SriLanka is not just famous for its beaches and places to visit but it has a lot to offer when it comes to food. We are all aware the tea of Srilanka is world-famous, but the food here offers much more than tea. Some might say there is a similarity between SriLankan food and the south Indian food of our country but there is quite a difference. Being an island place, fish is one of the most important food but SriLankan food has a unique mixture of Portuguese, Dutch as well as British food types in their cuisine. Indian food is also quite famous here and the unique diversity in their type of cuisine makes the food more delicious.
# Fish Ambul Thiyal
Being an Island country, seafood plays a vital role in Sri Lankan cuisine. Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) is the most loved and best fish curry dish of Srilanka. The fish is usually something large like tuna sauteed in an exceedingly blend of spices including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, pandan leaves, and curry leaves. The curry is generally dry and is served with rice or roti/parathas.
# ParippuMasoor dhal (split red lentils) are first rinsed and boiled until soft. In a separate pan, a variety of fresh ingredients, like onions, tomatoes, and fresh green chillies, are sauteed and mixed with tempered spices like cumin seeds, turmeric, fenugreek, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. This is the staple food of SriLanka and can be found in every household and even in the restaurants.
# Kukul mass curryChicken curry is one of the best dishes of SriLanka. Spices like cardamom and fennel seeds are boiled in hot water and after that, it is combined with the chicken. The gravy is made out of coconut that’s why it is quite a thick. Tomato is also included and the chicken is stewed for an hour. This is served with rice mainly.
# KottuThis is a type of fried rice but the major difference is that instead of rice it is served with fried rotis. The rotis are fried long before and are stacked up together. When you order them, the rotis are fried again along with the choice of ingredients that you may choose from. The item is served with a spicy sauce that can use as a dip. This is often known as the SriLankan hamburger and a famous dish of Srilanka.
# LampraisLamprais means lump rice is basically a dutch food. Lamprais is rice meat and a type of chilly sauce that is mixed together on a banana leaf and then cooked over. The meat is generally beef, pork, or mutton. The meat is prepared with spices and the whole dish is steamed over after wrapping in the banana leaf. It is one of the Dutch-style famous dishes of Srilanka.
# HoppersThese are the SriLankan version of the pancakes. The batter is made up of rice flour, coconut water, and milk with sugar added to it. The specialty here is the egg hopper where an egg is cracked in the middle of the pancake and is then made to fry. It is served with onions and chilies and is one of the most famous foods of Srilanka.