5 Foods You Have To Try In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, or the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island off the coast of south-east India, and has long been known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean for its beauty. Not surprisingly, Sri Lankan cuisine avails of local seafood, tropical fruits and a cornucopia of spices for unique flavour. While, you will not go wrong if you order rice and curry, there’s certainly more to the Sri Lankan dining experience. Here’s what you have to try when you get to Sri Lanka.

The most popular curry in any Sri Lankan restaurant is dhal curry or Paippu as it is known locally. Made from red split lentils (masoor dhal) which are firstly rinsed and boiled, an array of fresh local produce are sautéed in a separate pan and then added to the lentils. Onions, tomatoes and fresh green chillies are combined with tempered spices such as cumin seeds, turmeric, fenugreek, mustard seeds. Curry leaves and coconut milk are added to give it a sublime creamy texture. Tastes wonderful with a simple roti or with rice.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit

Jackfruit curry is another island favourite. For anyone who hasn’t heard of a jackfruit, it’s native to south-east Asia and is from the mulberry family. However, Sri Lankan cuisine uses jackfruit at various stages of ripeness – from being really ripe and sweet to being green and starchy. Green Jackfruit curry (Polos) uses young, green (hence the name!) jackfruit which is similar to potatoes in texture.

Fish ambul thiyal

Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) doesn’t sound too appealing to most Western taste buds. However, this sumptuous curry is a favourite especially in southern Sri Lanka. Usually made from a large fish such as a tuna, the sour dimension comes from dried goraka, a small acidic fruit, native to India and Sri Lanka. By the way, ambul thiyal is a dry curry so all ingredients are cooked with only a small amount of water which reduces so that each cube of fish is coated with the mixture. Rice complements this sour dish – you’ll be glad you tried it!

Koththu Roti

Koththu Roti

This dish is not for mild curry lovers as it uses a robust spice. That means hot. Of course, if you’re nervous about the level of spice you can endure, ask for a milder version! Koththu Roti originated in Batticaloa in eastern Sri Lanka but is available at most restaurants and street vendors. Koththu Roti consists of cooked godamba roti strips (flat strips of bread) and is served with fried vegetables and curry sauce. You can also get chicken, vegetable or egg koththu. Roti If you’re looking for a cheap snack while on the go, roti shops are everywhere. Made by frying flat bread, veg roti’s are triangular in shape and are pretty spicy. They only cost $.40 USD so they are cheap and tasty!

Kiribath

Kiribath

If you forgot to ask for a mild Koththu Roti, then your next meal may need to be gentler. Kiribath is a Sri Lankan signature dish that is served at many ceremonies but also features on many breakfast menus. It’s milk rice which is basically rice that has been cooked in coconut milk. Although it is commonly served with a chilli paste, it is equally as good with a plain banana. Hoppers (appa or appam)

Hoppers

Hoppers

Hoppers are the Sri Lankan version of the humble pancake but are made from a much thicker dough instead of runny batter. Hoppers can be both sweet and savoury but locals tend to favour the egg hopper where an egg is cracked into the bowl-shaped pancake.

Have you visited Sri Lanka? What was your favourite must have food? Discuss in the comments box below.