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.

Here we look at some of the Best dishes of Srilanka that you must try out if you visit the country

1. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)

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.

2. Parippu(Dhal Curry)

Masoor 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.

3. Kukul mass curry (chicken curry)

 Chicken 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.

4. Kottu

This 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.

5. Lamprais

Lamprais 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.

6. Hoppers

These 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.

7. Polos (Green jackfruit curry)

Jackfruit is taken in many forms by the Srilankan people. Polos is a special type of curry that is made from this fruit. The fruit is first sliced into pieces and then it is boiled. Then cooked with onions, garlic, and other vegetables and spices to make a gravy. Finally, coconut milk is added to make the gravy a bit thick.

8. Wambatu moju (eggplant or brinjal pickle)

The eggplant or the brinjal is cut into thick slices and deep-fried. Then sugar, vinegar, onion, chillies and spices are rubbed on the body of the eggplant until it becomes black. The juices coming out are kept and act as a gravy. This is usually taken with rice and curry as an additional dish. Wambatu moju is a famous dish of Srilanka that every foodie must try.

9. Gotu kola sambol (pennywort salad)

Gotu kola is a green vegetable salad. Sambol means salad or raw vegetables that have taken together. The herb is shredded and made into much smaller pieces. Then vegetables like tomato, onions are added along with coconut and green chillies. Then the whole thing is mixed properly with salt and lemon juice. This food of srilanka has a great nutritional value and is served as a side dish with rice and curries.

10. Kiribath

This is a dish of Srilanka that is only made during auspicious occasions like New year or any good event. This is a combination of rice and coconut milk. Rice and coconut milk are mixed and stirred until the whole thing becomes concentrated. Then slices are cut out and are seasoned with tomatoes and are served with a type of special chilly sauce known as lunu maris.