15 must-try dishes from Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan cuisine is a gastronomic adventure that's rich in flavors, spices, and cultural influences. From the fragrant curries to the exotic spices, Sri Lankan food offers a diverse array of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're starting your day with breakfast or enjoying a hearty dinner, here are 15 must-try dishes from Sri Lanka Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast Delights

1. String Hoppers (Idiyappam)

A classic Sri Lankan breakfast, string hoppers are delicate rice noodles typically served with coconut sambol, dhal (lentil curry), and your choice of curry. The interplay of textures and flavours is simply delightful.

2. Hoppers (Appam)

Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented rice batter. You can enjoy them plain or with an egg in the centre, known as Egg Hoppers. They're often served with sambols or curries for added depth of flavour.

3. Kiribath

This creamy rice cake, known as kiribath, is a delightful festive treat that brings a sense of comfort and joy to Sri Lankan celebrations. Cooked with rich, aromatic coconut milk and fragrant rice, this traditional dish is often served in square or diamond-shaped pieces, making it a perfect choice for a warm and satisfying breakfast or a special dish to mark an occasion.

4. Roti

Sri Lankan roti is a wonderfully versatile flatbread that offers a delightful canvas for an array of fillings, ranging from savory vegetables to delectable eggs or succulent meats. Among these delicious options, the coconut-infused Pol Roti stands out as a particular favorite, introducing a unique and delightful flavor to this beloved dish that is cherished by many across the island nation.

5. Pittu

Pittu, a cylindrical steamed rice cake made from rice flour and grated coconut, is a unique breakfast option. It's often served with coconut milk and a choice of curry, such as dhal or fish curry.

Lunchtime Classics

1. Rice and Curry

A staple of Sri Lankan cuisine, rice and curry is a hearty meal. It includes rice served with an assortment of curries, such as dhal, fish, chicken, and various vegetable curries. The most popular curry is the dhal which is made from red lentils, coconut milk and lots of traditional spices.

2. Lamprais

Influenced by Dutch cuisine, lamprais is a delectable dish originating from Sri Lanka. This flavorful combination showcases rice cooked with diffrent meats, sambol, and a variety of enticing spices. The fragrant mixture is carefully encased in a banana leaf parcel, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously as it is baked to perfection.

3. Kottu Roti

A popular street food, Kottu Roti involves chopping up flatbread, vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood. It's all stir-fried together with aromatic spices, resulting in a flavorful medley.

4. Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour and spicy fish curry, Fish Ambul Thiyal is made with tamarind and dried goraka fruit. This specialty hails from the southern region of Sri Lanka and is a true flavour explosion.

5. Gotu Kola Sambol

Gotu Kola Sambol is a refreshing salad made with gotu kola leaves, coconut, lime, and spices. It's a delightful accompaniment to rice and curry, adding a burst of freshness to your meal. If your curry is to hot order this to cool your pallet.

Dinner Delights

1. String Hopper Kottu

Similar to Kottu Roti, this dish uses chopped string hoppers instead of flatbread, combined with vegetables and meat or seafood. It's a fantastic way to end your day on a delicious note.

2. Lobster Thermidor

Sri Lanka is renowned for its seafood, and Lobster Thermidor, a creamy and cheesy lobster dish, is a luxurious treat often enjoyed at upscale restaurants.

3. Jaffna Crab Curry

A tantalizing dish that showcases a harmonious blend of roasted spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender crab claws, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight the taste buds of any seafood enthusiast. Hailing from the vibrant Jaffna region, this curry stands out as a must-try specialty that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the area.

4. Biriyani

Sri Lankan biriyani is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat (often chicken or mutton), and sometimes boiled eggs. The blend of flavours and spices in biriyani is a culinary masterpiece.

5. Lentil Soup (Parippu)

For a comforting dinner, try Parippu, a simple yet satisfying lentil soup made with red lentils, coconut milk, and spices. It pairs wonderfully with rice or bread.

Exploring Sri Lankan cuisine is a journey of flavours, and these 15 dishes are just the beginning. Whether you're a breakfast enthusiast, a lunchtime adventurer, or a dinner connoisseur, Sri Lanka's culinary traditions offer something to satisfy every palate. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and savour the flavours of this beautiful island nation.

Culinary Delights of Sri Lanka: 15 Must-Try Dishes