Sri Lankan cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavours, influenced by its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. Drawing inspiration from Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Malay influences, Sri Lankan food offers a unique culinary experience. At its heart is an array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients—from aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and curry leaves to tropical staples like coconut, rice, and an abundance of fresh seafood. Below are some iconic staples that represent the heart and soul of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Quintessential Rice & Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal of steamed rice served with a variety of flavorful curries, sambols, and pickles, showcasing bold spices and vibrant ingredients.

Indi Appa | String Hoppers

Delicate rice flour noodles, steamed to perfection, that absorb the rich and aromatic flavours of the accompaniments and curries.

Pittu | Steamed rice flour & coconut

Steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with grated coconut, offering a mildly sweet and nutty flavour, best enjoyed with spicy curry.

Hoppers | Crispy rice flour pancakes

Bowl-shaped pancakes with a slightly crispy edge and a soft, spongy centre, perfect for soaking up curries with their subtle tanginess.

Pol Roti | Coconut Flatbread

Flatbread with a distinct coconut essence, providing a subtle sweetness and a delightful chewiness, perfect with a spicy sambol.

Kottu

Stir-fried shredded roti mixed with vegetables, meat, and spices, offering a hearty and spicy medley of flavours and textures.

Kiribath | Milk Rice

Creamy and comforting, cooked with coconut milk, and served with spicy sambol for a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

Jaffna Crab Curry

A traditional dish featuring fresh crab simmered in a rich, spicy, coconut milk-based sauce infused with tamarind and aromatic spices. 

Pol Sambol | Coconut Sambol

A spicy coconut relish bursting with flavours of grated coconut, chilli, lime juice, and onions, delivering a zesty and fiery kick.

Dutch Burgher Lamprais

A Sri Lankan delicacy consisting of spiced rice, meat, and accompaniments like fried eggplant, wrapped & baked in a banana leaf.

Ambulthiyal | Blackened sour fish

A traditional dish featuring fish marinated in a tangy, spicy paste made from garcinia and a blend of spices, then simmered until dry.

Achcharu | Fruit Pickle

Popular street food featuring a tangy, spicy mix of fresh fruits marinated in vinegar, salt, sugar, and chilli. A vibrant and refreshing snack.

Pani Pol Crêpes | Coconut treacle crêpes

Thin pancakes filled with a sweet mixture of coconut and jaggery, delivering a deliciously sweet and aromatic experience.

From the tangy and fiery to the creamy and comforting, Sri Lankan cuisine offers a culinary journey that is as diverse as the island itself. Each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and the bounty of local ingredients, making every meal an unforgettable experience. 

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