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Must try Foods & Restaurants in Sri Lanka
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items If you're heading to Sri Lanka, trying the local cuisine is an absolute must!
From lacy String Hoppers and crispy-edged Hoppers to sizzling street-side Kottu and the ever-comforting Rice and Curry, Sri Lankan cuisine is a flavourful journey rooted in tradition and spice. Each dish tells a story of heritage, community, and the island’s rich culinary culture. I have also listed a few amazing eateries where you can try these dishes.
From lacy String Hoppers and crispy-edged Hoppers to sizzling street-side Kottu and the ever-comforting Rice and Curry, Sri Lankan cuisine is a flavourful journey rooted in tradition and spice. Each dish tells a story of heritage, community, and the island’s rich culinary culture. I have also listed a few amazing eateries where you can try these dishes.
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Sri Lankan Foods You Need to Try!
Sri Lankan Restaurants
Sri Lankan Foods You Need to Try!
If you're heading to Sri Lanka, YOU MUST TRY THESE DISHES!
A beloved Sri Lankan breakfast staple, String Hoppers are delicate, lacy nests of steamed rice or wheat flour noodles. Made by pressing dough through a mould into fine threads and steaming them on mats, they’re light yet filling, especially when pair...
String Hoppers
Hoppers are a Sri Lankan breakfast and street food favorite. Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, it is made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. They're cooked in small wok-like pans to achieve their signature bowl shape. H...
Hoppers (Appa)
Pittu is my favourite Sri Lankan dish! It is made by steaming a mix of roasted rice flour and freshly grated coconut in a cylindrical mould. The result is a crumbly, aromatic stack that’s both simple and satisfying. Traditionally served with coconut ...
Pittu
If Sri Lanka had a national street food anthem, it would be the rhythmic clang of Kottu being chopped on a hot griddle. Made by stir-frying shredded godamba roti (a type of flatbread) with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or cheese, Kottu is...
Kottu
Rice and Curry is a daily staple in SriLanka, especially at lunchtime. A hearty mound of steamed rice is served with a vibrant assortment of curries: creamy Parippu (lentils), seasonal vegetables, and rich, flavourful meat or fish dishes. Rice & ...
Rice & Curry
Lion Lager is Sri Lanka’s most iconic beer (better than a Heineken in my opinion). It is crisp and brewed for easy drinking in the Island’s tropical heat. This locally brewed lager has been a favourite for decades, whether you're relaxing on the beac...
Lion Beer
Hands down, this will be the best fried cuttlefish you’ll ever have (I kid you not!) Crispy, spicy, and bursting with flavour, this local favourite is a MUST-TRY appetizer, especially when paired with a beer. This snack is often served at beachside b...
Sri Lankan Hot Butter Cuttlefish
Sri Lankan Restaurants
Try Culture Colombo for some amazing Sri Lankan cuisine. They offer a plate of signature Sri Lankan cuisine, which is a must try if you want to try a little bit of all them at once. Their interior is designed to bring you the olden day Colonial-style...
Culture Colombo
Upali’s is located in the heart of Colombo and their dishes offer the best of Sri Lankan flavour and a great culinary experience. Their dishes are often extra spicy- so make sure you let them know your spice tolerance before ordering
Upali's Colombo
Nuga Gama is located in the Cinnamon Grand hotel in Colombo. I love that it offers delicious traditional Sri Lankan food in a unique village experience setting in the middle of an urban atmosphere.
Nuga Gama
Palmyrah Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience in the heart of Colombo, serving authentic Sri Lankan and South Asian cuisine. Their signature mutton curry is rich in spices and tender. It's a must-try for anyone craving bold, comforting flav...
Palmyrah Restuarant
Hands down, the best Hoppers I’ve had in Sri Lanka are at Cafe on the Fifth. These crispy, perfectly crafted egg hoppers are a must-try, but be sure to go early in the evening because they run out fast!
Cafe on the 5th
If you're craving a Chicken & Cheese Kottu, look no further than Pilawoos in Colombo 03 (the OG Pilawoos). This local gem is a must-visit. It's one of the few spots that stays open till late and is so cheap, so you can satisfy your Kottu cravings...
Pilawoos Colombo 03