How to Indulge in Sri Lankan Cuisine: Unique Dishes That Will Tempt You to Explore Sri Lanka's Culinary Delights
Sri Lanka, an island nation with a rich history and vibrant culture, boasts a culinary tradition that is as diverse as its landscapes. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene beaches of Kalutara, the country offers many flavours and dishes that will delight any food lover. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island, here’s how you can indulge in some of Sri Lanka’s most unique and authentic culinary delights.
Image via Anantara Kalutara Resort
Introduction to Sri Lankan Cuisine
Sri Lankan cuisine is a tapestry of flavours, influenced by centuries of trade, colonisation, and cultural exchanges. The island’s strategic location along ancient trade routes brought spices, techniques, and ingredients from India, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Malaysia, among others. This has resulted in a rich culinary heritage that combines bold spices, fresh ingredients, and complex flavours. Each region of Sri Lanka has its own specialities, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.
Unique Authentic Sri Lankan Dishes
Wambatu Moju – An Eggplant Pickle - Wambatu Moju is a tangy and spicy eggplant pickle that is a staple in Sri Lankan households. The eggplants are deep-fried until crispy and then cooked with a blend of spices, vinegar, sugar, and mustard seeds. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours making it an excellent accompaniment to rice and curry.
Fish Ambul Thiyal – A Saporous Fish Dish - Fish Ambul Thiyal is a traditional Sri Lankan fish curry that originated in the southern regions of the island. It is a dry curry made with chunks of fish, usually tuna, which are marinated in a blend of spices, including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and pandan leaves. The addition of goraka, a dried fruit that imparts a unique tangy flavour, sets this dish apart. Slow-cooked to perfection, Fish Ambul Thiyal is a must-try for seafood lovers. You can even find this dish served at the buffets of popular hotels like Anantara Kalutara Resort.
Polos Curry (Jackfruit Curry) - Polos Curry, made from young green jackfruit, is a beloved Sri Lankan dish that highlights the island’s use of unique local ingredients. The jackfruit is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, including curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric, and coconut milk until it becomes tender and flavourful. The result is a rich and hearty curry with a texture similar to meat, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. This dish is typically served with rice and a variety of side dishes, offering a taste of traditional Sri Lankan home cooking.
Kottu – Sri Lanka’s Hamburger - Kottu, often referred to as Sri Lanka’s hamburger, is a popular street food that you simply cannot miss. It is made by stir-frying chopped roti (flatbread) with vegetables, eggs, and meat or seafood, and seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces. The rhythmic clanking sound of metal blades chopping the ingredients on a hot griddle is synonymous with Sri Lankan street food culture. Each bite of Kottu is a flavourful explosion, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Lamprais – A Dutch-Burgher Fusion Dish - Lamprais is a delectable fusion dish that showcases Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage. It consists of rice cooked in a meat broth, accompanied by a variety of curries, meatballs, and sambols (spicy condiments), all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked. The banana leaf imparts a distinct aroma and flavour to the dish, making it a unique culinary experience. Traditionally, Lamprais is prepared on Sundays by the Dutch Burgher community, but it can now be found in many Kalutara restaurants.
Tips for Exploring Sri Lankan Cuisine
- Start with Street Food: Don’t miss the vibrant street food scene. Try local snacks like hoppers (crispy pancakes), vadai (savoury fritters), and parippu (lentil) balls.
- Visit Local Markets: Explore local markets to see the fresh produce and spices that form the backbone of Sri Lankan cuisine. Chat with vendors and maybe even get some cooking tips.
- Take a Cooking Class: Many resorts and local chefs offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes. It’s a great way to bring a piece of Sri Lanka back home with you.
- Don’t Skip the Sweets: Sri Lanka has a delightful array of sweets and desserts. Try bread pudding, wattalapam (a coconut custard pudding) and Kalu dodol (a jello-like sweet made of jaggery and coconut milk)
