Paradise will always come with the guarantee of delicious food. With its rich heritage, coastal charm, and tropical flora, Sri Lanka is no exception. Discover the flavours that have shaped, and been shaped by, generations of island culture, with a guide to amazing Sri Lankan dishes you must try.

Kottu Roti

Accompanied by the rhythmic sound of steel blades hitting a sizzling grill, kottu roti is inseparable from Sri Lanka’s culinary identity. Found on every corner of the island, this flavour-packed street food is a medley of diced roti, vegetables, curried meats, and the right amount of heat.

Dhal Curry

This creamy lentil curry is a staple of any Sri Lankan traditional food spread. Made from a mix of spices, soaked lentils, and coconut milk, dhal is often paired with fluffy white rice, earthy red rice, or hoppers. It’s also incredibly easy to make, with cooking classes covering the basics at hotels like Anantara Kalutara Resort.

String Hoppers & Pol Sambol

There’s no better breakfast combo than string hoppers and pol sambol. This beloved meal consists of pillowy-soft rice noodles set and steamed in circular moulds, often served with a spicy, yet comforting mixture of shredded coconut, lime, and chilli.

Ambul Thiyal

While Sri Lanka offers an endless selection of delicious curries, ‘ambul thiyal’ is hard to beat. Originating from the southern parts of the island, this tangy fish curry is both a mouthwatering meal and a traditional preservation technique. Cuts of local fish are smothered in aromatics and ‘goraka’ – a tamarind-esque fruit that lends ambu thiyal its signature sourness.

Buffalo Curd & Kithul Treacle

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For a classic, post-meal refresher, buffalo curd is the answer. Strained, boiled, and fermented in clay pots, this creamy yoghurt is made from buffalo milk and served with a healthy drizzle of sweet kithul treacle.