Sri Lanka, the tear-shaped island nestled in the Indian Ocean, boasts a vibrant culinary heritage that has captivated taste buds around the world. With a harmonious blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and diverse cultural influences, Sri Lankan cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors and textures. In this article, we explore the top 10 most eaten foods in Sri Lanka, showcasing the country’s culinary treasures and the dishes that have become beloved staples among locals and visitors alike.
- Rice and Curry: At the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine is the iconic rice and curry. A quintessential meal, it typically features steamed rice accompanied by an assortment of flavorful curries made with vegetables, meats, or seafood. The curries are infused with a variety of aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and curry leaves, creating a symphony of tastes on the plate.
- Hoppers (Appa): Hoppers are a popular Sri Lankan breakfast staple, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. These bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour are cooked until crispy on the edges, while the center remains soft and spongy. They can be savored plain or with the addition of an egg (called egg hoppers) or with a variety of accompaniments such as chutneys and curries.
- Kottu Roti: A lively and interactive street food experience awaits those who try kottu roti. This famous Sri Lankan dish consists of chopped roti (flatbread) stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and a choice of meat or seafood. The rhythmic sound of metal blades chopping the ingredients together creates an unmistakable soundtrack in the bustling streets.
- String Hoppers (Indi Appa): String hoppers, also known as idiyappam, are delicate, steamed rice flour noodles that are intricately woven into circular shapes. These delicate noodles are often served for breakfast or dinner and are typically enjoyed with a coconut sambal (condiment) or accompanied by curries.
- Lamprais: Lamprais is a unique and flavorsome Sri Lankan dish influenced by the Dutch Burgher community. It consists of fragrant rice cooked with a variety of spices, accompanied by a mix of curries, including meat (often beef or chicken), and wrapped in a banana leaf before being baked. The result is a delicious, all-in-one meal with layers of flavor.
- Hoppers (Appam) with Egg: Similar to hoppers, appam is a soft and fluffy pancake made from fermented rice batter. The batter is poured into a round, shallow pan and cooked with a runny egg in the center. The combination of the crispy edges and the soft, lacy center makes it a delightful treat for breakfast or as a snack.
- Pittu: Pittu is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from a mixture of rice flour and grated coconut, steamed in cylindrical bamboo or metal tubes. The result is a cylindrical-shaped steamed rice cake with a unique texture. Pittu is often served with a variety of curries and coconut sambal, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Devilled Prawns or Chicken: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, devilled prawns or chicken is a must-try dish. The succulent prawns or chicken pieces are stir-fried with a tantalizing blend of spices, chili, onions, and capsicum, creating a fiery and flavorsome dish that pairs well with steamed rice or roti.
- Pol Sambol: Pol sambol is a quintessential Sri Lankan condiment made from freshly grated coconut, red onions, chili flakes, lime juice, and a hint of Maldive fish. This spicy coconut relish is a popular accompaniment to rice and curry, hoppers, or even sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor and heat to any meal.
- Watalappan: To conclude our culinary journey, we have Watalappan, a delectable Sri Lankan dessert with a hint of Malaysian and Indonesian influence. This creamy, steamed custard is made from coconut milk, jaggery (palm sugar), cashews, cardamom, and nutmeg, resulting in a velvety texture and a rich, caramelized flavor.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a tapestry of vibrant flavors, fragrant spices, and diverse cultural influences. From the comforting rice and curry to the crispy hoppers, flavorful kottu roti, and exotic desserts, the top 10 most eaten foods in Sri Lanka showcase the country’s culinary excellence. Exploring these delightful dishes allows one to savor the unique blend of traditions, spices, and regional specialties that make Sri Lankan cuisine a true gastronomic adventure.
