Sri Lanka is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and aromas, where every meal tells a story of tradition, culture, and community. If you find yourself on this beautiful island, these five dishes are essential to understanding the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine.
1. Kottu
Kottu, a beloved street food, is a flavorful medley that brings together roti flatbread, spices, vegetables, and meat. Prepared on a hot griddle, the dish starts with frying spices like ginger, garlic, and cinnamon to release their aromas. Vegetables such as carrots, scallions, and leeks are then added, along with sliced roti pieces. The result is a delicious, aromatic dish that exemplifies Sri Lankan culinary artistry.
2. Pittu
Pittu, a staple in Sri Lankan households, is a healthy and gluten-free dish often enjoyed with a variety of curries. Made from red rice flour, it differs from the South Indian version which typically uses white rice flour. This gives Sri Lankan Pittu a distinct flavor and nutritional advantage, as red rice is less processed. To make Pittu more nutritious, finely sliced greens, cabbage, or grated vegetables can be added before steaming. Variations like “Keerai Pittu” incorporate finely chopped fenugreek leaves or other greens.
3. Hoppers
Hoppers, or appa, are iconic to Sri Lanka. Made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk, these bowl-shaped pancakes are cooked in small woks, resulting in a soft, thick base and a crispy edge. They can be enjoyed plain or with a fried egg in the center. Another variation, string hoppers, consists of rice flour noodles that are steamed and typically eaten with curry for breakfast or dinner.
4. Lamprais
Lamprais is a unique dish from the Burgher community, descended from Dutch colonialists. It includes boiled eggs, eggplant, beef frikkadels, mixed meats, and sambol, all infused with spices like cardamom and cloves. This mixture is wrapped in a banana leaf and baked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together in a savory, aromatic package.
5. Pol Roti
Pol roti, or coconut flatbread, is a versatile dish enjoyed at any meal. Simple to make, it combines shredded coconut with flour and water or coconut milk to form a dough, which is then flattened and cooked. Pol roti pairs wonderfully with a variety of curries and chutneys, making it a staple in Sri Lankan households.
Exploring these dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also immerse you in the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka.
