The true discovery of a place arguably lies in exploring its cuisine – from home cooking to contemporary fine dining and the little snacks you can savour on street corners. Sri Lankan food has always been famous for its array of spices. Merchants from the Middle East to the Dutch and Portuguese who crossed oceans in search of spices portray the importance of Sri Lankan spices in a global platform, both past and present. The country’s entire political and economic history has also developed around the spice trails.

Traditional Sri Lankan Food – everyday eats

What are the top foods to try when travelling in Sri Lanka? Here are some suggestions for the best things to eat in Sri Lanka. 

Let’s start with traditional Sri Lankan food: the word traditional implies the kind of food the locals eat every day and those that you will find in most homes. They are also served in almost all hotels now including upmarket boutique properties.

1. Sri Lankan Rice and Curry – Sri Lankan rice and curry is the stable diet in every Sri Lankan household, generally consumed for lunch by all, and you may find some having this for dinner as well, especially in the villages. There are a few things you must know about this staple diet. Two or more cooked vegetable curries typically accompany rice (red rice or white local rice), a staple in Sri Lankan food. One of these is often mallum—a fresh green salad or cooked greens mixed with grated coconut, adding a burst of flavour and authenticity. Then there’s fish or chicken curry and a few accompaniments such as fried sprats (a type of fried small fish) or fried red chillies, pappadams, and in some instances with a local pickle fondly referred to as “ achcharu”- the rice puller. (Achcharu is a pickle with shallots, green chillies, raw thinly sliced papaya, thin strips of carrots etc, that’s fermented in vinegar and mustard.)

‘Kiri Bath’ – Milk Rice (rice cooked in thick coconut milk) is a beloved dish in Sri Lankan food, served with ‘lunu miris’ (a spicy blend of ground red chillies, onions, dried fish flakes, salt, and lime) and fish in a rich, dark curried sauce.

String Hoppers (Indi Appa) – Another traditional dish made out of rice flour and served with Kiri Hodi – cooked coconut milk in green chillies, curry leaves, pandan leaves and a mix of spices and coconut sambal (spiced freshly grated coconuts).

Pol Roti – A flat bread made with wheat flour, flaked coconut and water. The original version is a mix of wheat flour and finger millet flour. This is a common and delicious breakfast or dinner option in Sri Lankan food, often served with coconut sambal and paired with fish or chicken curry.

Hoppers (Aappa) – Our firm favourite, hoppers come in different variations. The plain hopper, the egg hopper, and the honey hopper (pani aappa). Hoppers are served with local chilli paste (lunu miris), plus either fish or chicken curry.

Sri Lankan Food: Must-Try Street Food Delights

Wadai
There are many different types of wadai but the base is always some kind of legume or lentil. Lentil wadai, also known as Parippu wadai, and prawn wadai, or Isso wadai, are two of the more common varieties in Sri Lankan food, enjoyed as crispy, flavorful street snacks. Must-try street food that is widely available in both big and small cities. The Wadai (lentil cake) looks like a piece of gem-studded jewellery when the prawns are embellished but without the glitter. The crunch is crucial for great wadai. 

Koththu Roti
Koththu Roti a local favorite and must-try is the quintessential Sri Lankan dish. Naturally, the making of Koththu Roti is what makes it so special. A thin pancake is created by shredding wheat flour and combining it with meat eggs and vegetables. While the chopping is going on, a thick, creamy curry sauce is added to the mixture, enhancing the flavours and making it a standout dish in Sri Lankan food. As the chef/roti maker makes a loud lively rhythmic sound by splashing and chopping on a metal board the action is exciting. The flavorful Koththu is served hot. Go for the milder cheesier version if you’re not really into the spicy one it’s still incredibly tasty. 

Chinese Rolls
Chinese rolls are a popular snack among Sri Lankans who commonly refer to them as short eats. There is nothing particularly Chinese about it instead the concept might have come from spring rolls. Chinese rolls, a popular snack in Sri Lankan food, are pancakes stuffed with a flavorful mixture of canned tuna and mashed potatoes, stir-fried with curry leaves and spices for an irresistible taste. After the stuffing is rolled up and the corners are sealed the pancake is dusted with bread crumbs and deep-fried. This tastes great with a little tomato sauce. Along with other small bites local households take pride in serving Chinese rolls for evening tea. 

‘Patis’ – Pattie
Another favourite short-eat and very unique to Sri Lanka. Though there are vegetarian and meat options, particularly beef and mutton varieties, the pastry in Sri Lankan food is typically filled with a delicious mix of tuna fish and mashed potatoes, creating a savoury and satisfying snack. The patis is served hot from the frying pan after being expertly baked or deep-fried. 

Laveriya
An authentically Sri Lankan treat prepared the old-fashioned traditional way. It might not be available everywhere but if you do have the opportunity to sample it you won’t regret having a few. In short, Laveriya is a Sri Lankan food delicacy— a rice flour wrap filled with a delectable blend of honey and coconut extract. However, the preparation of Laveriya is far more intricate than we have described, showcasing the traditional flavours of Sri Lanka. If you are visiting rural Sri Lanka be sure to seek out this delicacy or even ask your hotel if they can prepare it for you to sample. You won’t regret it we assure you!

Lavariya Sri Lankan sweet dumpling string hoppers

Halapa
It’s healthier than some of the other options and one of our all-time favourites. Since it is a traditional Sri Lankan food that was served for breakfast or afternoon tea you might not find it everywhere. Made from millet flour filled with a blend of honey and coconut wrapped in a leaf that was found nearby and steam-cooked to perfection. You can easily find these Sri Lankan street foods at neighbourhood bakeries and eateries. In Sri Lanka particularly in the larger cities bakeries are widely distributed and easy to locate. They are excellent for on-the-go snacks energy boosts and mid-meal replenishments.