The Spice Trail

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is renowned for its high-quality spices. The island’s warm, tropical climate and fertile soil create the perfect environment for growing spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and pepper. These aromatic spices form the backbone of Sri Lankan cuisine, adding depth and complexity to every dish.

An Array of Flavours

Sri Lankan cuisine is a tantalising blend of flavours. From the fiery ‘Lunu Miris’ to the creamy ‘Kiribath’, the cuisine is a melting pot of sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and umami flavours. Every meal is a symphony of tastes, awakening your palate to an unforgettable culinary experience.

The Signature Dishes

Rice and curry, the staple meal in Sri Lanka, is a feast of different dishes served with rice. The dishes vary from fiery meat curries to mellow dals, crisp poppadoms, and tangy pickles, each prepared with a unique blend of spices. ‘Hoppers’, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, are another Sri Lankan classic.

Sri Lankan Sweets

Desserts are an integral part of Sri Lankan cuisine. ‘Watalappan’, a rich custard made from jaggery, eggs, and spices, is a must-try delicacy. ‘Kavum’, a sweet fried dumpling, and ‘Aasmi’, a crunchy, sugar-coated snack, are other mouth-watering treats.

The Art of Tea Making

Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth-largest tea producer, renowned for its Ceylon tea. The tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to brewing the perfect cup, is an art in itself. Enjoying a cup of Ceylon tea, perhaps with a slice of butter cake, is the perfect way to end a Sri Lankan meal.

Fascinating Culinary Facts

• Sri Lanka is the largest exporter of cinnamon in the world.
• ‘Pol Sambol’, a spicy coconut relish, is a staple in Sri Lankan households.
• ‘Kottu Roti’, a street food dish made from chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat, is a Sri Lankan favourite.
• Sri Lankan cuisine has Dutch, Arab, and South Indian influences due to historical trade and colonisation.

Sri Lankan cuisine offers a unique gastronomical journey. Rich in flavours and steeped in tradition, it’s a culinary experience that celebrates the island nation’s diverse culture and history. So next time you’re feeling adventurous, why not delve into the exotic world of Sri Lankan cuisine?