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

1. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry): This is one of the most beloved fish curries in Sri Lanka. The fish is cooked in a blend of spices and tamarind, giving it a distinct sour flavor.

2. Kottu Roti: A popular street food, kottu roti is made from chopped roti, vegetables, egg, and/or meat, stir-fried with various spices.

3. Kukul Mas Curry (Chicken Curry): A flavorful and spicy chicken curry made with a mixture of spices including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and curry leaves.

4. Parippu (Dhal Curry): Lentils are a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, and this dhal curry is cooked with coconut milk and various spices.

5. Lamprais: This Dutch-influenced dish consists of rice cooked in stock, meat curry, frikkadels (meatballs), and sambal chili sauce, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.

6. Hoppers (Appa or Appam): These are bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

7. Polos (Green Jackfruit Curry): Young jackfruit is cooked in a blend of spices, making for a delicious vegetarian dish.

8. Wambatu Moju (Eggplant/Brinjal Pickle): Eggplant is deep-fried and then caramelized with sugar, vinegar, and spices to create a sweet and tangy pickle.

9. Gotu Kola Sambol (Pennywort Salad): This is a refreshing salad made with finely chopped pennywort leaves, coconut, and lime.

10. Kiribath (Milk Rice): A traditional dish made from rice cooked in coconut milk, often served with spicy sambol.

11. Pol Sambol (Coconut Relish): Grated coconut mixed with red chili powder, lime juice, and salt, often served as an accompaniment to rice and curry.

12. Sri Lankan Crab Curry: A rich and flavorful crab curry made with a variety of spices and coconut milk.

13. Pittu: Cylindrical steamed rice flour and coconut mixture, often served with curry or coconut milk.

14. Wood Apple: This fruit is commonly eaten fresh, juiced, or made into a chutney.

15. Buffalo Curd and Treacle: Thick curd made from buffalo milk, often served with kithul (palm) treacle.

16. Sri Lankan Samosas: Fried pastries filled with spiced meat, fish, or vegetables.

17. Pol Roti: Coconut-infused flatbread, often served with chili paste or curry.

18. Seeni Sambol (Caramelized Onions): A sweet and spicy relish made from onions, often served with bread or rice.

19. Breadfruit Curry: Breadfruit cooked with coconut milk and spices.

20. Malay Achcharu (Sri Lankan Malay Pickle): A pickled vegetable and fruit medley spiced with mustard and vinegar.

These dishes represent the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Sri Lanka, showcasing a rich blend of spices, coconut-based dishes, and a variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables. Each dish has its unique preparation method and cultural significance, making Sri Lankan food a vibrant and integral part of the island’s heritage.