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The teardrop or the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known by a number of names. An island nation that is known for its absolutely gorgeous and mesmerising landscapes and natural beauty, Sri Lanka also boasts a rich and versatile culinary heritage. A country that perfectly embodies a range of influences when it comes to its culinary landscape, Sri Lankan cuisine owes its origins to the fusion of Indian, Arabic and Southeast Asian flavours, along with distinct colonial influences.
With some of the best Sri Lankan dishes truly being a treat for your senses, the incorporation of fresh herbs and spices is what makes this particular cuisine truly stand out. Portraying the perfect blend of indigenous and the most fiery flavours, here are some of the top Sri Lankan dishes for you to try.
Check out some of the best Sri Lankan dishes that are absolutely worth trying
Sri Lankan hoppers
Often known as appa or appam in the local language, Sri Lankan hoppers are among the most popular Sri Lankan dishes that are prepared from a batter of fermented rice flour and coconut milk. The perfect accompaniment for all kinds of curries, hoppers basically resemble round pancakes which are crispy on the edges with soft and fluffy centres. This particular Sri Lankan dish can be prepared in a number of ways, you can have these plain or indulge in a savoury egg hopper as well.
Kothu
Among the best Sri Lankan dishes out there that is absolutely worth the try, kothu basically refers to a mishmash of leftover flatbread, fresh vegetables and protein of your choice. A beloved Sri Lankan food, the locals relish this particular dish at dinnertime which is almost a staple. The most popular versions to try out are the chicken and pork kothu which are also among the popular Sri Lankan street food items. The sound of the metal utensils that are used to prepare kothu are a truly hard to miss sound while on the streets of the country.
Pol Roti
A popular Sri Lankan dish that is different from your regular rotis, pol roti is a kind of Sri Lankan flatbread that is mainly served in the tourist oriented eateries and also in the various beach shacks across the country. A slightly charred form of a flatbread that is prepared from flour and grated coconut, pol roti is generally had as a breakfast or dinner item that comes with a side of lunu miris, which is a condiment prepared from chilies and salt, and is also had alongside some spicy and delicious chicken curry.
Lagoon crabs
A highly renowned Sri Lankan food item, lagoon crabs are meaty and filled with fat. Popularly sold across Columbo, this particular Sri Lankan dish is a speciality of the island nation and often sent as an export item. Prepared from freshly caught mud crabs with a spicy mix, this is among the best Sri Lankan dishes packed with flavours and a true culinary delight worth indulging in.
Kiribath
A celebratory Sri Lankan dish that is mainly prepared during special occasions, kiribath is prepared from Sri Lankan kelulu that is rice cooked in thick and creamy coconut milk, before being cooled down on banana leaves or a flat griddle. Kiribath is then served in a compressed form and cut into diamond shaped blocks before serving. Among the popular Sri Lankan dishes that are devoured by both the locals and tourists alike, kiribath is the perfect Sri Lankan delicacy.
Lavariya
These are Sri Lankan rice noodle pockets which are prepared from a filling of caramelised coconuts and then gently spiced with nutmeg and cardamom. A Sri Lankan food item that is largely available across the various village restaurants and shops in the country, lavariya is mainly served as a tea time snack along with a warm cup of ginger tea.
Fish Ambul Thiyal
What is an island country without its seafood? Among the best Sri Lankan dishes to absolutely dig into, fish ambul thiyal is basically a kind of sour fish curry that is as versatile as it gets. A beloved Sri Lankan food item, this particular delicacy can be prepared in a number of ways. Traditionally prepared from tuna, which is cut into cubes and then prepared alongside a blend of spices, the inclusion of dried goraka, which is a small fruit, is what gives this popular Sri Lankan dish its distinct sour taste.
Parippu
An absolute staple in the Sri Lankan cuisine, parippu or dhal curry is prepared across households in the country and widely served in the eateries. Prepared from split red lentils, or masoor dhal, parippu is made by combining the boiled lentils along with a number of fresh ingredients and spices with a splash of fresh coconut milk. Relish this Sri Lankan dish alongside roti and paratha and you would be left wanting more.