Sri Lanka, an island located in South Asia, is renowned for its delicious cuisine. The country is home to a wide variety of dishes, each one with its own unique flavor and texture. Sri Lankan cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian and Dutch cooking styles, as well as other neighboring cultures. Whether you’re visiting Sri Lanka for business or pleasure, there are certain dishes that you must try. In this article, we’ll discuss five of the most popular dishes in Sri Lanka that you should try when you visit the country.
Kottu
Kottu is a popular Sri Lankan dish that consists of chopped roti (a type of flatbread) and vegetables, often served with a spicy curry sauce. It is commonly served as a street food but can also be found in restaurants. The dish is usually made with vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, and onion but can also include meat, fish, and eggs. Kottu is an incredibly versatile dish and can be made with whatever ingredients are available. The dish is served with a spicy curry sauce, which adds a unique flavor to the dish.
Hoppers
Hoppers, also known as appa, are a popular Sri Lankan breakfast dish. They are a type of pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk and are often served with a spicy chili sauce. Hoppers come in a variety of shapes, such as the Kalu appa, which is a small round shape, and the indi appa, which is a larger oval shape. Hoppers are usually served with a side of curries, such as dhal, or can also be filled with eggs, onions, and cheese.
Kiribath
Kiribath is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from steamed rice that is cooked in coconut milk. It is usually served for breakfast or as a snack. The dish is made with a variety of ingredients, such as cardamom, cinnamon, cashews, and raisins. Kiribath is often served with a variety of curries, such as dhal, and is a popular dish on special occasions. The dish is often served with a side of traditional Sri Lankan condiments, such as coconut sambol or seeni sambol.
Rice and Curry
Rice and curry are one of the most popular dishes in Sri Lanka. The dish consists of a variety of curries served with steamed rice. The curries are usually made with a blend of spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin. The curries are usually served with a variety of vegetables, such as green beans, eggplant, potatoes, and carrots. Rice and curry are often served with a side of sambol, a Sri Lankan condiment made of grated coconut, chili, and lime.
Curd and Treacle
Curd and treacle is a popular Sri Lankan dessert. It is made with curd (yogurt), treacle (a type of syrup), and jaggery (unrefined sugar). The dish is usually served with a side of cardamom-flavored rice. The sweetness of the treacle and jaggery is balanced out by the tangy flavor of the yogurt, making it a delicious and refreshing dessert.
These are just a few of the many delicious dishes that you should try if you visit Sri Lanka. From street food to traditional dishes, Sri Lankan cuisine has something to offer everyone. So, if you’re planning a visit to Sri Lanka, make sure to add these five dishes to your must-try list!