Travel Insights

Sri Lanka is a paradise for food lovers, offering a vibrant mix of flavors influenced by its rich history and diverse cultures. From spicy curries to sweet treats, every dish tells a story. Here’s a guide to the must-try Sri Lankan dishes that you shouldn’t miss.

• Rice and Curry – The Heart of Sri Lankan Cuisine: Rice and curry is a staple meal in Sri Lanka, featuring an assortment of vegetable, fish, or meat curries, served with rice and condiments like sambol and pickles.


• Hoppers (Appa) – The Unique Pancake: Hoppers are crispy bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with a fried egg in the center or accompanied by spicy sambols.


• Kottu Roti – The Ultimate Street Food: Kottu Roti is a Sri Lankan favorite, made by stir-frying shredded roti with vegetables, egg, and meat, all chopped together on a hot griddle with rhythmic clanging sounds.


• String Hoppers (Idiyappam) – Delicate Rice Noodles: String hoppers are steamed rice noodle nests typically served with coconut sambol and a choice of curries.


• Lamprais – A Dutch Colonial Delight: Lamprais is a unique dish influenced by the Dutch, featuring rice, meat, and sambols wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.


• Seafood Delicacies – Fresh from the Coast: Sri Lanka’s coastal towns serve some of the freshest seafood, from spicy crab curries to grilled prawns.


• Pol Sambol – The Fiery Coconut Relish: A simple yet essential side dish, pol sambol is made from grated coconut, chili, lime, and salt, adding a spicy kick to any meal.


• Sri Lankan Sweets – Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Don’t miss traditional sweets like Wattalapam (coconut custard pudding), Kalu Dodol (jaggery sweet), and Kokis (crispy rice flour snack).

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka’s food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering something for every taste bud. Whether you’re exploring street food in Colombo, enjoying a seafood feast by the beach, or savoring a traditional rice and curry in the highlands, every bite is an adventure. Happy eating!