Rss Feed Tweeter button Facebook button

Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Island’s Best Dishes

6298114875 1801c37c30 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Platter of Sri Lankan Food

Though Sri Lankan food has parallels to South Indian food, it remains distinctly its own form of cuisine. Throughout years of colonization and influence from other countries, Sri Lanka has adapted its food culture into a blend of different curry concoctions and dishes.

A few things about Sri Lankan food can be said with certainty: Sri Lankans love spices, they love food that explodes with flavor, and they enjoy deep fried snacks!

Being an island with a tropical climate, coconuts and fish are two of the most influential components of Sri Lankan cuisine. Fish is made into curries and coconut in some form or another is included in nearly all dishes.

Rice and curry is the Sri Lankan staple, though various kinds of flat bread are equally common.

So go ahead and grab a “paratha” and sit back to check out these 40 foods you can’t miss in Sri Lanka!

6298653540 e484f43d4c o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Fish Curry and Mixed Rice

1. Fish Curry and Mixed Rice

There’s nothing more common to eat as Sri Lankan food than a nutritious plate of rice and curry. You normally get a plate of rice piled with a few of the daily vegetable curries and a choice of fish curry as well.

A plate like the one above cost me 120 LKR ($1.09), but without fish it would have even been less.

6298647296 6f6e1c4541 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Deviled Sweet and Sour Fish Curry

2. Deviled Sweet and Sour Fish Curry

There are a lot of different deviled dishes in Sri Lanka. This fish was deep fried and smothered in a lovely sweet and sour sauce and lightly fried again with red onions and banana peppers. It was excellent with fried rice and a flatbread paratha on the side.

6298117611 3a25d117fa o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Chili Fish Curry

3. Chili Fish Curry

This particular fish curry in Sri Lanka reminded me of the Burmese food curry that I also highly enjoyed. It was fragrant, oily, and the sauce was marvelous with a giant plate of rice.

6298648916 155a351b74 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Sri Lankan Daal Curry

4. Sri Lankan Daal Curry

Daal curry is one of the most commonly consumed staple dishes in Sri Lankan cuisine. The daal lentils are often cooked with coconut milk in Sri Lanka and made into a rich stew that acts almost like a gravy for rice.

6298117449 100301a062 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Jackfruit Curry

5. Jackfruit Curry

Sri Lankan food is famous for its curries – and jackfruit curry is one of my favorites. The chunks of the fruit are curried in a number of different ways.

This particular version (brown dish above) tasted like it was chutney-ed and the pieces of jackfruit could have almost passed for chunks of tender beef.

6298117281 cda5c2095f o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Mallum or Mallung - Kale Coconut Salad

6. Mallum or Mallung – Gotukola Sambol

Green leafy vegetables aren’t the most common thing to eat in Sri Lanka, so I welcomed every opportunity to eat a bowl of Mallum.

The leafy green salad is made with finely chopped gotukola, shredded coconut meat, red onions, and a few spices for flavoring. I would call it the Middle Eastern tabbouleh of Sri Lanka.

6298119163 5ba4a827e9 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Sri Lankan Beetroot Curry

7. Beetroot Curry

A plate of Sri Lankan curry and rice is complete only when a nice helping of beetroot curry is included.

Beats are diced up and cooked to death with a number of spices including cinnamon and curry leaves. Throughout the duration of my stay in the country, I just couldn’t get enough of this blood red vegetable.

6298115913 c4e24268d6 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Vegetarian Kottu

8. Vegetarian Kottu

An extremely popular Sri Lankan street food dish is known as “kottu.” Essentially it is composed of shredded pieces of Sri Lankan paratha bread that are stir fried with an assortment of spices and a choice of other meaty (or vegetarian) ingredients.

Kottu is quite simply the “hamburger” of Sri Lanka, something so tasty it’s just impossible to resist!

To take things to the next level, kottu is served with a separate bowl of curry sauce to moisten and add extra flavor to the stir fried flatbread.

6298117121 b63036b2a9 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Egg Kottu

9. Egg Kottu

Another variation of kottu is with vegetables and egg. The vegetables include a few meager sprigs of leek, onions and cabbage and the sizzling paratha is lathered with egg to make it even richer…and more delicious!

6298116355 53ea369f84 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Cheese Kottu

10. Cheese Kottu

If vegetarian kottu is the hamburger of Sri Lanka, cheese kottu is the quadruple bacon heart stopping cheeseburger.

Yellow curry powder flavor is bumped up a few notches with cheese kottu and it’s a Sri Lankan food that you just can’t miss. The cheese is not traditional yellow cheese, but rather more like cottage milk cheese.

Check out this VIDEO of Kottu being cooked!

Pretty cool song…yah?

6298119061 045139f4f0 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Fried Salted Fish

11. Fried Salted Fish

Little fried and salted fish are a lovely addition to Sri Lankan food. Unlike saucy curry, little fish are heavily salted and deep fried so they are crunchy. Their texture and flavor goes well with a plate of vegetarian curry and rice.

Maldive fish are a popular ingredient for Sri Lankan dishes. The little salted guys are included in a range of different sambol sauces.

6298649094 3e1bec03a9 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Deep Fried Chicken Fried Rice

12. Deep Fried Chicken Fried Rice

If only more countries in the world knew about fried chicken fried rice, it would be integrated into cuisines around the world…guaranteed.

I don’t think there’s much need for explanation; Take fried chicken and make fried rice with it.

6298653922 f2e393360a o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Egg Fried Rice

13. Egg Fried Rice

Though it’s made in a wok and looks like an item off a Chinese or Thai street food menu, Sri Lankan fried rice still tastes like Sri Lankan food.

It could be the assortment of ingredients or the hint of cumin that accompanies the rice. Nevertheless, a number of Chinese influenced dishes remain popular as Sri Lakan food staples.

6298652926 4a622e3017 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Brinjal Eggplant

14. Brinjal Eggplant

Though I ate many Sri Lankan dishes, the candied brinjal eggplant (black stuff towards the right) was one that I couldn’t get enough of.

The eggplant is cooked to death with salt, oil, soy sauce, and sugar until it becomes fall apart tender and the sugar begins to caramelize. Though I’m not the biggest fan of sweet things, this eggplant was to die for.

6298120295 8643648719 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

15. Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

I have read that Sri Lankan food is difficult to master, simply because everyone has their own variation of each dish. No chicken curry will taste the same throughout the country.

This clay pot of Grandmother’s home-made chicken curry goes down as one of the top 10 flavors that has ever entered my mouth (article to come later).

6298650544 e199b51ca3 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Cobra Chilies

16. Cobra Chilies

It’s not exactly a Sri Lankan food, but those innocent looking chili peppers on the plate above are far from kind.

Known as the “Cobra Chili,” these little guys were so delicious, but they nearly burnt a hole in my tongue.

6298652280 7ca7fa57f4 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Northern Sri Lankan Tamil Food

17. Northern Sri Lankan Tamil Food

Some of my favorite Sri Lankan meals were from the northern Tamil tip of Jaffna. This outrageously tasty meal included yellow rice, an assortment of vegetable and seafood curries, a few parathas, and a number of heaping spoons full of tomato onion garnish.

6298654142 3fb8c57bd1 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Ela Batu Thai Eggplant Curry

18. Ela Batu – Thai Eggplant Curry

Believe it or not, Sri Lankan food includes a dish that is quite similar to Thai green curry. Thai eggplants are used in the dish and a similar but Sri Lankan tasting green curry sauce is what holds it together.

6298120751 000663e880 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Squid Curry

19. Squid Curry

This Jaffna squid was chopped into small pieces before being fried with peppers, onions, and a spiced tomato based sauce. It was wonderful along with rice and curry and a few parathas.

6298652416 aa87f94526 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Candied Shrimp Curry

20. Candied Shrimp Curry

When I spotted these little blacked shrimps in the glass cabinet in Jaffna, I couldn’t pass them up. Luckily they were just as tasty as they looked, a marvelous blend of curry spices coating each and every part of the shrimp bodies.

6298121845 8fd08ee7d4 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Egg Hoppers (Appa)

21. Egg Hoppers (Appa)

Hoppers which are also known as Appa, are an iconic food of Sri Lanka.

It begins with a simple pancake batter that’s spruced up with coconut milk and a splash of toddy (Sri Lankan palm wine). The unique part is that hoppers are cooked in small “wok” like rounded pans so the dough cooks thick and soft on the bottom, and thin and crunchy around the edges.

The texture and even taste is quite similar to Ethiopian injera bread. Hoppers can be ordered plain, or even better with a fried egg in the middle.

6298120439 d9ffe258c4 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Pol Sambola - Spicy Coconut Garnish

22. Pol Sambola – Spicy Coconut Garnish

This Sri Lankan food may be one of the simplest things to make, yet one of the most amazing stokes of deliciousness that Sri Lanka has contributed to the world.

I could graze on pol sambola for hours at a time.

It’s merely a mixture of shredded coconut, chili powder, lime juice, red onions and salt – but believe me, every bite is like a miracle come true.

Pol sambola is perfect to eat with bread, roti, or on top of rice.

6309103294 95bcc1f36c o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Onion Sambola

23. Lunu Miris – Onion Sambola

Along with coconut garnish, Sri Lanka’s pounded onion and chili sauce known as Lunu Miris is almost as delicious.

The mixture included red onions, salt, chili powder, lime juice, and a small handful of Maldive salted fish to make it taste superb!

6298118877 fbf760846a o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Roti Protein (aka Sri Lankan Chorizo)

24. Roti Protein (aka Sri Lankan Chorizo)

This is not a common Sri Lankan food, but after devouring this burrito looking roti in Kandy I couldn’t help from including it on this list.

It was phenomenal…and though it was all soy protein, it tasted nearly identical to Mexican pork chorizo and eggs (more details on this to come).

6298120085 19b879e044 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Pittu - Flour and Coconut Funnel Cakes

25. Pittu – Flour and Coconut Funnel Cakes

Sri Lankan pittu funnel cakes are a combination of flour (either rice of karukan), fresh shredded coconut, and a handful of desiccated coconut. The precious little cakes are traditionally steamed in bamboo, but now are sometimes steamed in circular metal tubes.

After being cooked, the crumbly textured pittu cakes are served with fresh sweetened coconut milk.

6298650832 710b1aca01 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Pol Roti and Potato Curry

26. Pol Roti and Potato Curry

Roti in Sri Lanka is less greasy and more of a thick tortilla like flatbread (paratha are the greasy flat-breads).

In Sri Lanka, roti are made with freshly grated coconut, flour, water and salt. They are made into balls of dough, flattened, and then cooked on a hot griddle. Any form of spicy curry sauce handles the task of being the dip for a delicious pol roti!

6298652738 e7af72e989 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Paratha Flatbread

27. Paratha Flatbread

What’s known as paratha in Sri Lanka is similar to a roti in Malaysian food, or an African chapati.

The greasy flaky flat-bread is melt in your mouth delicious, especially when dipped in coconut milk curry sauce. YUM!

6298651250 1afb9eea98 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Sri Lankan Omelet

28. Sri Lankan Omelet

Sri Lankan omelets are loaded up with local spices like cumin and curry powder and then simmered in a layer of oil coconut oil so it turns golden brown. Over a plate of rice and alongside some shredded coconut garnish, a Sri Lankan omelet is heavenly.

6298648120 b8cb393c74 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Ulundhu Vadai

29. Ulundhu Vadai

These marvelously tasty little fritters are made from daal, combined with incredible spices, and deep fried to crunchy perfection.

6298114273 b3f97fa83c o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Cassava Chips

30. Cassava Chips

I was excited to see a giant street food cart filled with my favorite kind of junk food: cassava chips. I had enjoyed countless handfuls of cassava chips while growing up in Kenya.

50 LKR ($0.45) will get you a small paper bag of salty chips at Galle Face beach in Colombo.

6298114513 5ec18451d7 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Deep Fried Jackfruit Seeds

31. Deep Fried Jackfruit Seeds

Another popular snack in Sri Lanka are deep fried jackfruit seeds. They are salted and served in small paper bags made from scrap paper.

Some of the Sri Lankan street food carts and snacks even reminded me of Egyptian street food.

6298646020 07909bd84c o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Deep Fried Morsels

32. Deep Fried Morsels

As you may have noticed by now, though there are many vegetarian dishes, Sri Lankan food is not all that healthy.

On top of that, Sri Lanka is a country that loves their deep fried snacks. These snacky morsels of batter were heavily salty and seasoned with fried curry leaves.

6298649658 d6ec950677 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Coconut Roti and Chili Salt

33. Coconut Roti and Chili Salt

This little gem of a snack was purchased on the train from Colombo to Kandy. It’s basically a little piece of coconut infused solid flat-bread topped with a marvelous flaky salty chili sauce.

It almost tasted like a Sri Lankan mini pizza.

6298116783 e81d84abd3 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Sri Lankan Samosas

34. Sri Lankan Samosas

From Indian food to Kenyan dishes, samosas have become a popular snack from coast to coast. Some are filled with meat, while others are vegetarian.

6298653742 e69901b1de o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Fish and Vegetable Roti

35. Fish and Vegetable Roti

The triangular looking pockets are a form of roti filled with a range of different ingredients. Fish was my preferred filling, but there were also some nice vegetarian versions available. Instead of being deep fried like samosas, triangle roti’s are just skillet fried.

6298653344 43013f9c7a o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Sri Lanka Fish Cutlet Balls and Chinese Egg Rolls

36. Sri Lanka Fish Cutlet Balls and Chinese Egg Rolls

The Chinese egg rolls in Sri Lanka were so-so, but the fish cutlet balls (pictured above) were absolutely wonderful. It’s like a little grenade of fish packed into a breaded ball and deep fried.

When it comes to short eats in Sri Lanka, there’s no need to go any further than the fish cutlets – they are delicious!

6298647602 0a88ac64e7 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Full Cream Curd and Sweet Syrup

37. Full Cream Curd and Sweet Syrup

In India, curd is often eaten with rice or mixed with something; In Sri Lanka curd is devoured drizzled with kithul treacle - syrup made from liquid jaggery.

At first this “curd” sounded a little bizarre to me, but when I tried it, I was amazed and wanted to eat more for every consecutive breakfast.

Sri Lankan curd tastes very similar to what I know as plain yoghurt. It’s creamy, slightly sour, and the sweet syrup on top makes it absolutely fantastic.

6308503675 72a3713956 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Woodapple Juice

38. Woodapple Juice

Yup, the outer shell smells a bit like rotting blue cheese mixed with dirty socks. The inside of the fruit looks a bit like diarrhea, but tastes similar to a tamarind. But hey, as a religious fan of durian, I’m not one to judge a fruit by its shell.

Despite the looks of this wonder fruit, woodapple juice in Sri Lanka is wildly popular – and I’ll be first to admit that it tastes pretty good when it’s blended up with some sugar!

There’s nothing better to wash down Sri Lankan food with, than a big cup of woodapple juice!

6298119447 b3db2d8965 o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

King Coconut

39. King Coconut

No component of Sri Lankan food is more vital than that holy coconut. In Sri Lanka there are many varieties of this special fruit, including the orange colored king coconut.

These coconuts line the streets around the country and are sold just for their sweet water. Each coconut costs from 30 – 40 LKR ($0.27 – $0.36).

6298245455 2c2475f79a o Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Islands Best Dishes

Ceylon Milk Tea

40. Ceylon Milk Tea

Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is one of the world’s leading producers of tea – no trip to the country would be the same without multiple cups a day.

Milk tea as well as ginger tea and plain tea are all popular and widely available choices.

Sri Lankan Food

Sri Lankan food is full of spices and exciting to the taste buds. At just an average of $1 – $2 for a giant meal, Sri Lanka is a culinary playground for sampling amazing dishes!

Have you had Sri Lankan food?

JUST UPLOADED: Colombo Travel Video

If you have a few minutes check out this video!

Thanks for Watching


YOU might also LIKE:

  1. Kenyan Food Overview: 20 of Kenya’s Best Dishes
  2. Eating Thai Food Guide: All-Inclusive Guide to Eating Thai Food – Get it Now!
  3. 100 Thai Dishes to Eat in Bangkok: The Ultimate Eating Guide
  4. Chinese Farm Food: Demolishing a Guangxi Farmer’s Feast in Yangshuo

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

129 Responses to “Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Island’s Best Dishes”

  1. 50+ and on the Run November 15, 2011 at 9:35 pm #

    Mark, these look delicious. I admit that I haven’t tried durian yet, but one of these days…(maybe). Thanks for the pix.
    Nancy
    50+ and on the Run recently posted..Rock ‘n Roll is Here to StayMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 4:34 pm #

      No problem! You’ve got to try durian sometime, and when you do, be sure to let me know how it goes!!

      • David Blacker November 23, 2011 at 7:35 pm #

        What, no lampreis????? Sacrilege! But seriously, you’ve missed out what I IMHO consider to be the best Sri Lankan rice dish:

        http://riceandcurry.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/lampreis-to-go-the-dutch-burgher-union/

        Also, stringhoppers! Much better than regular hoppers.
        David Blacker recently posted..My Frankfurt Motor ShowMy Profile

        • Mark Wiens November 23, 2011 at 7:44 pm #

          David! Thanks a lot for sharing that – I want to go back to Colombo now and get one of those – it looks delicious!

          • Madushanka December 27, 2011 at 12:47 am #

            Hello Mark,

            I am a software engineering student in sri lanka. I checked your web site and really happy about your sri lankan tour. I can give you some details about our traditional foods if you like to test next time. There are lot of traditional and very sweet foods and sweets in sri lanka. Reply me, if you want further details. I can mail you the details and places.

          • Mark Wiens December 28, 2011 at 4:22 pm #

            Hey Madushanka!
            Thanks for the great comment and for checking out my site. If it’s easier, you could definitely just share the information on this article in the comments right here. I’m not sure when I’ll be traveling back to Sri Lanka again, and if you share information here, it can help everyone! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my site. Feel free to e-mail me as well – migrationology@gmail.com
            Thanks!

  2. inka November 15, 2011 at 9:58 pm #

    You haven’t really eaten all of these dishes, have you. Of course you have. Why have you changed the look of your website?

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 4:36 pm #

      It’s hard having to sample so many foods!!! I’m doing a little bit of re-design on my site to try and improve things and also be able to go full-screen for photos. I’m going to be tweaking things a little more and hopefully making Migrationology better!

  3. Erin November 15, 2011 at 10:02 pm #

    We love Sri Lankan food – in particular vegetarian rotis from street vendors and a big plate of rice and vegetarian curries. We loved eating home cooked food in guesthouses – always cheap and delicious.
    Erin recently posted..The Weird and Wonderful World of Vegetarian Cuisine in Kyoto: Part 2My Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 4:37 pm #

      Great to hear that Erin! You’re right about the home cooked Sri Lankan food. The food is good in restaurants, but I had by far the best curries at a friend’s house with his mom cooking!

  4. Gladys | ByahengBarok.com November 15, 2011 at 10:23 pm #

    wow! they all seem like great tasting food! the squid curry seems interesting :)
    Gladys | ByahengBarok.com recently posted..Picnic in Caliraya Lake on a Starry, Starry NightMy Profile

  5. Maria November 15, 2011 at 10:39 pm #

    I want one of each… NOW!
    Truly I thought, this will be interesting and began scrolling figuring I’d find a favorite, maybe two. No, not to be.
    Each has an ingredient (food item or spice) that doesn’t appeal to me, but SINGS to me.
    And now I am starving! *grin, laugh*
    Maria recently posted..When a Stranger CallsMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 4:42 pm #

      Haha, thanks for the comment Maria! Hope you found something delicious to eat!

  6. Stephen November 16, 2011 at 12:53 am #

    Looks amazing. Thanks again Mark, for covering the cuisine and countries that most people are not!
    Stephen recently posted..Disaster in Cinque Terre and How You Can HelpMy Profile

  7. Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista November 16, 2011 at 12:55 am #

    I love spice and flavor so I think I’d really enjoy Sri Lankan food! Have to admit your pictures all made me very hungry.
    Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..European Villages Discovered – GiethoornMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 4:47 pm #

      Glad to hear that you also love spices – you’d definitely enjoy Sri Lankan food!

  8. David @ Malaysia Asia November 16, 2011 at 1:46 am #

    Most awesome collection Mark! You could not have done this post better and my hats off to you. I hope you’re thinking of coming out with a travel cook book one day :)
    David @ Malaysia Asia recently posted..Festival of People and Tribes in Bali, Indonesia (Pt 1)My Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 4:47 pm #

      Thanks David – would love to come out with an international guide to food plus recipes and a bunch of stuff – that would be a lot of fun!

  9. Courtney Mroch November 16, 2011 at 5:19 am #

    WOW! Your photos are so awesome you page looks good enough to eat!
    Courtney Mroch recently posted..Movie Monday: Jaunt to Quebec City’s Chateau FrontenacMy Profile

  10. Dean November 16, 2011 at 8:02 am #

    There is nothing on this list that I wouldn’t want to it. These dishes look so delicious!
    Dean recently posted..Walking To Durbar Square in Kathmandu, NepalMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 4:51 pm #

      Thanks Dean – awesome to hear that!

  11. Michael Figueiredo November 16, 2011 at 8:04 am #

    Wow–all of this food looks incredible! Your photography really brings out the color and texture. Yum!
    Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Top 10: Things To Do in Lisbon, PortugalMy Profile

  12. jenjenk November 16, 2011 at 10:19 am #

    wow – every item is more delectable as the next!!! I *love* roti!!! I could eat a pound of it at a time!!!
    jenjenk recently posted..Cappadocia, Turkey: Butterfly Balloons Hot Air Balloon FlightMy Profile

  13. Naomi November 16, 2011 at 11:57 am #

    Aaaaaaaaaaand now I’m hungry. :9
    Naomi recently posted..treasures from the souk: my favourite moroccan findsMy Profile

  14. robin November 16, 2011 at 6:36 pm #

    Another yummy and very well researched (I’m sure it was difficult!) post :)
    robin recently posted..El AccesoMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 10:58 pm #

      Food research is a looot of fun!

  15. Sophie November 16, 2011 at 7:09 pm #

    Very comprehensive – and appealing – post! I hope you’re letting Sri Lanka’s tourism agency see this; it’s wonderful advertising for the country.
    Sophie recently posted..Autumn leaves in Kew GardensMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 16, 2011 at 10:59 pm #

      Thanks a lot Sophie! I might try to send it to them – thanks for the suggestion.

  16. Marc d'Entremont November 17, 2011 at 6:14 am #

    As a chef who has traveled extensively, and in SE Asia, your article and photos are excellent. You have certainly done your homework. I’ve saved this for reference.

    • Mark Wiens November 17, 2011 at 2:25 pm #

      Thanks a lot Marc, I appreciate it!

  17. Colleen Bowen November 19, 2011 at 6:49 am #

    Mark, outstanding work bringing those glorious photos to light. The colors are amazing. It’s so good to learn about a food I know almost nothing about. I’d really like to visit Sri Lanka someday. Now, even more so. Thank you for that.

    Are there Durians in Sri Lanka?

    • Mark Wiens November 19, 2011 at 4:47 pm #

      No problem Collen, I’m really glad that you like this article! Yes, in fact there is Durian in Sri Lanka – unfortunately I didn’t try any (as it wasn’t really season and they were expensive), but there were some at the market!

    • Lakmal December 29, 2011 at 11:33 am #

      Colleen, There are Durians in Sri Lanka. But this is not the season. Some peoples have addicted to Durians because of the taste. But Some are don’t like to the smell. So visit Sri Lanka to eat Durian.

      • Mark Wiens December 30, 2011 at 10:23 pm #

        Hey Lakmal, when is the main season when durian is available in Sri Lanka? I might have to make a trip back for durian season!

        • Supul May 5, 2012 at 2:22 pm #

          August is the best time of the year to try out some seasonal goodies, Mark! You can try Duriyan as well as Rambutan, Mangosteen, Seasonal mangoes, Avocados and a LOT more!!! Since it is the season, these fruits are fairly cheap too!!!! :) Hope it helps!!!!!!

          • Mark Wiens May 6, 2012 at 3:24 pm #

            Thanks for sharing Supul, I’d love to return to sample some of your suggestions in August!

  18. Christy @ Ordinary Traveler November 22, 2011 at 5:04 am #

    What a timely post! We have just decided to add Sri Lanka to our itinerary next year and I really know nothing about the country. Good to hear they have Samosas! :)
    Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..Travel Shot: San Fernando Cathedral at NightMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 22, 2011 at 9:22 am #

      Awesome to hear that Christy! You guys will have a great time and get to eat some delicious food! If you like samosas, also try the fish/chicken cutlet balls – excellent!

  19. carly November 22, 2011 at 12:31 pm #

    Wow! Those foods look absolutely delicious! I could almost eat my monitor. I’ve never had a reason to go to Sri Lanka but now I have 40! :)
    carly recently posted..My Beaverton dentistMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 23, 2011 at 6:11 pm #

      Awesome, thanks so much for the comment Carly!

  20. Gutterflower November 22, 2011 at 1:18 pm #

    The sweet syrup on curd is called ‘kithul treacle’. It’s liquid jaggery. Next time, try out kiri bath, milk hoppers and seeni sambol (not at the same time though)
    Lovely post. You’ve made me very homesick though!

    • Mark Wiens November 23, 2011 at 6:12 pm #

      Thanks so much for the comment and for the tip on kithul treacle – I’ll get that into the article. I hope and can go back to Sri Lanka soon and try more food – there’s still lots to taste!

  21. Sachintha November 22, 2011 at 3:35 pm #

    Good post man, you’ve made our food more interesting with a foreigner’s take on it. Next time you come here, find the oil cakes, and other traditional sweets. (it’s called ‘kavum’ here) pretty damn good..

    • Mark Wiens November 23, 2011 at 6:12 pm #

      Thanks for the advice Sachintha – I’ll definitely try the kavum next time!

  22. Nirmal Kirtisinghe November 22, 2011 at 6:09 pm #

    Hey, nice post, but one thing you made a little mistake on… Those were not broad beans. They look like broad beans or even Brazil nuts, but they are the seeds of the jackfruit. Sri Lankans eat jackfruit in three stages – First, before they ripen (called polos – you mentioned it in your article), then when it’s semi-ripe, when it reaches it’s full size (we call this kos) and third as an out and out fruit (depending on the variety, it can be either Waela or Waraka, the difference being the texture and the taste). Of course if you’ve been to Malaysia, you’d know about their use of jackfruit as a fruit (and something that amazed me as a Sri Lanka, a flavour of Ice Cream).

    • Indunil November 22, 2011 at 9:48 pm #

      Nirmal, I think Kale Coconut Salad would be nice to call as Gotukola Sambal.

      However, Mark, this is really a great job. I think you have a nice sharp eye and a good sense of taste as well.

      Thumbs up from here!

      • Mark Wiens November 23, 2011 at 6:27 pm #

        Thanks for the tip Indunil, does that mean that the kale coconut salad is known as “gotukola sambal” or “mallum?” Thanks for your help!

    • Mark Wiens November 23, 2011 at 6:14 pm #

      Hey Nirmal!
      I really appreciate your help and comment. I’m going back into the post now to make the correction. Yah, I agree, jackfruit is such an amazing (and versatile) fruit – and it’s so delicious in all stages. In Thailand they are famous for mango and sticky rice, but there’s also durian and sticky rice and jackfruit and sticky rice too!

  23. Dili November 22, 2011 at 7:16 pm #

    Like Gutterflower and Sachintha said, you have to come down in April when the New Year celebrations are on. Then you’ll really have a taste explosion with the seasonal fare. That’s when all the really sweet stuff come out and you’ll have at least 10 more to add to the list.

    Really great article Mark. Much kudos. You’ve really captured the essence of our food.

    • Mark Wiens November 23, 2011 at 6:17 pm #

      I appreciate it Dili! I’d love to come back to Sri Lanka during the New Year – I had an amazing time while I was there – and I’d like to eat more delicious Sri Lanka food! Thanks!

  24. DJ November 24, 2011 at 1:13 am #

    I think you missed Cashew (Kaju) Curry and Biriyani to name a few. Lumprise is the jewel of the crown which has Beef, Mutton (Goat) & Chicken curry (cooked together) with many vegetable curries as well as a cutlet, wrapped and baked in banana leaf. (Check out Bordain’s “No reservation” Sri Lanka for more info.) The best Chinese Rolls are made with minced Lamb. …… Now I’m hungry and homesick. Thanks Mark for the great article & fantastic photography.

    • Mark Wiens November 24, 2011 at 4:46 pm #

      Thanks for the comment DJ! That cashew curry sounds amazing – I need try some of that! There are definitely still many Sri Lankan foods I haven’t gotten to eat – but so far all that I have tried have been excellent! I’m going to have to find the episode of Bourdain in Sri Lanka. Thanks for checking out this article!

  25. peumali November 24, 2011 at 10:02 am #

    What about Ambulthiyal? YUMMMM

    • Mark Wiens November 24, 2011 at 4:51 pm #

      I’ve never had that – but I’d love to try it also! Thanks for the input Peumali!

  26. Aadhil November 24, 2011 at 8:39 pm #

    Great website! Can I write for you??!

  27. Menaka November 24, 2011 at 10:04 pm #

    Great article Mark.

    But I was surprised to see that lots of delicious and important dishes are missing from this list.

    1.Kiri Bath (Milk Rice-made with country red rice ,coconut Milk and salt) a traditional dish that every sri Lankan makes for any special occasion.Mainly for New Year.eaten with Lunu Miris,Fish/Chicken curry and also can be eaten with Kitul (Palm) Juggary if u like sweet.My Canadian friends’ favourite.

    2.Sweetmeats like Kavum,Kokis,Aluwa,Mung Kavum,Athirasa,Pani Walalu,Kalu Dodol.Again these are traditional dishes made for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

    3.String Hoppers-made with Rice flour,salt and water eaten with Coconut Sambol,Fish/Chicken curry, White Potato curry or Dhal curry

    4.In Sri Lanka Kale is not available.So it should be corrected as “Gotukola Sambol”

    5. Sambol is like a salad, the uncooked version of Mallum.
    6. Pol Roti is not cooked with coconut Milk.It is made with freshly grated coconut,salt,water and all pourpose flour and made like a dough then small portion of the dough flaten and cooked on a griddle till ligth golden.

    • Mark Wiens November 25, 2011 at 8:16 am #

      Awesome Menaka – thanks for taking the time to contribute this extra information! I definitely wasn’t able to try everything in Sri Lanka, but I’m going to have to return and eat some more! I’ll make a few corrections to the original article. Thanks again!

  28. Aussie on the Road November 25, 2011 at 9:46 am #

    I hate you just a little bit right now. I’m starving and your fantastic photos of delicious looking food are not helping!
    Aussie on the Road recently posted..Guest Post: How Travel Bloggers Talk About SexMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 27, 2011 at 7:57 am #

      Haha, thanks Chris – I know you can find some good food wherever you are!

  29. zroob November 28, 2011 at 8:24 pm #

    Now I’m in Sri-Lanka, enjoying the local food and getting fat and happy :)
    yesterday even had a cooking class, so I can take these tastes back home.
    Great post!

    • Mark Wiens November 28, 2011 at 11:04 pm #

      Haha Awesome to hear that Zroob – I think I gained a few kilos in Sri Lanka! Cool that you got to take a cooking class too!

  30. Ayndrie November 29, 2011 at 6:04 pm #

    Hey Mark I’m a Sri Lankan. I tumbled to this article by accident. But I loved it and u got it right – koththu is SL’s hamburghur!!!!! plus u made me really hungry! :)

    • Mark Wiens November 29, 2011 at 11:02 pm #

      So good to hear this Ayndrie, thanks so much for stopping by! Kottu is delicious – I would love some more now!

  31. rose November 29, 2011 at 10:38 pm #

    WOw! lovely images and love the foods from sri lanka

  32. Farwin @ LoveandotherSpices November 30, 2011 at 1:40 pm #

    Hi Mark,
    I’m a Srilankan and a food blogger now living in Dubai.So happy to see this post and it makes me nostalgic.You were right when you said no two curries taste the same.As Srilankan muslims,we have the same dishes with a different method of cooking.Good job!
    Farwin @ LoveandotherSpices recently posted..Mint Custard Pudding with Brown Nougat- a custardy treat for mint loversMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens December 1, 2011 at 9:21 am #

      Hi Farwin, thanks for checking out this article! Cool to see your blog as well – great article and mouthwatering photos! I’m going to be checking out some of your recipes soon! I’m not sure if I got to try Sri Lankan Muslim style food, but I’m sure it’s equally as delicious and I’d love to try some as well! Thanks for the input!

  33. Gaveen December 6, 2011 at 6:06 pm #

    Found this post via a link from a friend. I was delighted to see that you’ve enjoyed Sri Lankan food like a Sri Lankan do. Most folks passing through or on a visit don’t try this much and this wide a variety. I’m Sri Lankan and even I haven’t tasted some from this list. Well done, sir. :)
    Gaveen recently posted..Departing GiantsMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens December 7, 2011 at 9:55 pm #

      Thanks a lot Gaveen, I’m really happy to hear this! I had an incredible time in Sri Lanka and your food is awesome!

  34. Jeewanthi December 12, 2011 at 12:42 pm #

    Great job Mark…..I appreciate it….if you visit again why don’t you go to down south of the country? where you can try best “Ambulthial”. It is a kind of fish curry, made with fresh fish, black paper, red chilly powder, Goraka, and little bit of cinnamon and curry leaves. down south housewives can cook the best Ambulthial ever in Sri Lanka. It’s gravy is perfect with milk rice (Kiribath)…

    • Mark Wiens December 14, 2011 at 12:57 am #

      Thanks for the comment and the recommendation Jeewanthi. Unfortunately, I ran out of time before I got to explore everywhere I wanted to in Sri Lanka, but I’d love to return again and spend more time in the south. That Ambulthial sounds awesome, and I’m sure it’s really delicious when it’s home cooked. I’d love to try it!

  35. Dinesh December 12, 2011 at 3:15 pm #

    Hi Mark…you’ve done a great job…As a Sri Lankan I’m proud of you…keep it up mate….
    Good Luck..

    • Mark Wiens December 14, 2011 at 12:57 am #

      I really appreciate it Dinesh, thanks!

  36. Sivam Krish December 21, 2011 at 6:50 am #

    Great Initiative. Very well done. Mouth watering photos. Love the presentation of food that drives one mad.

    • Mark Wiens December 21, 2011 at 9:15 am #

      Awesome, thanks for checking this out Sivam!

  37. Anuradha Jayathilaka December 26, 2011 at 12:25 am #

    mouthwatering pictures. =) loved them. You should try these the next time you go ,
    1. Ambulthiyal (a kind of sour tasted fish common in the south area)
    2. String Hoppers
    3. Lavariya (sweetened coconut wrapped with a string hopper)
    4. Kiri Bath (milk rice)
    5. Kiriya (made entirely with rice flour and tastes very milky)
    6. Halapa and Wandu (its a sort of cupcake wrapped in a Halapa leaf and steamed)
    7. Achcharu (there are many variations, Papaw Achcharu, Malay Achcharu,.)

    • Mark Wiens December 26, 2011 at 3:48 pm #

      Wow, thanks for taking the time to add these other Sri Lankan dishes Anuradha!
      I had an incredible time eating in Sri Lanka, but I definitely didn’t get to try everything! I hope I can return and eat some more. Thanks again!

  38. Tira December 26, 2011 at 11:00 pm #

    Dear Guy’s, you all are more than welcome to visit Sri Lanka, and visit our house for nice delicious food and Sri Lankan hospitality at my place for Free any time.

    From Dec 2012 though, sorry :(

    here’s my e-mail nptira@gmail.com

    • Mark Wiens December 28, 2011 at 4:20 pm #

      Thanks Tira for the invitation! I really appreciate it and if I visit Sri Lanka again I’ll let you know!

      • Tira December 29, 2011 at 7:03 am #

        Any time Mark, and thanx for your lovely comments about my country. I’m glad you had a nice time in Sri Lanka.

  39. Crisp December 28, 2011 at 12:16 pm #

    Mark,
    Cool stuff here. I’m in the south, near welligama – any tips?
    Also looking for impeccable Sri lankan eating experiences in galle….
    Any tips hugely appreciated.

    • Mark Wiens December 28, 2011 at 4:46 pm #

      Hey Crisp,
      I’m real sorry, I didn’t make it to Welligama and I only had time to spend 1 day in Galle, so I ended up just snacking and eating rice and curry around the bus station.
      Hope you have a wonderful time traveling in Sri Lanka!

    • Tira December 29, 2011 at 7:12 am #

      If you guy’s wants to know some nice places to eat around colombo.

      1) Beach Wadiya – Location City: Wellawatta Beach Colombo-06, Street: Marine Drive
      2) Steam Boat – Location City: Mount Laviania, Street: Beach Rd

    • Tira December 29, 2011 at 7:18 am #

      Go to “The Dinning Room” Amangalla in Galle
      #10 Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle.
      Tel: 0912233388

    • Tira December 29, 2011 at 7:24 am #

      Hi Crisp,

      Go to “The Dinning Room” Amangalla in Galle
      #10 Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle.
      Tel: 0912233388

  40. Tira December 29, 2011 at 7:23 am #

    I love this place called “Sambolaya”, but it’s in Havelock Rd ,Colombo.-5

  41. Menushka December 31, 2011 at 9:34 am #

    Durian…Its a ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT…or HATE IT WITH EVERY FIBER IN YOUR BODY fruit…haha…luckily, im on the love it side of things :D

    • Mark Wiens January 2, 2012 at 8:44 pm #

      Awesome to hear that you are also a fan of the best fruit in the world!

  42. Bhathiya January 8, 2012 at 11:13 pm #

    you need to visit Sri lanka ,
    you will get full of fun and lot of experiences with in sri lanka ….
    Don’t try every thing near roods …… you will get sick..
    i’m really get impressed by eating with hands , it is very Delicious try that on home…
    As a sri lankan ,
    Welcome you all to Sri Lanka !!
    Bhathiya recently posted..hello !My Profile

    • Mark Wiens January 9, 2012 at 3:50 pm #

      Thanks a lot Bhathiya, I had an incredible time in Sri Lanka and would love to return sometime for another visit!

  43. Bhathiya January 8, 2012 at 11:18 pm #

    And Don’t forget to visit to temple of tooth !!!
    Bhathiya recently posted..hello !My Profile

    • Mark Wiens January 9, 2012 at 3:49 pm #

      Yah, I wasn’t able to make it, but I know it’s one of the most important places in Kandy!

  44. Dilshan January 10, 2012 at 3:05 pm #

    U have missed “KIRI BATH” (MILK RISE)
    Our MAIN MEAL on special occasions.
    here is a photo of it
    http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JExgjuQ5KG0/TjlQyh4-GkI/AAAAAAAAAog/OYJ77dFCRgQ/s1600/kiribath.jpg

    This is maid with rise and coconut milk

    • Mark Wiens January 13, 2012 at 12:01 pm #

      Thanks for sharing Dilshan, yes, that’s something I missed and I need to go back to eat!

  45. Bhathiya January 15, 2012 at 10:01 pm #

    And also “kawm” (oil cake) …
    you need to taste that
    here is some of them ….
    http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WBtNGwQ_CeE/TF5sn9MdqrI/AAAAAAAAANc/Ntpev4vzzUU/s1600/Pani+Walalu.jpg
    http://lesauce.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5506b058d8834015431ed1497970c-600wi
    http://www.imagelanka.com/gallery/img_originals/user_gallery_14/culture_and_religion_28/new_year_foods_20090320_1834015029.jpg
    http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fuiAY1-icxg/S88J9XWxwOI/AAAAAAAABdo/B7jIExi8v7c/s320/DSC04628.JPG

    and also Kottu is not our food it is from india ….
    try to eat oil cake … this is also we eat with milk rice in on special occasions.
    Bhathiya recently posted..hello !My Profile

    • Mark Wiens January 16, 2012 at 1:28 pm #

      Cool, thanks for sharing that and the photos as well Bhathiya! I hope I can get back to try some more Sri Lanka food!

  46. Saman January 26, 2012 at 11:03 pm #

    Dear Mark

    First of all thanx for visiting my country and giving their flavour to the world

    I like your moto street food simple living. I have noticed many comments about Ambul Thiyal
    You have to try it Down south style and their is a another dish you missed Jaadi (salted pickle fish
    if iam right)

    You said you have tried Kithul triklle try that with simple roti or with vaniila ice cream

    Sri lanka is the stop just before the Hevan

    All the best friend let us know your next trip to Paradise

    • Mark Wiens January 28, 2012 at 10:35 pm #

      Awesome, thanks for the comment Saman!

      I’ll be sure to eat Jaadi next time I’m in Sri Lanka.

      Hope you are doing well and thanks again for checking out my site!

  47. Dimitri February 5, 2012 at 1:37 pm #

    Hi Mark, even though it’s not considered a “traditional” Sri Lankan dish. Some of the Chinese restaurants in Colombo have this special Chinese-Sri Lankan dish (in the same way that General Tso’s chicken is a Chinese-American dish) that my friends and I love. It’s not found outside SL as far as I’m aware. It’s called hot buttered cuttlefish and in some cases it’s served deviled with pieces of sliced capsicum. Restaurants like Chinese Dragon and Peach Valley in Colombo serve it. There are other restaurants too. I haven’t been to Colombo for a while so ask around and see where’s the best place to go. Also I love the lamprais (that people mentioned earlier) from either the Dutch Burgher Hall or Green Cabin. Loved your list and photos

    • Mark Wiens February 5, 2012 at 9:37 pm #

      Thanks for these suggestions Dimitri! That Sri Lankan Chinese dish sounds great – would love to try it next time I make it to Colombo. Thanks for taking a look at this article and for the comment.

  48. Sarajevo February 9, 2012 at 6:12 am #

    Food heaven, it really is :)

  49. Joan February 12, 2012 at 3:04 am #

    Hey Mark, I’m going to Sri Lanka next week feb. 13 and i’m gonna find and try all these food you listed! ;) Hmm i’m actually thinking of spending more time on food tripping than sight seeing hehe…thanks for your blogs…you inspire people to travel. Love your blogs about our country Philippines and guess what, you’ve done more than i did! Well, when i’m back there, i’m gonna follow also your suggestions. Cheers to travellers and bloggers!

    • Mark Wiens February 12, 2012 at 11:19 pm #

      Thanks for the comment Joan and good to hear that you’ll be visiting Sri Lanka soon. Be sure to check out some of these other comments where people suggest some more things to try and even some places to try them. Hope you have fun!

      Awesome that you’re from the Philippines, I spent about 2 months there and absolutely loved it. I’d love to return and do more – so much to do and see. I’m also a big fan of Bicol Express!

      Thanks again and have a fun time in Sri Lanka!

  50. Rajitha Weeramanthri February 19, 2012 at 11:42 pm #

    nice one mark..you doing a great job..you introduced lots of Sri Lankan foods to world through this web site and from your Facebook uploads… In one comment I saw you asked what is the season for “Durian” As I know the best and chepest time for Durian in SriLanka is the end of the year
    August-december it is a good time to Durian

    also you asked gotukola mallum or gotukola sambal…bot hare correct…

    Wish u all da best for your further journeys…take care…. sage journey

    • Mark Wiens February 21, 2012 at 10:48 am #

      Thank you very much Rajitha! Good to know the durian season in Sri Lanka – hopefully I can return during the season for a taste of Sri Lankan durian. Thanks for the comment and for checking out my website.

  51. vemal Amos March 17, 2012 at 8:20 pm #

    hello,
    i need how to make chicken rotti and veg rotti ,let me send,
    thanx
    vemal

    • Mark Wiens March 23, 2012 at 9:24 pm #

      Great Vemal! Hope they all turned out delicious!

  52. Dini April 20, 2012 at 4:58 am #

    Hi, This is a great summary for some of the best classic Sri Lankan dishes. I hope you were able to sample the majority of them whilst on your travels. Please can I link it to my blog, because people ask me about the cusine and your post is a good start.

    • Mark Wiens April 20, 2012 at 8:28 am #

      Hi Dini, thanks a lot for reading this article. Yes, feel free to link my article as a link in your blog. Thanks for your support!

  53. Kali April 30, 2012 at 6:09 am #

    Hi Mark
    I love sri lankan food and the way you trying is fantastic.

  54. Ankie May 4, 2012 at 11:24 am #

    Great article!! AGAIN!
    Ankie recently posted..Manioc, a Sri Lankan all Time FavouriteMy Profile

  55. Jeevs May 7, 2012 at 3:00 am #

    Maan the pictures are killing me :( I can’t wait to go back home.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Sri Lanka on $10 Per Day: Budget Travel Guide - December 7, 2011

    [...] Colombo – Spent over a week in Colombo getting my Thai visa and just hanging out, walking around and eating Sri Lankan food [...]

  2. Photo Essay: Sights of Colombo, Sri Lanka | Travelchat - December 21, 2011

    [...] of the most delicious Sri Lankan street food is available in the evenings along Colombo’s coastline known as Galle [...]

  3. Pilgrimage to Nainativu Island in Northern Sri Lanka (Completely Unplanned) - February 15, 2012

    [...] devouring a huge meal of Sri Lankan food, we were walking (aimlessly) around town with nothing to do for the foreseeable future - just [...]

  4. Photo: Fresh Turmeric Root in Sri Lanka - May 4, 2012

    [...] Sri Lankan food is extremely delicious, and one of the spices that’s a fundamental part of the cuisine is turmeric root. [...]

  5. What makes Sri Lankan food so special? | ankie renique's blog - May 4, 2012

    [...] Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Island’s Best Dishes [...]

Leave a Reply

CommentLuv badge