Sri Lanka is a small island rich with culture, history and most importantly, delicious food! The island is often referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean and indeed has qualities that are quite precious. Sri Lankan food is a culinary experience that can be compared to no other, but if I had to describe it for what it is, I would say it is most similar to a zesty mix between Thai and Indian food. However, despite that description, I must set a disclaimer that it really cannot be compared to any other cuisine, so you must first try it in order to truly understand it. There are many different flavors and tastes that encompass the broad Sri Lankan cuisine. It is most famous for its herbs and spices that range from cinnamon to nutmeg to lemongrass and more. The food is often spicy and may be a little difficult for people who are not familiar with spicy food but can usually be created and customized for individual tastes. In a broader sense, it is generally quite a healthy cuisine and is based in carbohydrates such as rice and accompanied with proteins usually in the form of curries. Sri Lankans are not always vegetarian but there are many flavorful vegetarian dishes that add to the health factor in Sri Lankan cuisine. Most people come to Sri Lanka with no prior expectations from the cuisine, but if you ask tourists leaving Sri Lanka what their favorite memory is, I would guarantee you that 80% of them will say the food is what blew them away!

A brief description of the main dishes that make up Sri Lankan cuisine:

Kottu Roti
Kottu is one of the most iconic Sri Lankan meals and is usually considered the staple fast food on the island. I personally associate it with late night stops on the side of the road to indulge in the yummy spice filled delicacy that is Kottu. Think of a sort of a fried rice but instead of rice, it is replaced with roti (a type of bread)

Chicken Curry (kukulmas curry)

This is the most famous curry that accompanies the classic Sri Lankan rice and curry experience. It is made with coconut milk and often includes tomato in the mix. Like most other famous Sri Lankan dishes it too involves the use of many spices to finish off it’s wonderful taste.

Kiri bath (Milk rice)

This is another staple Sri Lankan dish that is usually associated with auspicious religious events. Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist island and this meal is commonly found at religious celebrations and special events.

String hoppers (Indhiyappa)

String hoppers are another famous dish on the island loved by both locals and tourists alike. It is again based in starch and can be eaten with accompaniments of spicy curries.

Thambili (Coconut water)

This is a well known local drink that is quite popular on the island. It is both refreshing and yummy and is usually consumed by the beach with the salty air blowing through your hair. The drink’s taste resembles the chilled out vibe on the South Coast of the island.

Chocolate Biscuit Pudding

Or as the locals fondly refer to it - CBP. CBP is a dessert found only in Sri Lanka and is genuinely one of the most divine desserts that I have ever tasted. It can be made in many different ways with nuts, with brandy, with Hennessy or even with Nutella. Either way, it is a wonderful concoction of soft Marie biscuits mixed with chocolate and is a crowd favorite loved by all.