Sri Lankan cuisine culture
The Sri Lankan cuisine culture is an intriguing fusion of the colonial background of the nation and its tropical climate. Sri Lankan food is distinguished by its strong flavors and unique, inventive use of organic ingredients.
The custom of eating with your right hand is one of the distinctive features of Sri Lankan cuisine. This custom is strongly engrained in the society and esteemed as an integral component of the dining experience. Cutlery may occasionally be used in western-style restaurants, but eating with one’s hands is favoured in Sri Lanka.
The distinctive aroma and flavor of Sri Lankan food are a result of the cuisine’s daring use of spices. The combination of these spices varies depending on the dish, but a wide variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, are used in the cuisine. Sri Lankan cuisine will definitely entice your taste buds, whether it’s a hot curry or a sweet dessert.
In Sri Lanka, communal eating and sharing experiences are as important to the food culture as the food itself. People assemble around communal plates of Sri Lankan food that are frequently served in large portions for sharing.Frequently, the host puts out a great deal of food, and the guests are encouraged to taste everything.
In summary, Sri Lankan food offers a universal comfort food experience that will leave you wanting more. So, if you’re eager to travel the world through food, Sri Lanka is a must-see location.
The Food Menu
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean makes liberal use of local fruit such as coconut, jackfruit, local seafood, and an arsenal of spices when making mouthwatering dishes. Sri Lankan cuisine is a delicious and varied culinary experience that reflects the country’s diverse cultural influences and geographic location. From spicy curries and seafood dishes to sweet treats and refreshing beverages, the Sri Lankan food menu offers something for every palate.
Coconut, rice, fish, and a wide range of spices are just a few fresh ingredients that the nation’s tropical climate and wealth of natural resources make available. The dishes are renowned for their potent flavours and use of exotic herbs and spices like cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon. Rice and curry, hoppers (a type of pancake), string hoppers (a dish that resembles noodles), and kottu are some of the most well-liked foods (a stir-fried dish made with shredded roti bread). Many dishes include plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas. Vegetarian and vegan options are also widely available. Sri Lankan cuisine is a diverse and delicious representation of the nation’s natural bounty and cultural heritage.
Here are some of the dishes you shouldn’t miss!
1. Rice and Curry
The staple food of Sri Lanka is rice. It can vary from plain white rice to yellow rice to biriyani or more traditional varieties such as Suwandel, Kalu Heenati, and Pachchaperumal. From the usual fiery curries such as chicken, and fish to vegetarian dishes like dhal, brinjal, and pumpkin curry, rice and curry is something that you should all try!
2. Milk Rice
Famously known as “Kiribath”, milk rice is the main dish at the Avurudu (https://srilanka.travel-culture.com/guide/avurudu.shtml) table. It is a fine mixture of coconut milk and rice served with either ‘lunu miris’ (chili paste https://www.196flavors.com/sri-lanka-lunu-miris/) or jaggery. Kiribath also acts as a sign of property, luck, and happiness.
3. Sea Food
Surrounded by the seas, Sri Lanka is famous for its seafood too. Ranging from crabs to lobsters to fish, the seafood platter is heaven for all. They are rich in taste, bright in color, and most importantly affordable for all digital nomads.
4. Kottu
If you hear the clanking of metal on mental amongst the bustling traffic, know that “Kottu” isn’t far away. It is everybody’s favorite go-to fast food when they crave something tasty and greasy.
Kottu is made up of roti piled with vegetables, meat, and even cheese. Yes, it may be spicy but it will definitely leave a lingering mark on your soul.
5. Aapa / Appam
Do you love pancakes? Then, Aapa is the substitute for it in Sri Lanka. The batter is made from a slightly fermented concoction of rice flour, coconut milk, and a hint of sugar. It is then fried and served with sugar or ‘lunu miris’ (https://www.196flavors.com/sri-lanka-lunu-miris/) .
6. String Hoppers
Unlike the dough used for hoppers, string hoppers are made from a much thicker dough. It is squeezed through a string hopper maker to create thin strands of noodles that are steamed. Moreover, it is usually eaten with ‘hothi’ or a coconut sambol.
7. Achcharu
Who loves pickles here? We do! Achcharu is a mix of pickled vegetables that is used as a side dish for most of the leading food platters. It is long-lasting and very tasty with a pinch of spiciness and sourness together in one.
8. Murukku
You cannot go without a touch of snacks during festivals or even on a normal day. Murukku is a crunchy snack with circular twists and an appealing smell. Particularly, it glams up the different Hindu festivals like Diwali and Thai Pongal.
9. Wattalapam
Originating and known as a sweet dish by the Muslims, Watalappam is loved by many. It is a coconut custard pudding made with milk, jaggery, eggs, and various spices. This desert item is a match made in heaven with its creamy texture and toppings of cashew nuts.
10. Tea
Ranging from black tea to milk tea and now with different flavors, Sri Lanka is famous for its tea varieties. Whether it be sipping a cup of hot tea in the cold hills of Kandy or purely satisfying the thirst after a day filled with tasks, who wouldn’t like it?
If you haven’t tried a cup of tea with a packet of Maliban Marie Biscuits, then you are missing a lot!
So, are you ready to pack your bags and necessities and visit Sri Lanka (https://www.nomadbuddy.life/starter-guide-to-visit-sri-lanka/)? Get ready to indulge in all these spices and mesmerizing tastes!
