sour wood apple mixed with jaggery and coconut milk. It’s a refreshing drink that offers a taste of Sri Lanka’s exotic fruits.

Fresh Coconut Water – Nature’s Hydration

As you travel through Sri Lanka, you’ll find vendors selling fresh coconuts, known locally as thambili or “king coconuts.” These orange-hued coconuts are rich in electrolytes and provide natural hydration that’s perfect after a long day in the tropical sun.

Sri Lankan Sweets and Desserts

Sri Lanka’s desserts are as unique as its savory dishes. Try kiribath (milk rice) often served with a spicy onion sambol, or watalappan, a rich coconut custard made with jaggery, cardamom, and cashew nuts. Another favorite is kokis, a deep-fried crispy treat that’s popular during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations.

Local Beverages: Ceylon Tea and Arrack

Sri Lanka is synonymous with Ceylon tea, grown in the lush central highlands and enjoyed all over the world. Whether you prefer a strong black tea or a lighter green tea, Sri Lanka offers tea varieties to suit every palate. For something a little stronger, try arrack, a distilled spirit made from the sap of coconut flowers. It has a unique taste that pairs well with tropical mixers or even neat, as locals enjoy it.

Conclusion: Savoring Sri Lanka’s Culinary Delights

Sri Lanka’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture and geography. From aromatic curries and street food delights to exotic fruits and refreshing beverages, each dish reflects the island’s rich history and vibrant lifestyle. Whether you’re a foodie or a curious traveler, exploring Sri Lanka’s food scene is an adventure on its own. So, on your next trip, dive into the local flavors and let each dish tell its own story of Sri Lanka’s heritage, warmth, and passion for great food.