March 14th, 2025
Sri Lanka is a paradise for both relaxation and thrill seekers, offering adventures that cater to everyone. But what if I told you that this small island could also take your taste buds on an incredible journey? In this article, we'll explore 15 must-try food and drinks that highlight the best of Sri Lankan cuisine. Get ready to savor a variety of delicious dishes and refreshing beverages.
“Appa” as how it is said by the locals, are a beloved Sri Lankan delight traditionally eaten at breakfast. Hoppers are typically crisp and golden at the edges, with a soft, spongy centre. Hoppers are commonly served with an array of accompaniments, such a spicy sambol called ‘Lunu Miris’, fragrant curries, and even a sprinkle of sugar for a sweet twist.
There are many variations of hoppers - plain hoppers, egg hoppers (very popular with locals and tourists) with a soft-cooked egg nestled in the centre or sometimes filled with savory or sweet toppings like honey. You can find them everywhere around the island from street stalls to fancy restaurants. You can even see how they make it which is satisfying to look at.
In essence, hoppers are a versatile and delicious staple of Sri Lankan cuisine, celebrated for their unique texture and delightful flavour.
This is another breakfast delicacy served in Sri Lanka. This dish with noodle-like strands, served with the traditional Pol Sambol (Spicy coconut garnish) and a variety of curries like spicy chicken or fish, Dhal, Potato.
This is also served in many street stalls to fancy restaurants typically for breakfast.
string-hoppers-sri-lanka
Being an island nation, it's clear that seafood is a significant element in our cuisine. This dish offers a delicious burst of Sri Lankan flavour that is both satisfying and memorable and earned international acclaim, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors alike. This culinary masterpiece is not just a dish; it's an experience—one that transports you to the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine with every mouthful.
You can experience the best if you visit Colombo’s Ministry of Crab which is on Asia’s best restaurant lists.
sri-lankan-crab-curry
Your choice of protein, vibrant vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots mingled with finely sliced roti flatbread all stir-fried together on a large iron skillet, you get Kottu roti. You can easily recognize the dish by the rhythmic clanging of the two large metal cleavers used to prepare it, often considered a dinner delight
As arguably the most popular street food in Sri Lanka, Kottu roti offers a customizable culinary experience with a range of additions such as cheese, bacon, and roast chicken, as well as adjustable spice levels. And another famous variation of Kottu roti is using string hoppers as roti flatbread.
Available from street stalls to upscale restaurants and hotels across the country, the taste of kottu roti can vary significantly from city to city. Be sure to sample this iconic dish in every city you visit to experience the unique flavours each location has to offer.
kottu-roti
There is a mouthwatering traditional curry recipes for any vegetable you can find in Sri Lanka. When traveling around the island, you can find these curries in any restaurants, hotels, household with so many variations and often eaten with rice or bread. Keep an eye out for the following curries and give them a try – you will truly experience what it’s like to be in Sri Lanka.
sri-lankan-curries
Pair the curries I've mentioned earlier with freshly steamed rice, and you'll experience an explosion of Flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Rice and curry are the ideal embodiment of Sri Lankan cuisine, capturing the essence of the island's rich culinary heritage. This iconic combination is everywhere, from bustling street food shops and cozy family-run restaurants to luxurious hotels. Most often enjoyed at lunch, this meal is a true celebration of the diverse and vibrant flavors that Sri Lanka has to offer. So, indulge in this feast and let every mouthful transport you to the heart of Sri Lanka.
rice-and-curry
Born from the blend of Dutch colonial and Portuguese culinary traditions, Lamprais is a cherished and toothsome dish. It brings together rice, juicy meats (such as chicken, beef, or lamb), and an array of heavenly curries I have mentioned previously like eggplant, plantains, and sambol, all fondly wrapped in banana leaves and baked to perfection. The banana leaf not only adds to the flavour but also serves as a natural, eco-friendly plate, making each component part of a harmonious feast.
Though its preparation demands considerable time and effort, you can find this dish available in the main cities like Colombo and Galle in restaurants and hotels but rarely in small food shops.
lamprais
This is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert with rich cultural significance. This scrumptious treat is made from a blend of coconut milk, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), eggs, cashew nuts, and a hint of warming spices like cardamom and nutmeg. The mixture is steamed to perfection, resulting in a silky, custard-like texture that's both aromatic and indulgent. Watalappam is often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings, adding a touch of sweetness to celebrations but you can often find these in most restaurants and hotels.
watalappam
Pol Sambol is a spicy traditional Sri Lankan side dish that's incredibly simple to make. Freshly grated coconut mixed with dried red chilies, onions, green chilies, a dash of salt, and a squeeze of lime for added zest mixed well together and you got yourself Pol Sambol. This combination delivers a spicy and tangy kick, making it the perfect accompaniment to rice, bread, or roti. Much like the diverse curry recipes found in Sri Lankan households, Pol Sambol boasts numerous variations, each adding its unique twist to this beloved dish.
pol-sambol
This beloved dish is a symbol of celebration and comfort, made by cooking rice in rich coconut milk until it reaches a creamy, tender consistency. The result is a subtly sweet and aromatic rice cake that melts in your mouth.
But Kiribath is not complete without its fiery companion, lunu miris. This spicy sambol is a vibrant mix of crushed red onions, chilies, salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. Its bold, tangy, and spicy flavours perfectly balance the mild, creamy milk rice, creating an explosion of taste with every bite.
Together, Kiribath and lunu miris encapsulate the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine—simple yet flavourful and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether enjoyed during a festive occasion or as a comforting meal, this duo is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
milk-rice
When you are strolling through the sun-glazed streets of Sri Lanka, King Coconut, know locally as “Thambili” is the ultimate thirst-quencher. This vibrant orange gem is nature's own hydration powerhouse, packed with refreshing and slightly sweet coconut water that re-energizes your senses.
On a tropical island laying down on a beach sipping on a chilled King Coconut is an experience that you must have.
king-coconut-thambili
Isso Wade at Galle Face Green, Colombo is a staple of Sri Lankan Street food. Picture yourself by the ocean, savoring these crispy prawn fritters, freshly fried to golden perfection. The spicy, tangy flavors are a treat for your taste buds, making Isso Wade a must-try snack while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Galle Face Green at sunset.
isso-wade
Pol roti are flatbreads that are made from a mixture of flour and freshly grated coconut and a touch of salt. Cooked on a hot griddle until slightly brown, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside is a cherished Sri Lankan dish that’s as humble as it is delicious. Paired with Lunu Miris or a comforting curry especially pork curry, offers a delightful balance of Flavors. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's loved by locals and a must-try for anyone visiting the island.
Pol Roti is typically enjoyed at breakfast and is highly recommended when visiting rural villages, as the flavours are especially enhanced in these traditional settings.
The local toddy, known as "Ra," is a traditional alcoholic beverage obtained from the sap of palm trees, and coconut too. The sap is then kept to naturally ferment in earthen pots, resulting in a mildly alcoholic drink with a unique, sweet, and slightly tangy flavour.
Toddy holds a special place in Sri Lankan culture, often enjoyed in rural areas and during social gatherings. It's typically sipped fresh in the early mornings or at dusk. Visiting a local toddy tavern offers an authentic taste, where you can appreciate this age-old beverage that has been cherished for generations. This drink might not be for everyone.
toddy
This is Sri Lankan cocktail made with a famous local arrack known among every local as “Gal arrack”. Many variations of this cocktail are found in fancy bars around every major city like Colombo and Galle. What are you waiting for?
Sri Lanka's food and drinks are a true reflection of its vibrant culture and warm hospitality. As you try these 15 iconic items, you'll get a taste of the island's rich traditions and innovative flavours. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, this culinary journey will be a memorable and enjoyable experience. Happy exploring and bon appétit!
Team Lankanly.
