A Culinary journey through food of Sri lanka.

 

Sri Lanka is a little country South of India, It is well known worldwide for its pristine beaches, beautiful scenery and vibrant culture. Most people a not aware that this little Island is also home to the most delinquent Cuisines. It is a mix of different cultures, influenced by Indian, Malay and Dutch Cuisines. In this blog  post i hope to take you on a culinary journey through food of Sri lanka.

Rice and Curry – The Staple Dish

One of the most popular dishes in Sri Lanka is rice and curry. This dish is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine and is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Rice and curry is a dish that consists of a plate of rice served with several curries and side dishes. The curries and side dishes are typically made with a variety of vegetables and meats, and are cooked with a blend of spices and coconut milk. The combination of the fluffy rice and the flavorful curries creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is loved by everyone who tries it.

The history of rice and curry in Sri Lanka can be traced back to ancient times. Rice has been cultivated in Sri Lanka for thousands of years and is a staple food for the people of the country. Curry, on the other hand, was introduced to Sri Lanka by traders and settlers from India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Over time, the locals adapted these curries to suit their own tastes and preferences, resulting in a unique blend of flavors that is distinctly Sri Lankan.

The use of spices is one of the most distinctive features of Sri Lankan rice and curry. Aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon are popular in Sri Lankan cuisine. These spices are combined to produce a flavor profile that is both spicy and sweet. In addition to spices, coconut milk is an important ingredient in Sri Lankan curries. It adds a creamy and luxurious texture to the curries while also helping to balance out the spiciness.

Another unique aspect of Sri Lankan rice and curry is the variety of curries and side dishes that are served with the rice. Sri Lankan curries are typically made with a variety of vegetables, meats, and seafood. Some of the most popular curries include dhal curry (made with lentils), chicken curry, fish curry, and potato curry. These curries are often served with a variety of side dishes, such as sambols (made with grated coconut, chili peppers, and lime juice), pickles, and papadums (thin, crispy crackers made from lentil flour).

Sri Lankan rice and curry is not only delicious, but it is also healthy. The curries are made with a variety of fresh vegetables and meats, and are cooked with minimal oil. Additionally, the use of spices like turmeric and cumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this dish a nutritious choice for anyone looking to improve their health.

In Sri Lanka, rice and curry is a popular dish that is frequently served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals. It's also a popular dish in restaurants and cafes, where it's prepared in a variety of styles and flavors. Whether you prefer meat or are a vegetarian, there is a rice and curry dish for you.

Finally, Sri Lankan rice and curry is a culinary delight that people all over the world enjoy. Its distinct blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and flavorful curries combine to create a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you are visiting Sri Lanka for the first time or have lived there your entire life, you must try this delectable and iconic dish.

Hoppers

Hoppers, also known as appa or appam, are fermented rice flour pancakes made with coconut milk. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, and are cooked in a small, bowl-shaped pan. Hoppers are usually served for breakfast or dinner, and they can be eaten plain or with a variety of toppings.

Hoppers have existed in Sri Lanka since ancient times. The dish is thought to have been brought to Sri Lanka by Tamil traders from southern India. Over time, locals adapted the recipe to suit their own tastes and preferences, resulting in a Sri Lankan version of the dish.

One of the most unique aspects of Sri Lankan hoppers is the shape of the pan in which they are cooked. The pan is made of a special material and has a small indentation in the center, which gives the hoppers a bowl-like shape. This shape makes them perfect for holding a variety of toppings, from savory curries to sweet syrups.

Hoppers are not only delicious, but they are also healthy. They are made with simple, wholesome ingredients like rice flour and coconut milk, and are cooked with minimal oil. Additionally, the fermentation process used to make the batter increases the nutritional value of the dish by making it easier to digest and increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Hoppers are a popular dish in Sri Lanka and are frequently served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals. They're also a popular dish in restaurants and cafes, where they come in a variety of styles and flavors. Whether you prefer meat or are a vegetarian, there is a hopper dish that will satisfy your taste buds.

Kottu – The Street Food

 

Kottu, also known as Koththu Roti, is a dish that is made from chopped flatbread mixed with vegetables, eggs, and/or meat, and a variety of spices. The dish is cooked on a large griddle and is chopped and mixed with two metal blades, which makes a distinct sound that can be heard from a distance. Kottu is a popular street food in Sri Lanka, and can be found in almost every corner of the country.

T he history of Kottu can be traced back to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Kottu originated in the northern parts of Sri Lanka, which has a significant Tamil population. The dish was initially made using leftover bread and vegetables, and over time, it evolved to include meat and other ingredients.

One of the unique aspects of Kottu is the way it is prepared. The chefs use two metal blades to chop the ingredients into small pieces, which gives the dish a distinct texture and taste. The sound of the metal blades clashing against each other is a signature sound of the Kottu stalls, and is a familiar sound to anyone who has visited Sri Lanka.

Another unique aspect of Kottu is the variety of ingredients that can be used to make the dish. The flatbread used to make Kottu is typically made with wheat flour, and can be flavored with different spices and herbs. The vegetables used in Kottu can vary depending on what is available, but commonly include carrots, onions, and cabbage. Meat options include chicken, beef, or seafood, depending on the region.

Kottu is not only delicious, but it is also an important part of Sri Lankan culture. The dish is often served during festivals and special occasions, and is a popular late-night snack. Many Kottu stalls are open late into the night, catering to those who want a tasty meal after a night out.

 Seafood – The Coastal Delight

Among the various cuisines that Sri Lanka has to offer, its seafood dishes are particularly notable. The country's long coastline provides ample opportunity for fishing, and as a result, seafood is a staple part of the Sri Lankan diet.

Some of the most popular fish varieties include seer fish, mullet, snapper, and tuna. Shrimp and prawns are also widely consumed in Sri Lanka, and they are often used in curries and other dishes. Crab is another popular seafood option, and the country is known for its sweet and succulent mud crabs. Lobster, squid, and cuttlefish are also common in Sri Lanka's seafood markets.

One of the most famous Sri Lankan seafood dishes is the Negombo fish curry, which originates from the fishing town of Negombo. The dish features a tangy and spicy sauce made with a blend of coconut milk, spices, and tamarind juice, and is traditionally served with steamed rice.

The jumbo prawn curry, which is made with large prawns cooked in a flavorful curry sauce, is another popular seafood dish. The dish is popular among both locals and tourists and is frequently served with rice or roti.

Sri Lankan seafood is a culinary delight that should not be missed by seafood lovers. From traditional curries to street food snacks, the island's seafood offerings are diverse and delicious, offering a unique blend of flavors and spices that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

In conclusion, Sri Lankan cuisine is a culinary adventure that should not be missed. From rice and curry to seafood and sweets, Sri Lanka has something to offer for every palate. So, next time you visit this beautiful island, be sure to indulge in the delicious food and drink and experience the flavors and aromas that make Sri Lankan cuisine so unique.