Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean famous for its beautiful scenery and rich cultural history. Its food is also very popular and diversified. Sri Lankan food is both vegan-friendly and very healthy. It has a lot of plant-based choices and focuses on using fresh, locally grown ingredients. Come with us on a culinary adventure as we talk about what makes Sri Lankan food so unique, how vegans can enjoy it, and ten dishes that you must try.
A Heaven for Vegans:
Sri Lanka is a great place for people who love plant-based foods. Buddhist teachings that stress nonviolence and kindness to all living things have naturally led to food that is mostly vegetarian and some meals that are completely vegan. Many recipes start with lentils, beans, vegetables, or fresh fruits, which are high in protein and nutrients. A common ingredient, coconut milk, gives the dish a smooth texture and a rich flavour that goes well with the bright spices. Jackfruit is a versatile food that, when cooked, has the texture of meat and is often used in place of meat in curries and other meals. Adding fresh plants like coriander and curry leaves makes the food smell and taste better, and adding chillies gives it a nice kick of heat. When Sri Lankan stews are made with dairy, an addition of rich milk from coconuts can often be used instead for vegans. Because there are so many naturally vegan choices, Sri Lanka is a great place for plant-based travellers to visit because they can enjoy delicious food without having to change their diet.
A Nutritional Symphony
Sri Lankan food is not only tasty, but it’s also very good for you. Sri Lankan food is very healthy because it uses a lot of fresh, locally grown products. People in the West often hate coconut oil because it has a lot of heavy fat, but in Sri Lanka, people worship it because it is good for them. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are the main type of fat in coconut oil, have been shown in recent studies to speed up the metabolism and make people feel full. Lauric acid, a fatty acid that may help fight viruses and germs, can also be found in large amounts in coconut oil. Moderation is important, but in Sri Lankan food, coconut oil is usually used in small amounts because it adds flavour and not because it’s bad for you.
Spices, fruits, and veggies that are just picked are full of antioxidants and vitamins that your body needs. Lentils and other beans come from plants and have a lot of fibre and protein. Complex carbohydrates, which come from rice and other grains, give you energy that lasts for a long time. Unlike some Asian foods, Sri Lankan food uses less oil and more natural flavours, which makes it a lighter and healthier choice.
10 Delicious Sri Lankan Foods You Have to Try
Let’s get right to the point: these are the dishes you simply must try to entice your palate and introduce you to the wonders of Sri Lankan cuisine:
Rice and Curry: Rice and curry are the main ingredients in every Sri Lankan meal. They are a lively mix of flavours that go well together. A lot of different stews are made with fluffy white rice, which is a great way to mix textures. There are a lot of different kinds of curries, from spicy “devilled” curries to creamy ones made with coconut milk. Each has its own mix of spices and veggies. Sri Lankan cooking has stars like lentils, jackfruit, potatoes, and a bunch of different seasonal veggies.
Kiribath, or “Milk Rice,” is a dish of steamed rice made with coconut milk and spices like cardamom, cloves, and sometimes pandan leaves. Four fundamental ingredients are usually used for making kiribath: white short-grain rice, thick coconut milk water, and salt to taste.
The rice is cooked in coconut milk, occasionally with cashews or sesame seeds added. Before serving, kiribath is often sliced into square or diamond-shaped blocks.
This makes a fragrant and slightly sweet rice meal that you can eat for breakfast. This dish is usually paired with “lunu miris”, a spicy side dish made out of chillies, flakes, onions, Maldives fish and lime. Kiribath can also be consumed with chicken curry malu ambulthiyal ( a special fish curry that originated in the south of Sri Lanka). Kiribath is also an important part of religious and traditional events in Sri Lanka. For every auspicious occasion, kiribath is prepared.
Kottu Roti: The bright explosion of flavours and textures that is Sri Lanka’s version of a stir-fry. A symphony of flavorful bites is produced when chopped flatbread, or roti, is stir-fried with a mixture of veggies, eggs, and spices on a flat griddle. Experienced vendors’ rhythmic cutting and tossing is just as important as the finished meal. Kottu is available in meat and vegetarian varieties to suit a range of tastes. With a squeeze of fresh lime for a last burst of brightness, kottu roti becomes an ideal street food alternative or light dinner in and of itself.
Hoppers: A mainstay of Sri Lankan breakfasts, these bowl-shaped pancakes are cooked with fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Their soft, somewhat sour centre and crispy rims provide a great tactile contrast. Although they can be eaten simply, hoppers are most commonly served with a fried egg tucked into the centre, giving rise to the nickname “egg hopper.” Savoury ingredients like cheese, onions, or veggies are more daring options that make them a gratifying and adaptable breakfast or snack choice.
String hoppers. These are noodle-like strings made out of rice flour and served after steaming. This goes well with any curry, but locals consume it with pol sambal and dhal curry. This is a great dish that does not contain any gluten.
Dhal Curry: Dhal curry is a healthy and warming lentil stew cooked with a mix of spices. One type of lentil that is often used is red lentils, but you can also find other kinds. Dhal curry is a vegan treat that is full of protein and fibre, making it a great choice for a meal that is both healthy and filling. It’s typically paired with rice string hoppers, bread and other curries, making a full and balanced meal.
Coconut Sambol – coconut sambol, also called Pol Sambol, is the centrepiece of Sri Lankan foods. It is a lively and necessary part of any Sri Lankan dish. This simple but tasty side dish is a balance of tastes and textures. The base is made of freshly grated coconut, which gives it a great crunch and natural sweetness. Red onions or shallots give it a sharp bite, and the chillies’ spicy kick makes it just right. Some lime juice gives it a sour taste, and salt ties all the flavours together. As an added bonus, Maldive fish flakes can add a savoury umami depth. The main ingredients stay the same, though. That being said, this vegan and gluten-free sauce is a flavour bomb that goes well with rich curries, fluffy rice, and crunchy string hoppers. An easy-to-use side dish that gives any Sri Lankan food a burst of freshness and a touch of heat.
Young Jack fruit curry– Jackfruit Curry (Polos Curry), which is actually a veggie champion, is a fun way to try out different tastes and textures. The star of the show is young, raw jackfruit that, when cooked, looks a lot like pulled pork. This meaty but slightly sweet ingredient boils in a fragrant coconut milk stew that has garlic, cinnamon, and fenugreek added to it to make it warmer and more fragrant. Turmeric gives it a golden colour and earthy flavour, and chiles add a nice kick of heat. This makes a thick and filling curry that is great for vegans who want something tasty and high in protein. Polos Curry goes well with fluffy white rice, string hoppers, or even bread, showing how versatile this Sri Lankan dish is.
Pumpkin curry: Sri Lankan pumpkin curry is a comforting and flavorful symphony. An enticing and comforting dish is made when soft pumpkin pieces cook in a rich gravy made with coconut milk. The rich warmth of turmeric, the subtle heat of chilli powder, and the fragrant curry leaves all bring out the brilliant orange colour of the pumpkin. A dash of lime juice cuts through the richness of the coconut milk, and a hint of ginger and garlic adds another level of flavour. Not only is this curry for vegetarians wonderful, but it’s also very nourishing. Pumpkin is an excellent option for a nutritious and filling fall supper because it’s high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Serve Poosanika Curry with string hoppers or fluffy white rice for a satisfying and authentic taste of Sri Lanka.
Mango curry – Sri Lankan Mango Curry is a colourful meal that highlights the island’s fondness for fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a delicious tango that is sweet and savoury. The star of the show is an unripe green mango, which provides a tangy and slightly acidic contrast to the rich and creamy coconut milk sauce. Simmering until the mangoes soften, the curry, flavoured with aromatic spices like turmeric, curry powder, and occasionally chiles, creates a contrast in texture between the firm pieces and the smooth, silky sauce. A squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing brightness, and a hint of sugar balances the mangoes’ tartness. This delightful and distinctive dish, which is vegan-friendly and showcases Sri Lanka’s skill at balancing savoury and sweet flavours into a beautiful symphony, is best enjoyed with rice or roti.
As we come to the end of our look at Sri Lankan food, it’s important to remember that the adventure doesn’t stop here. Sri Lankans are very good at using a wide range of ingredients to make tasty curries and other meals. This shows how creative and resourceful they are in the kitchen. From the lush hills to the sandy beaches, each part of Sri Lanka changes traditional recipes in its own unique way. This creates a wide range of tastes and dining experiences.
Even though we’ve mostly talked about vegan choices, Sri Lanka also has a wide range of delicious non-vegan dishes, such as chicken curry, ambulthiyal (sour fish curry), Jaffna crab curry, and more. These recipes show how flexible Sri Lankan food is and can be made to suit a lot of different tastes.
So, every bite in Sri Lanka is a journey in and of itself, whether you’re eating a fragrant curry made with fresh spices or a filling rice dish that’s full of flavour. Sri Lanka is a real food lover’s dream, with a long history of cooking and lots of tasty foods to choose from. So why not go on your own culinary trip and find out what delicious things this tropical paradise has to offer?
