Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for food lovers. With its rich culinary heritage influenced by Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Malay cuisines, Sri Lankan food is a delightful fusion of bold spices, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking techniques. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Colombo, the serene beaches of Mirissa, or the lush hills of Ella, indulging in local dishes is an essential part of your travel experience.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 10 must-try Sri Lankan dishes, where to find them, and how they reflect the island’s vibrant culture. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through Sri Lanka’s best flavors!

—

1. Rice and Curry – The Heart of Sri Lankan Cuisine

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without trying **rice and curry**, the country’s staple meal. This dish typically consists of steamed rice served with an assortment of curries, including dhal (lentil curry), fish or chicken curry, and vegetable curries like brinjal moju (eggplant pickle) and gotu kola sambol (pennywort salad).

Where to Try It:

– Nuga Gama, Colombo – A traditional village-style restaurant offering an authentic rice and curry experience.
– Matey Hut, Ella – A budget-friendly spot known for its delicious home-cooked curries.

Travel Tip:

For a truly local experience, visit a rice and curry buffet at a roadside eatery, where you can mix and match different curries to your liking.

—

2. Hoppers (Appa) – A Sri Lankan Breakfast Favorite

Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They come in different varieties, including plain hoppers, egg hoppers (with a soft egg in the center), and sweet hoppers with jaggery.

Where to Try It:

– The Gallery Café, Colombo – Famous for its crispy egg hoppers.
– Upali’s by Nawaloka, Colombo – A great place to try a variety of hoppers with spicy sambols.

Cultural Highlight:

Hoppers are often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner, paired with lunu miris (a spicy onion and chili paste) or a coconut-based curry.

—

3. Kottu Roti – The Ultimate Sri Lankan Street Food

Kottu Roti is Sri Lanka’s most famous street food, made by stir-frying chopped roti (flatbread) with vegetables, eggs, and meat, all mixed with aromatic spices. The rhythmic clanking of metal blades chopping the roti on a hot griddle is a signature sound in Sri Lankan night markets.

Where to Try It:

– Hotel de Pilawoos, Colombo – A legendary spot for late-night kottu.
– Dewmini Roti Shop, Mirissa – A small eatery known for its flavorful kottu variations.

Travel Tip:

For a unique twist, try cheese kottu, a creamy and indulgent version of this classic dish.

—

4. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) – A Light and Tasty Delight

String hoppers are delicate rice noodle cakes served with coconut sambol and dhal curry. They are a popular breakfast or dinner option, offering a light yet satisfying meal.

Where to Try It:

– Ministry of Crab, Colombo – A high-end restaurant serving string hoppers with crab curry.
– Local homestays – Many guesthouses offer homemade string hoppers for breakfast.

Cultural Highlight:

String hoppers are often enjoyed with pol sambol, a coconut relish made with grated coconut, chili, lime, and onions.

—

5. Pol Sambol – The Perfect Spicy Condiment

Pol sambol is a fiery coconut relish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Made with freshly grated coconut, red chilies, lime juice, and onions, it pairs perfectly with rice, hoppers, and string hoppers.

Where to Try It:

– Any local eatery or home-cooked meal – Pol sambol is a staple in Sri Lankan households.

Travel Tip:

If you love spicy food, ask for extra chili in your pol sambol for an authentic kick!

—

6. Lamprais – A Dutch Burgher Specialty

Lamprais is a unique dish introduced by the Dutch Burgher community in Sri Lanka. It consists of rice cooked in stock, accompanied by meat curry, brinjal moju, and frikkadels (Dutch-style meatballs), all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked to perfection.

Where to Try It:

– The Dutch Burgher Union, Colombo – The best place to experience authentic lamprais.

Cultural Highlight:

Lamprais is traditionally prepared on Sundays as a special family meal.

—

7. Fish Ambul Thiyal – A Tangy Fish Curry

Fish Ambul Thiyal is a dry fish curry made with tuna, tamarind, and a blend of spices. The tangy flavor and firm texture make it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Where to Try It:

– Seafood restaurants in Galle and Negombo – Freshly caught fish enhances the dish’s flavor.

Travel Tip:

Pair this dish with warm rice and a side of dhal curry for a complete meal.

—

8. Wambatu Moju – Sweet and Spicy Eggplant Pickle

Wambatu Moju is a delicious side dish made with deep-fried eggplant, vinegar, sugar, and mustard seeds. It has a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste that complements rice and curry dishes.

Where to Try It:

– Local rice and curry restaurants across Sri Lanka.

—

9. Kiribath – The Traditional Milk Rice

Kiribath, or milk rice, is a special dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk until it becomes creamy and sticky. It is often served during celebrations and New Year festivities.

Where to Try It:

– Any Sri Lankan home or traditional restaurant.

Cultural Highlight:

Kiribath is typically eaten with lunu miris or jaggery for a sweet and savory contrast.

—

10. Wood Apple Juice – A Unique Sri Lankan Beverage

Wood apple juice is a thick, tangy drink made from the pulp of the wood apple fruit. It has a distinctive taste that is both sweet and sour.

Where to Try It:

– Juice bars and street vendors across Sri Lanka.

Travel Tip:

Try it with a bit of jaggery for added sweetness!

—