Hey there, foodie adventurers! Do you feel excited about trying new cuisines? When traveling to a new destination, does the local food hold as much importance to you as the various sight-seeing stops? Well, you’re in for a treat then. I welcome you to another episode of immersing yourself into the tasty world of trying local foods.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, I would first recommend to read my blog Explore Sri Lanka: The Best 7-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure for All Ages, to get the best of the island nation in 7 Days. And now, once you have your itinerary taken care of, get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other. From mouthwatering street snacks to hearty sit-down meals and delectable desserts, Sri Lankan cuisine is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re traveling with young kids, grandparents, or the whole family squad, you look for different options, and I’m happy to report that there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Now, to help you decide your assorted menu, I’ve literally divided my recommendations from the Sri Lankan cuisine in ‘bite-sized’ pieces, with a cross-section of the cultural foodscape. From breakfast to dinner and from snacks to main course to even beverages, we have left no stone unturned to have a truly immersive gastronomic trip. So, loosen those belts and let’s dive into the top 15 must-try foods and drinks of Sri Lanka!
A. Let’s Start the Day with Sri Lankan Cuisine: Your Breakfast Options
Let’s start from the very beginning. Breakfast in Sri Lankan cuisine will quickly take you back to the backwaters of Kerala or bustling streets of Chennai, with the tangy yet unforgettable aroma of the fermented rice and lentil batters, the creamy sweetness of the fresh coconut, and of course the high energy from the kitchen! However, it is still unique, having its own character, like the teenage daughter who looks like mom but brings her own fiery spirit to the plate!
1. Dosa: Let’s kickstart our day with a Sri Lankan breakfast classic—Dosa! These world-famous rice pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk are light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. What was different was the texture, it was not quite thin and crispy but chewy and hearty, causing a burp here and a smile there! Pair it with the sambhar and coconut chutney and you’re in heaven instantly!
2. String Hoppers (Idiyappam): Next up, we have string hoppers—delicate strands of steamed rice noodles that pair perfectly with a variety of curries and sambols. They’re light, airy, and guaranteed to fuel you up for a day of adventures. The coconut sambol deserves a special mention because I literally had a few episodes of requesting the staff to pack me a doggie bag of a sambol helping – it was THAT delicious! Perhaps my most favorite element of the entire universe of Sri Lankan cuisine.
B. Your Go-to Grubs on the Go: A Glimpse into the World of Starters and Snacks
It’s time to head out to explore the city, town, or sightseeing spot. While you will obviously need to refuel and relax while you take a break, they can also be perfect partners if perhaps you prefer to grab a grub on a go. Whatever your style of travel, the following recommendations will surely help in your adventure to explore Sri Lankan cuisine!
3. Batter-fried Seafood: Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these delectable street food items include prawns, crabs, and shrimps, all fried in a spicy batter, and are a must-try snack in Sri Lanka. They are fried fresh before your eyes, and garnished with onions, cucumbers, chopped up real nice, and a dusting of local spices and salt mixes, making them perfect for munching on the go.
4. Filled Godamba Roti: Sink your teeth into a warm, flaky roti filled with cooked vegetables, eggs, and/or your choice of meat or seafood, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal, while you’re rushing through your day.
5. Shrimp Cutlets: Craving something crispy? Look no further than shrimp cutlets—a delicious snack made from flaked fish mixed with potatoes, onions, and spices, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. They’re again garnished with chopped salad, and as they sizzle, you can’t help but giggle!
C. Enter the Era of Main Course: Let’s Sit Down for a Hearty Meal for Lunch or Dinner
As we proceed to the main course, I think I really have to ‘sit down’ as the list is quite endless and I had to wreck my brains to consolidate the best and truly unforgettable recommendations. So, bear with me if this section is on the long-ish side!
6. Rice and Curry: Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion with Sri Lanka’s quintessential dish—rice and curry! Dive into a plate of fluffy rice served with an array of aromatic curries, from creamy coconut to fiery hot, along with accompaniments like crispy papadums and pickles.
7. Mud Crab Curry: While crabs are common ingredients in a Sri Lankan kitchen, mud crabs take the crown for being the freshest in the area, comes with a softer meat, resembling much like the prawn, and cooks fast. While there are a number of ways one can try this, we indulged in a mighty 2 KG crab with Sri Lankan pepper sauce, pairing with some local multi-grain bread.
8. Prawns and Lobsters Cooked in Coconut Milk: Well, this is perhaps my most favorite of all main-course items. While it is an undeniable deja-vu of my own Bengali heritage of “Chingri Malai Curry” (Prawns cooked in Coconut Cream), the tempering of curry leaves and black mustard seeds brought in the whiff of Southern Indian scents and tastes. Again however, the distinct spiciness of Sri Lankan cuisine was undeniable. One can have any cereal with it, but the classic partner would be simple steamed rice with a dollop of ghee. Yummy!
We tried both the prawns and the crabs in Ministry of Crabs. Feel free to browse their menu and recommendations for a meal of a lifetime!
9. Baked King Fish Filets: For a taste of colonial heritage in Sri Lankan cuisine, indulge in a fish feast. Whether baked, fried, or even steamed, this wonderful meal comes with a continental vibe, with French fries and leafy salads on the side. However, you can’t miss the distinct taste of the Sri Lankan spices, even if subtle.
10. Okra, Brinjal, and Potato Curries: While they are separate dishes, they had a similar tempering of one or a combination of curry leaves, coconut, onions, garlic, and pepper. They’re great vegetarian options and go well with rice or roti. Among these, my favorite was the Okra.
D. After the ABCs, it’s time for D: D for Deliciousness, D for Desserts!
Alrighty, we’re done with our meals, and now craving for some sweetness to end the adventure. While there are many options of tropical fruit sorbets, icecream, and puddings, I recommend the two below, which were highly praised by my little gastronome!
11. Watalappan: Time to satisfy your sweet tooth with watalappan—a traditional Sri Lankan pudding made from coconut milk, jaggery (palm sugar), eggs, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect ending to any meal. Even Little A couldn’t stop at just one bite!
12. Pol Roti: Craving something sweet and savory? Sink your teeth into a warm, fluffy Pol Roti. These coconut pancakes are made from a simple mixture of flour, grated coconut, and water, then cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown. Enjoy them plain, like Little A, or with a dollop of sweet coconut sambol for an extra burst of flavor.
E. Time to End our Adventure: Let’s Raise a Toast with Some Amazing Beverages
Ah, perhaps the most important of the lot, I am always on the lookout for local beverages to quench my thirst, both for my body and my wanderlust. In the hot weather of Sri Lanka, my go-to was always cool and cold beverages, but I couldn’t stop myself from exploring the hot varieties too. Hold on to your hats while I sit back and reminiscend my beautiful week in this tropical paradise. My top recommendations include:
13. King Coconut Water: Beat the tropical heat with a refreshing sip of the king coconut water. Not only is it deliciously hydrating, but it’s also packed with essential electrolytes, making it the perfect beverage for staying cool and refreshed on your Sri Lankan adventures. Also, it is part of almost every section of Sri Lankan cuisine, so you really can’t avoid it!
14. Ceylon Tea: No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without sampling the nation’s famed Ceylon tea. Whether you prefer it black, with milk, or infused with aromatic spices, a steaming cup of tea is the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Our mornings would always be kickstarted with a fresh pot brewed in the hotel kitchens or sometimes even in the nifty little room kettle!
15. Lion Lager: If you still think that the hot drink is not your ‘cup of tea’, treat yourself to a chilled beer (or Lager in this case), and we highly recommend the Lion’s Beer—a sweet and fizzy concoction made from local rice and has a hint of cardamom. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors of Sri Lanka, and speaks loads of the melting pot of cultures, that is the Sri Lankan cuisine.
Wrapping Up with Memories of Delicious Experiences!
And there you have it, folks—15 mouthwatering delights to try on your next trip to Sri Lanka! Whether you’re munching on street snacks, savoring a sit-down meal, indulging in a sweet treat, or raising a glass to the spirit of exploration, the flavors of Sri Lanka are sure to leave you craving more. So, gather your loved ones, pack your appetite, and get ready for a culinary adventure like no other. Bon appétit!
3 Responses
Great share ! 😊
A sweet description of different types of dishes with brief preparation procedure make the Sri Lankan Cuisine 👌