Sri lankan food 40 of the island's best dishes

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Sri Lankan Food: 40 of the Island’s Best
Dishes
November 15, 2011 By Mark Wiens — 287 Comments
Platter of Sri Lankan Food
Though Sri Lankan food has parallels to South Indian food, it remains distinctly its own form of cuisine.
Throughout years of colonization and influence from other countries, Sri Lanka has adapted its food
culture into a blend of different curry concoctions and dishes.
A few things about Sri Lankan food can be said with certainty: Sri Lankans love spices, they love food that
explodes with flavor, and they enjoy deep fried snacks!
Being an island with a tropical climate, coconuts and fish are two of the most influential components of
Sri Lankan cuisine. Fish is made into curries and coconut in some form or another is included in nearly all
dishes.
Rice and curry is the Sri Lankan staple, though various kinds of flat bread are equally common.
So go ahead and grab a “paratha” and sit back to check out these 40 foods you can’t miss in Sri Lanka!
Fish Curry and Mixed Rice
1. Fish Curry and Mixed Rice
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There’s nothing more common to eat as Sri Lankan food than a nutritious plate of rice and curry. You
normally get a plate of rice piled with a few of the daily vegetable curries and a choice of fish curry as
well.
A plate like the one above cost me 120 LKR ($1.09), but without fish it would have even been less.
Deviled Sweet and Sour Fish Curry
2. Deviled Sweet and Sour Fish Curry
There are a lot of different deviled dishes in Sri Lanka. This fish was deep fried and smothered in a lovely
sweet and sour sauce and lightly fried again with red onions and banana peppers. It was excellent with
fried rice and a flatbread paratha on the side.
Chili Fish Curry
3. Chili Fish Curry
This particular fish curry in Sri Lanka reminded me of the Burmese food curry that I also highly enjoyed.
It was fragrant, oily, and the sauce was marvelous with a giant plate of rice.
Sri Lankan Daal Curry
4. Sri Lankan Daal Curry

Daal curry is one of the most commonly consumed staple dishes in Sri Lankan cuisine. The daal lentils are
often cooked with coconut milk in Sri Lanka and made into a rich stew that acts almost like a gravy for
rice.
Jackfruit Curry
5. Jackfruit Curry
Sri Lankan food is famous for its curries – and jackfruit curry is one of my favorites. The chunks of the
fruit are curried in a number of different ways.
This particular version (brown dish above) tasted like it was chutney-ed and the pieces of jackfruit could
have almost passed for chunks of tender beef.
Mallum or Mallung – Kale Coconut Salad
6. Mallum or Mallung – Gotukola Sambol
Green leafy vegetables aren’t the most common thing to eat in Sri Lanka, so I welcomed every
opportunity to eat a bowl of Mallum.
The leafy green salad is made with finely chopped gotukola, shredded coconut meat, red onions, and a
few spices for flavoring. I would call it the Middle Eastern tabbouleh of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Beetroot Curry
7. Beetroot Curry
A plate of Sri Lankan curry and rice is complete only when a nice helping of beetroot curry is included.
Beats are diced up and cooked to death with a number of spices including cinnamon and curry leaves.
Throughout the duration of my stay in the country, I just couldn’t get enough of this blood red vegetable.
Vegetarian Kottu
8. Vegetarian Kottu
An extremely popular Sri Lankan street food dish is known as “kottu.”
Essentially it is composed of shredded pieces of Sri Lankan godamba roti that is stir fried with an
assortment of spices and a choice of other meaty (or vegetarian) ingredients.
Kottu is quite simply the “hamburger” of Sri Lanka, something so tasty it’s just impossible to resist!
To take things to the next level, kottu is served with a separate bowl of curry sauce to moisten and add
extra flavor to the stir fried flatbread.
Egg Kottu
9. Egg Kottu
Another variation of kottu is with vegetables and egg. The vegetables include a few meager sprigs of leek,
onions and cabbage and the sizzling godamba roti is lathered with egg to make it even richer…and more
delicious!

Cheese Kottu
10. Cheese Kottu
If vegetarian kottu is the hamburger of Sri Lanka, cheese kottu is the quadruple bacon heart stopping
cheeseburger.
Yellow curry powder flavor is bumped up a few notches with cheese kottu and it’s a Sri Lankan food that
you just can’t miss. The cheese is not traditional yellow cheese, but rather more like cottage milk cheese.
Check out this VIDEO of Kottu being cooked!
Pretty cool song…yah?
Fried Salted Fish
11. Fried Salted Fish
Little fried and salted fish are a lovely addition to Sri Lankan food. Unlike saucy curry, little fish are heavily
salted and deep fried so they are crunchy. Their texture and flavor goes well with a plate of vegetarian
curry and rice.
Maldive fish are a popular ingredient for Sri Lankan dishes. The little salted guys are included in a range of
different sambol sauces.

Deep Fried Chicken Fried Rice
12. Deep Fried Chicken Fried Rice
If only more countries in the world knew about fried chicken fried rice, it would be integrated into cuisines
around the world…guaranteed.
I don’t think there’s much need for explanation; Take fried chicken and make fried rice with it.
Egg Fried Rice
13. Egg Fried Rice
Though it’s made in a wok and looks like an item off a Chinese or Thai street food menu, Sri Lankan
fried rice still tastes like Sri Lankan food.
It could be the assortment of ingredients or the hint of cumin that accompanies the rice. Nevertheless, a
number of Chinese influenced dishes remain popular as Sri Lakan food staples.
Brinjal Eggplant
14. Brinjal Eggplant
Though I ate many Sri Lankan dishes, the candied brinjal eggplant (black stuff towards the right) was one

that I couldn’t get enough of.
The eggplant is cooked to death with salt, oil, soy sauce, and sugar until it becomes fall apart tender and
the sugar begins to caramelize. Though I’m not the biggest fan of sweet things, this eggplant was to die
for.
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
15. Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
I have read that Sri Lankan food is difficult to master, simply because everyone has their own variation of
each dish. No chicken curry will taste the same throughout the country.
This clay pot of Grandmother’s home-made chicken curry goes down as one of the top 10 flavors that
has ever entered my mouth (article to come later).
Cobra Chilies
16. Cobra Chilies
It’s not exactly a Sri Lankan food, but those innocent looking chili peppers on the plate above are far from
kind.
Known as the “Cobra Chili,” these little guys were so delicious, but they nearly burnt a hole in my tongue.

Northern Sri Lankan Tamil Food
17. Northern Sri Lankan Tamil Food
Some of my favorite Sri Lankan meals were from the northern Tamil tip of Jaffna. This outrageously tasty
meal included yellow rice, an assortment of vegetable and seafood curries, a few parathas, and a number
of heaping spoons full of tomato onion garnish.
Ela Batu Thai Eggplant Curry
18. Ela Batu – Thai Eggplant Curry
Believe it or not, Sri Lankan food includes a dish that is quite similar to Thai green curry. Thai eggplants
are used in the dish and a similar but Sri Lankan tasting green curry sauce is what holds it together.
Squid Curry
19. Squid Curry
This Jaffna squid was chopped into small pieces before being fried with peppers, onions, and a spiced
tomato based sauce. It was wonderful along with rice and curry and a few parathas.

Candied Shrimp Curry
20. Candied Shrimp Curry
When I spotted these little blacked shrimps in the glass cabinet in Jaffna, I couldn’t pass them up. Luckily
they were just as tasty as they looked, a marvelous blend of curry spices coating each and every part of
the shrimp bodies.
Egg Hoppers (Appa)
21. Egg Hoppers (Appa)
Hoppers which are also known as Appa, are an iconic food of Sri Lanka.
It begins with a simple pancake batter that’s spruced up with coconut milk and a splash of toddy (Sri
Lankan palm wine). The unique part is that hoppers are cooked in small “wok” like rounded pans so the
dough cooks thick and soft on the bottom, and thin and crunchy around the edges.
The texture and even taste is quite similar to Ethiopian injera bread. Hoppers can be ordered plain, or
even better with a fried egg in the middle.
Also check out this video that I took at a local hoppers stand:
If you can’t see it, watch the Sri Lankan hoppers video on YouTube.

Pol Sambola – Spicy Coconut Garnish
22. Pol Sambola – Spicy Coconut Garnish
This Sri Lankan food may be one of the simplest things to make, yet one of the most amazing stokes
of deliciousness that Sri Lanka has contributed to the world.
I could graze on pol sambola for hours at a time.
It’s merely a mixture of shredded coconut, chili powder, lime juice, red onions and salt – but believe me,
every bite is like a miracle come true.
Pol sambola is perfect to eat with bread, roti, or on top of rice.
I was craving pol sambol so badly that I had to make it myself… Enjoy!
(if you can’t see the video, watch it on YouTube here)
Onion Sambola
23. Lunu Miris – Onion Sambola
Along with coconut garnish, Sri Lanka’s pounded onion and chili sauce known as Lunu Miris is almost as
delicious.
The mixture included red onions, salt, chili powder, lime juice, and a small handful of Maldive salted fish

to make it taste superb!
Roti Protein (aka Sri Lankan Chorizo)
24. Roti Protein (aka Sri Lankan Chorizo)
This is not a common Sri Lankan food, but after devouring this burrito looking roti in Kandy I couldn’t
help from including it on this list.
It was phenomenal…and though it was all soy protein, it tasted nearly identical to Mexican pork chorizo
and eggs (more details on this to come).
Pittu – Flour and Coconut Funnel Cakes
25. Pittu – Flour and Coconut Funnel Cakes
Sri Lankan pittu funnel cakes are a combination of flour (either rice of karukan), fresh shredded coconut,
and a handful of desiccated coconut. The precious little cakes are traditionally steamed in bamboo, but
now are sometimes steamed in circular metal tubes.
After being cooked, the crumbly textured pittu cakes are served with fresh sweetened coconut milk.
Pol Roti and Potato Curry

26. Pol Roti and Potato Curry
Roti in Sri Lanka is less greasy and more of a thick tortilla like flatbread (paratha are the greasy flat-
breads).
In Sri Lanka, roti are made with freshly grated coconut, flour, water and salt. They are made into balls of
dough, flattened, and then cooked on a hot griddle. Any form of spicy curry sauce handles the task of
being the dip for a delicious pol roti!
Paratha Flatbread
27. Paratha Flatbread
What’s known as paratha in Sri Lanka is similar to a roti in Malaysian food, or an African chapati.
The greasy flaky flat-bread is melt in your mouth delicious, especially when dipped in coconut milk curry
sauce. YUM!
Sri Lankan Omelet
28. Sri Lankan Omelet
Sri Lankan omelets are loaded up with local spices like cumin and curry powder and then simmered in a
layer of oil coconut oil so it turns golden brown. Over a plate of rice and alongside some shredded
coconut garnish, a Sri Lankan omelet is heavenly.

Ulundhu Vadai
29. Ulundhu Vadai
These marvelously tasty little fritters are made from daal, combined with incredible spices, and deep fried
to crunchy perfection.
Cassava Chips
30. Cassava Chips
I was excited to see a giant street food cart filled with my favorite kind of junk food: cassava chips. I had
enjoyed countless handfuls of cassava chips while growing up in Kenya.
50 LKR ($0.45) will get you a small paper bag of salty chips at Galle Face beach in Colombo.
Deep Fried Jackfruit Seeds
31. Deep Fried Jackfruit Seeds
Another popular snack in Sri Lanka are deep fried jackfruit seeds. They are salted and served in small
paper bags made from scrap paper.
Some of the Sri Lankan street food carts and snacks even reminded me of Egyptian street food.

Deep Fried Morsels
32. Deep Fried Morsels
As you may have noticed by now, though there are many vegetarian dishes, Sri Lankan food is not all that
healthy.
On top of that, Sri Lanka is a country that loves their deep fried snacks. These snacky morsels of batter
were heavily salty and seasoned with fried curry leaves.
Coconut Roti and Chili Salt
33. Coconut Roti and Chili Salt
This little gem of a snack was purchased on the train from Colombo to Kandy. It’s basically a little piece
of coconut infused solid flat-bread topped with a marvelous flaky salty chili sauce.
It almost tasted like a Sri Lankan mini pizza.
Sri Lankan Samosas
34. Sri Lankan Samosas
From Indian food to Kenyan dishes, samosas have become a popular snack from coast to coast. Some

are filled with meat, while others are vegetarian.
Fish and Vegetable Roti
35. Fish and Vegetable Roti
The triangular looking pockets are a form of roti filled with a range of different ingredients. Fish was my
preferred filling, but there were also some nice vegetarian versions available. Instead of being deep fried
like samosas, triangle roti’s are just skillet fried.
Sri Lanka Fish Cutlet Balls and Chinese Egg Rolls
36. Sri Lanka Fish Cutlet Balls and Chinese
Egg Rolls
The Chinese egg rolls in Sri Lanka were so-so, but the fish cutlet balls (pictured above) were absolutely
wonderful. It’s like a little grenade of fish packed into a breaded ball and deep fried.
When it comes to short eats in Sri Lanka, there’s no need to go any further than the fish cutlets – they
are delicious!
Full Cream Curd and Sweet Syrup

37. Full Cream Curd and Sweet Syrup
In India, curd is often eaten with rice or mixed with something; In Sri Lanka curd is devoured drizzled
with kithul treacle - syrup made from liquid jaggery.
At first this “curd” sounded a little bizarre to me, but when I tried it, I was amazed and wanted to eat
more for every consecutive breakfast.
Sri Lankan curd tastes very similar to what I know as plain yoghurt. It’s creamy, slightly sour, and the
sweet syrup on top makes it absolutely fantastic.
Woodapple Juice
38. Woodapple Juice
Yup, the outer shell smells a bit like rotting blue cheese mixed with dirty socks. The inside of the fruit
looks a bit like diarrhea, but tastes similar to a tamarind. But hey, as a religious fan of durian, I’m not
one to judge a fruit by its shell.
Despite the looks of this wonder fruit, woodapple juice in Sri Lanka is wildly popular – and I’ll be first to
admit that it tastes pretty good when it’s blended up with some sugar!
There’s nothing better to wash down Sri Lankan food with, than a big cup of woodapple juice!
King Coconut
39. King Coconut
No component of Sri Lankan food is more vital than that holy coconut. In Sri Lanka there are many
varieties of this special fruit, including the orange colored king coconut.
These coconuts line the streets around the country and are sold just for their sweet water. Each coconut
costs from 30 – 40 LKR ($0.27 – $0.36).

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Ceylon Milk Tea
40. Ceylon Milk Tea
Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is one of the world’s leading producers of tea – no trip to the
country would be the same without multiple cups a day.
Milk tea as well as ginger tea and plain tea are all popular and widely available choices.
Sri Lankan Food
Sri Lankan food is full of spices and exciting to the taste buds. At just an average of $1 – $2 for a giant
meal, Sri Lanka is a culinary playground for sampling amazing dishes!
Have you had Sri Lankan food?
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Comments
50+ and on the Run says
November 15, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Mark, these look delicious. I admit that I haven’t tried durian yet, but one of these days…(maybe).
Thanks for the pix.
Nancy
Reply
Mark Wiens says
No problem! You’ve got to try durian sometime, and when you do, be sure to let me know
how it goes!!
Reply
David Blacker says
What, no lampreis????? Sacrilege! But seriously, you’ve missed out what I IMHO
consider to be the best Sri Lankan rice dish:
http://riceandcurry.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/lampreis-to-go-the-
dutch-burgher-union/
Also, stringhoppers! Much better than regular hoppers.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
David! Thanks a lot for sharing that – I want to go back to Colombo now
and get one of those – it looks delicious!
Wood Apple: A Fantastic Fruit with a Funky Smell
Sri Lankan Hoppers: Funny Name, Delicious Pancakes
Galle Face: Evening Stroll Down the Indian Ocean Coast of Colombo
Grandma’s Best Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

Reply
Madushanka says
December 27, 2011 at 12:47 am
Hello Mark,
I am a software engineering student in sri lanka. I checked your
web site and really happy about your sri lankan tour. I can give
you some details about our traditional foods if you like to test next
time. There are lot of traditional and very sweet foods and sweets
in sri lanka. Reply me, if you want further details. I can mail you
the details and places.
Mark Wiens says
December 28, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Hey Madushanka!
Thanks for the great comment and for checking out my site. If it’s
easier, you could definitely just share the information on this article
in the comments right here. I’m not sure when I’ll be traveling
back to Sri Lanka again, and if you share information here, it can
help everyone! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my
site. Feel free to e-mail me as well –
migrationology@gmail.com
Thanks!
Lavenia says
March 21, 2013 at 1:35 am
I am so glad so many people like sri lankan foods. I am Tamil and
i love it. My mum makes sri lankan food for a living and i love
sambol too!!!!!
But my mum sometimes makes it exxxxxtra spices. You cant hav
too much so i get told off for not eating it with parotha.
thnx
Mark Wiens says
March 21, 2013 at 8:56 am
Hi Lavenia, very cool, thanks for the comment. Mmm, home
cooked Sri Lankan food is the best ever!
Ajith says
January 28, 2014 at 1:02 pm
yep. you right David. he missed lump rice and string hoppers and a lot of
popular dishes. anyways, thanks a lot to creating this video about my
country.
Ajith
Reply
madusanka says

it’s ok friends all of us similar and similar culture,don’t be anger
each other,some comments looks like,as the south asian we are
similar,but can be some changes and differences ..they are all ok..
thanks ajith,
thanks mark,
Mark Wiens says
February 2, 2014 at 3:32 am
Thanks for the suggestions Ajith!
Jaya says
The truth about durian is that it smells hell but tastes heaven!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
You don’t like the smell Jaya? I really enjoy both the smell and taste!
Reply
Jaya says
The truth about durian is that it smells hell but tastes heaven!
Reply
inka says
You haven’t really eaten all of these dishes, have you. Of course you have. Why have you
changed the look of your website?
Reply
Mark Wiens says
It’s hard having to sample so many foods!!! I’m doing a little bit of re-design on my site
to try and improve things and also be able to go full-screen for photos. I’m going to be
tweaking things a little more and hopefully making Migrationology better!
Reply
Erin says

We love Sri Lankan food – in particular vegetarian rotis from street vendors and a big plate of rice
and vegetarian curries. We loved eating home cooked food in guesthouses – always cheap and
delicious.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Great to hear that Erin! You’re right about the home cooked Sri Lankan food. The food is
good in restaurants, but I had by far the best curries at a friend’s house with his mom
cooking!
Reply
Gladys | ByahengBarok.com says
wow! they all seem like great tasting food! the squid curry seems interesting
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks Gladys!
Reply
Maria says
I want one of each… NOW!
Truly I thought, this will be interesting and began scrolling figuring I’d find a favorite, maybe two.
No, not to be.
Each has an ingredient (food item or spice) that doesn’t appeal to me, but SINGS to me.
And now I am starving! *grin, laugh*
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Haha, thanks for the comment Maria! Hope you found something delicious to eat!
Reply
Stephen says
November 16, 2011 at 12:53 am
Looks amazing. Thanks again Mark, for covering the cuisine and countries that most people are
not!
Reply
Mark Wiens says

Thanks Stephen!
Reply
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista says
I love spice and flavor so I think I’d really enjoy Sri Lankan food! Have to admit your pictures all
made me very hungry.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Glad to hear that you also love spices – you’d definitely enjoy Sri Lankan food!
Reply
David @ Malaysia Asia says
Most awesome collection Mark! You could not have done this post better and my hats off to you.
I hope you’re thinking of coming out with a travel cook book one day
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks David – would love to come out with an international guide to food plus recipes
and a bunch of stuff – that would be a lot of fun!
Reply
Courtney Mroch says
WOW! Your photos are so awesome you page looks good enough to eat!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks a lot Courtney!
Reply
Dean says
There is nothing on this list that I wouldn’t want to it. These dishes look so delicious!
Reply

Mark Wiens says
Thanks Dean – awesome to hear that!
Reply
Michael Figueiredo says
Wow–all of this food looks incredible! Your photography really brings out the color and texture.
Yum!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Appreciate it Michael!
Reply
jenjenk says
wow – every item is more delectable as the next!!! I *love* roti!!! I could eat a pound of it at a
time!!!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Awesome Jen!
Reply
Naomi says
Aaaaaaaaaaand now I’m hungry. :9
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Get some Sri Lankan food!
Reply
robin says
Another yummy and very well researched (I’m sure it was difficult!) post
Reply

Mark Wiens says
Food research is a looot of fun!
Reply
Sophie says
Very comprehensive – and appealing – post! I hope you’re letting Sri Lanka’s tourism agency see
this; it’s wonderful advertising for the country.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks a lot Sophie! I might try to send it to them – thanks for the suggestion.
Reply
Marc d'Entremont says
As a chef who has traveled extensively, and in SE Asia, your article and photos are excellent. You
have certainly done your homework. I’ve saved this for reference.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks a lot Marc, I appreciate it!
Reply
Colleen Bowen says
Mark, outstanding work bringing those glorious photos to light. The colors are amazing. It’s so
good to learn about a food I know almost nothing about. I’d really like to visit Sri Lanka someday.
Now, even more so. Thank you for that.
Are there Durians in Sri Lanka?
Reply
Mark Wiens says
No problem Collen, I’m really glad that you like this article! Yes, in fact there is Durian in
Sri Lanka – unfortunately I didn’t try any (as it wasn’t really season and they were
expensive), but there were some at the market!
Reply
Lakmal says

Colleen, There are Durians in Sri Lanka. But this is not the season. Some peoples have
addicted to Durians because of the taste. But Some are don’t like to the smell. So visit Sri
Lanka to eat Durian.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Lakmal, when is the main season when durian is available in Sri Lanka? I
might have to make a trip back for durian season!
Reply
Supul says
May 5, 2012 at 2:22 pm
August is the best time of the year to try out some seasonal goodies,
Mark! You can try Duriyan as well as Rambutan, Mangosteen, Seasonal
mangoes, Avocados and a LOT more!!! Since it is the season, these fruits
are fairly cheap too!!!! Hope it helps!!!!!!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 6, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Thanks for sharing Supul, I’d love to return to sample some of
your suggestions in August!
Lavenia says
March 21, 2013 at 1:40 am
RAMBUTAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!
I beg everyone to try this. They sell it in our market, MK, and its
reallly good. And yh august is the best time of the year.
vimukthi says
June 6, 2013 at 9:32 pm
hi..suddenly by mistake i visited to your web site. it is superb.im a sri
lankan Undergarduate. working for mangement trainee as well as wildlife
researcher. i have seen so many tasted foods rather than you eat in my
country.I would like to share some ideas with you. and you can chat with
me via Face book.
thank you
vimukthi
Reply
Mark Wiens says
June 7, 2013 at 11:20 pm
Hi Vimukthi, great and thank you for finding my website. I would
love to return to Sri Lanka again to eat in the future!

Christy @ Ordinary Traveler says
What a timely post! We have just decided to add Sri Lanka to our itinerary next year and I really
know nothing about the country. Good to hear they have Samosas!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Awesome to hear that Christy! You guys will have a great time and get to eat some
delicious food! If you like samosas, also try the fish/chicken cutlet balls – excellent!
Reply
carly says
Wow! Those foods look absolutely delicious! I could almost eat my monitor. I’ve never had a
reason to go to Sri Lanka but now I have 40!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Awesome, thanks so much for the comment Carly!
Reply
Gutterflower says
The sweet syrup on curd is called ‘kithul treacle’. It’s liquid jaggery. Next time, try out kiri bath,
milk hoppers and seeni sambol (not at the same time though)
Lovely post. You’ve made me very homesick though!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks so much for the comment and for the tip on kithul treacle – I’ll get that into the
article. I hope and can go back to Sri Lanka soon and try more food – there’s still lots to
taste!
Reply
Dinusha says
June 13, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Just came to your site and couldn’t resist looking at this post I was about to
say try Kiribath (Milk rice) but found it here in Gutterflower’s comment That is
like one of the main sri lankan traditional food. You can eat it with “lunumiris” or
“seeni sambol ” ( fried onions with spices… so yummy) or something sweet like
jaggery or sugar…

Kithul treacle is expensive so most shops use syrup made from mix of kithul (a
palm like tree.. can’t remember the english name ..sorry.) and sugar… so it is really
hard to get real kithul treacle… the real one tastes soooooo good …
You should also try “kiri kos” which is a curry made from jack fruit but the fruit
should be ripen than the one in your jack fruit curry (we call the jack fruit curry
you have shared “polos”). it is cooked with coconut milk…
also you might like some sri lankan pickles.. which made any meal extra yummy
and add flavor.. it’s made with small onions, carrots, beans, chilli, papaya (not
ripe) and mustard , pepper and vinegar for taste…
you would also like the prawn curry cooked with coconut milk…
and also dried fish curry (cooked with coconut milk) or tempered with onions…
of course all these are very tasty when cooked at home in clay pots….
I should stop here before I go mad thinking about all these food….
Reply
Mark Wiens says
June 14, 2012 at 7:18 am
Haha, I’m getting hungry just reading your comment Dinusha, thanks so
much for sharing! Sounds like you also have a passion for food too. Makes
me want to get back to Sri Lanka now for some more eating. I think I
tried some Sri Lankan pickles before, and like you said, they were delicious
– really bursting with flavor. The prawn coconut curry sounds fantastic as
well!
Reply
Franklin says
July 22, 2013 at 11:43 pm
Kithul in English is Palmyra. It’s a palm tree like the Coconut. Both
Treacle and Jaggery is made from the extracts of both palms.
Palmyra treacle and jaggery is expensive, so to keep the price
down the two are combined to keep the price down in Sri-Lanka.
“Hope this was helpful!”
Mark Wiens says
July 26, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Thanks a lot for sharing Franklin!
sunanda karagaswewa says
October 26, 2012 at 2:17 pm
WELL done Dinusha, Next time pls introduce Mccurry products to your
guests. Its Amazing. They have two different megafactories for srilankan
authentic foods manufacturing. Pls keep it in your mind and don’t forget
to visit those outlets around the country. Any overseas demand also they
are catering at present. Therefore MC currie products are now available
whole over the worlds foods markets (MRE). cheers
Reply

Sachintha says
Good post man, you’ve made our food more interesting with a foreigner’s take on it. Next time
you come here, find the oil cakes, and other traditional sweets. (it’s called ‘kavum’ here) pretty
damn good..
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks for the advice Sachintha – I’ll definitely try the kavum next time!
Reply
Nirmal Kirtisinghe says
Hey, nice post, but one thing you made a little mistake on… Those were not broad beans. They
look like broad beans or even Brazil nuts, but they are the seeds of the jackfruit. Sri Lankans eat
jackfruit in three stages – First, before they ripen (called polos – you mentioned it in your article),
then when it’s semi-ripe, when it reaches it’s full size (we call this kos) and third as an out and out
fruit (depending on the variety, it can be either Waela or Waraka, the difference being the texture
and the taste). Of course if you’ve been to Malaysia, you’d know about their use of jackfruit as a
fruit (and something that amazed me as a Sri Lanka, a flavour of Ice Cream).
Reply
Indunil says
Nirmal, I think Kale Coconut Salad would be nice to call as Gotukola Sambal.
However, Mark, this is really a great job. I think you have a nice sharp eye and a good
sense of taste as well.
Thumbs up from here!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks for the tip Indunil, does that mean that the kale coconut salad is known as
“gotukola sambal” or “mallum?” Thanks for your help!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Nirmal!
I really appreciate your help and comment. I’m going back into the post now to make the
correction. Yah, I agree, jackfruit is such an amazing (and versatile) fruit – and it’s so
delicious in all stages. In Thailand they are famous for mango and sticky rice, but there’s
also durian and sticky rice and jackfruit and sticky rice too!
Reply

Dili says
Like Gutterflower and Sachintha said, you have to come down in April when the New Year
celebrations are on. Then you’ll really have a taste explosion with the seasonal fare. That’s when
all the really sweet stuff come out and you’ll have at least 10 more to add to the list.
Really great article Mark. Much kudos. You’ve really captured the essence of our food.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
I appreciate it Dili! I’d love to come back to Sri Lanka during the New Year – I had an
amazing time while I was there – and I’d like to eat more delicious Sri Lanka food!
Thanks!
Reply
DJ says
I think you missed Cashew (Kaju) Curry and Biriyani to name a few. Lumprise is the jewel of the
crown which has Beef, Mutton (Goat) & Chicken curry (cooked together) with many vegetable
curries as well as a cutlet, wrapped and baked in banana leaf. (Check out Bordain’s “No
reservation” Sri Lanka for more info.) The best Chinese Rolls are made with minced Lamb. ……
Now I’m hungry and homesick. Thanks Mark for the great article & fantastic photography.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks for the comment DJ! That cashew curry sounds amazing – I need try some of
that! There are definitely still many Sri Lankan foods I haven’t gotten to eat – but so far
all that I have tried have been excellent! I’m going to have to find the episode of Bourdain
in Sri Lanka. Thanks for checking out this article!
Reply
peumali says
What about Ambulthiyal? YUMMMM
Reply
Mark Wiens says
I’ve never had that – but I’d love to try it also! Thanks for the input Peumali!
Reply
Aadhil says
Great website! Can I write for you??!

Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Aadhil, thanks for the comment!
What do you write about? Do you have a blog? If you are interested in writing an article
please contact me here: http://migrationology.com/contact-me/
Thanks!
Reply
sisi says
i hope you enjoyed Sri lanka… my mother is Sri Lankan so i went to sri lanka and
visited it for the first time, and like you said, it is beautiful and the food is
amazing… luckily i get to eat it everyday and since my mom owns a Sri lankan
cafe/ restaurant in Canada…
Reply
Mark Wiens says
February 10, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Hey Sisi, thank you so much for sharing – you’re lucky!!!
Reply
ram says
April 5, 2013 at 5:33 am
Hello Sis,
Where is your mum’s restaurant located? Are you in Toronto Area?Please
let me know.It’s nothing like home made Sri lankan food.
Mark,thank you for your posts.
Reply
Menaka says
Great article Mark.
But I was surprised to see that lots of delicious and important dishes are missing from this list.
1.Kiri Bath (Milk Rice-made with country red rice ,coconut Milk and salt) a traditional dish that
every sri Lankan makes for any special occasion.Mainly for New Year.eaten with Lunu
Miris,Fish/Chicken curry and also can be eaten with Kitul (Palm) Juggary if u like sweet.My
Canadian friends’ favourite.
2.Sweetmeats like Kavum,Kokis,Aluwa,Mung Kavum,Athirasa,Pani Walalu,Kalu Dodol.Again these
are traditional dishes made for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
3.String Hoppers-made with Rice flour,salt and water eaten with Coconut Sambol,Fish/Chicken
curry, White Potato curry or Dhal curry
4.In Sri Lanka Kale is not available.So it should be corrected as “Gotukola Sambol”
5. Sambol is like a salad, the uncooked version of Mallum.
6. Pol Roti is not cooked with coconut Milk.It is made with freshly grated coconut,salt,water and

all pourpose flour and made like a dough then small portion of the dough flaten and cooked on a
griddle till ligth golden.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Awesome Menaka – thanks for taking the time to contribute this extra information! I
definitely wasn’t able to try everything in Sri Lanka, but I’m going to have to return and
eat some more! I’ll make a few corrections to the original article. Thanks again!
Reply
Aussie on the Road says
I hate you just a little bit right now. I’m starving and your fantastic photos of delicious looking
food are not helping!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Haha, thanks Chris – I know you can find some good food wherever you are!
Reply
zroob says
Now I’m in Sri-Lanka, enjoying the local food and getting fat and happy
yesterday even had a cooking class, so I can take these tastes back home.
Great post!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Haha Awesome to hear that Zroob – I think I gained a few kilos in Sri Lanka! Cool that
you got to take a cooking class too!
Reply
Ayndrie says
Hey Mark I’m a Sri Lankan. I tumbled to this article by accident. But I loved it and u got it right –
koththu is SL’s hamburghur!!!!! plus u made me really hungry!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
So good to hear this Ayndrie, thanks so much for stopping by! Kottu is delicious – I would
love some more now!

Reply
rose says
WOw! lovely images and love the foods from sri lanka
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks Rose!
Reply
Farwin @ LoveandotherSpices says
Hi Mark,
I’m a Srilankan and a food blogger now living in Dubai.So happy to see this post and it makes me
nostalgic.You were right when you said no two curries taste the same.As Srilankan muslims,we
have the same dishes with a different method of cooking.Good job!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hi Farwin, thanks for checking out this article! Cool to see your blog as well – great article
and mouthwatering photos! I’m going to be checking out some of your recipes soon! I’m
not sure if I got to try Sri Lankan Muslim style food, but I’m sure it’s equally as delicious
and I’d love to try some as well! Thanks for the input!
Reply
Gaveen says
Found this post via a link from a friend. I was delighted to see that you’ve enjoyed Sri Lankan
food like a Sri Lankan do. Most folks passing through or on a visit don’t try this much and this
wide a variety. I’m Sri Lankan and even I haven’t tasted some from this list. Well done, sir.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks a lot Gaveen, I’m really happy to hear this! I had an incredible time in Sri Lanka
and your food is awesome!
Reply
Jeewanthi says
Great job Mark…..I appreciate it….if you visit again why don’t you go to down south of the

country? where you can try best “Ambulthial”. It is a kind of fish curry, made with fresh fish, black
paper, red chilly powder, Goraka, and little bit of cinnamon and curry leaves. down south
housewives can cook the best Ambulthial ever in Sri Lanka. It’s gravy is perfect with milk rice
(Kiribath)…
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks for the comment and the recommendation Jeewanthi. Unfortunately, I ran out of
time before I got to explore everywhere I wanted to in Sri Lanka, but I’d love to return
again and spend more time in the south. That Ambulthial sounds awesome, and I’m sure
it’s really delicious when it’s home cooked. I’d love to try it!
Reply
Dinesh says
Hi Mark…you’ve done a great job…As a Sri Lankan I’m proud of you…keep it up mate….
Good Luck..
Reply
Mark Wiens says
I really appreciate it Dinesh, thanks!
Reply
Sivam Krish says
Great Initiative. Very well done. Mouth watering photos. Love the presentation of food that drives
one mad.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Awesome, thanks for checking this out Sivam!
Reply
Anuradha Jayathilaka says
mouthwatering pictures. =) loved them. You should try these the next time you go ,
1. Ambulthiyal (a kind of sour tasted fish common in the south area)
2. String Hoppers
3. Lavariya (sweetened coconut wrapped with a string hopper)
4. Kiri Bath (milk rice)
5. Kiriya (made entirely with rice flour and tastes very milky)
6. Halapa and Wandu (its a sort of cupcake wrapped in a Halapa leaf and steamed)
7. Achcharu (there are many variations, Papaw Achcharu, Malay Achcharu,.)
Reply

Mark Wiens says
Wow, thanks for taking the time to add these other Sri Lankan dishes Anuradha!
I had an incredible time eating in Sri Lanka, but I definitely didn’t get to try everything! I
hope I can return and eat some more. Thanks again!
Reply
Dinda says
you didn’t eat lumprice? it is delicious. I enjoyed ur videos.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
October 23, 2013 at 10:35 pm
Hey Dinda, nope, haven’t had that. Would love to try. Thanks!
Reply
Tira says
Dear Guy’s, you all are more than welcome to visit Sri Lanka, and visit our house for nice delicious
food and Sri Lankan hospitality at my place for Free any time.
From Dec 2012 though, sorry
here’s my e-mail nptira@gmail.com
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks Tira for the invitation! I really appreciate it and if I visit Sri Lanka again I’ll let you
know!
Reply
Tira says
Any time Mark, and thanx for your lovely comments about my country. I’m glad
you had a nice time in Sri Lanka.
Reply
Crisp says
Mark,
Cool stuff here. I’m in the south, near welligama – any tips?
Also looking for impeccable Sri lankan eating experiences in galle….

Any tips hugely appreciated.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Crisp,
I’m real sorry, I didn’t make it to Welligama and I only had time to spend 1 day in Galle,
so I ended up just snacking and eating rice and curry around the bus station.
Hope you have a wonderful time traveling in Sri Lanka!
Reply
Tira says
If you guy’s wants to know some nice places to eat around colombo.
1) Beach Wadiya – Location City: Wellawatta Beach Colombo-06, Street: Marine Drive
2) Steam Boat – Location City: Mount Laviania, Street: Beach Rd
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Cool, thanks for sharing!
Reply
Tira says
Go to “The Dinning Room” Amangalla in Galle
#10 Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle.
Tel: 0912233388
Reply
Tira says
Hi Crisp,
Go to “The Dinning Room” Amangalla in Galle
#10 Church Street, Galle Fort, Galle.
Tel: 0912233388
Reply
Tira says
I love this place called “Sambolaya”, but it’s in Havelock Rd ,Colombo.-5
Reply
Menushka says

Menushka says
Durian…Its a ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT…or HATE IT WITH EVERY FIBER IN YOUR BODY fruit…
haha…luckily, im on the love it side of things
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Awesome to hear that you are also a fan of the best fruit in the world!
Reply
Bhathiya says
you need to visit Sri lanka ,
you will get full of fun and lot of experiences with in sri lanka ….
Don’t try every thing near roods …… you will get sick..
i’m really get impressed by eating with hands , it is very Delicious try that on home…
As a sri lankan ,
Welcome you all to Sri Lanka !!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks a lot Bhathiya, I had an incredible time in Sri Lanka and would love to return
sometime for another visit!
Reply
Bhathiya says
And Don’t forget to visit to temple of tooth !!!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Yah, I wasn’t able to make it, but I know it’s one of the most important places in Kandy!
Reply
Dilshan says
U have missed “KIRI BATH” (MILK RISE)
Our MAIN MEAL on special occasions.
here is a photo of it
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JExgjuQ5KG0/TjlQyh4-
GkI/AAAAAAAAAog/OYJ77dFCRgQ/s1600/kiribath.jpg
This is maid with rise and coconut milk
Reply

Mark Wiens says
January 13, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Thanks for sharing Dilshan, yes, that’s something I missed and I need to go back to eat!
Reply
Bhathiya says
January 15, 2012 at 10:01 pm
And also “kawm” (oil cake) …
you need to taste that
here is some of them ….
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WBtNGwQ_CeE/TF5sn9MdqrI/AAAAAAAAANc/Ntpev4vzzUU/s1600/Pani+Walalu.jpg
http://lesauce.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5506b058d8834015431ed1497970c-600wi
http://www.imagelanka.com/gallery/img_originals/user_gallery_14/culture_and_religion_28/new_year_foods_20090320_1834015029.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fuiAY1-
icxg/S88J9XWxwOI/AAAAAAAABdo/B7jIExi8v7c/s320/DSC04628.JPG
and also Kottu is not our food it is from india ….
try to eat oil cake … this is also we eat with milk rice in on special occasions.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Cool, thanks for sharing that and the photos as well Bhathiya! I hope I can get back to try
some more Sri Lanka food!
Reply
Saman says
January 26, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Dear Mark
First of all thanx for visiting my country and giving their flavour to the world
I like your moto street food simple living. I have noticed many comments about Ambul Thiyal
You have to try it Down south style and their is a another dish you missed Jaadi (salted pickle fish
if iam right)
You said you have tried Kithul triklle try that with simple roti or with vaniila ice cream
Sri lanka is the stop just before the Hevan
All the best friend let us know your next trip to Paradise
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 28, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Awesome, thanks for the comment Saman!
I’ll be sure to eat Jaadi next time I’m in Sri Lanka.
Hope you are doing well and thanks again for checking out my site!
Reply

Dimitri says
Hi Mark, even though it’s not considered a “traditional” Sri Lankan dish. Some of the Chinese
restaurants in Colombo have this special Chinese-Sri Lankan dish (in the same way that General
Tso’s chicken is a Chinese-American dish) that my friends and I love. It’s not found outside SL as
far as I’m aware. It’s called hot buttered cuttlefish and in some cases it’s served deviled with
pieces of sliced capsicum. Restaurants like Chinese Dragon and Peach Valley in Colombo serve it.
There are other restaurants too. I haven’t been to Colombo for a while so ask around and see
where’s the best place to go. Also I love the lamprais (that people mentioned earlier) from either
the Dutch Burgher Hall or Green Cabin. Loved your list and photos
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks for these suggestions Dimitri! That Sri Lankan Chinese dish sounds great – would
love to try it next time I make it to Colombo. Thanks for taking a look at this article and
for the comment.
Reply
Sarajevo says
Food heaven, it really is
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Definitely!
Reply
Joan says
Hey Mark, I’m going to Sri Lanka next week feb. 13 and i’m gonna find and try all these food you
listed! Hmm i’m actually thinking of spending more time on food tripping than sight seeing
hehe…thanks for your blogs…you inspire people to travel. Love your blogs about our country
Philippines and guess what, you’ve done more than i did! Well, when i’m back there, i’m gonna
follow also your suggestions. Cheers to travellers and bloggers!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks for the comment Joan and good to hear that you’ll be visiting Sri Lanka soon. Be
sure to check out some of these other comments where people suggest some more things
to try and even some places to try them. Hope you have fun!
Awesome that you’re from the Philippines, I spent about 2 months there and absolutely
loved it. I’d love to return and do more – so much to do and see. I’m also a big fan of
Bicol Express!
Thanks again and have a fun time in Sri Lanka!
Reply

Rajitha Weeramanthri says
nice one mark..you doing a great job..you introduced lots of Sri Lankan foods to world through
this web site and from your Facebook uploads… In one comment I saw you asked what is the
season for “Durian” As I know the best and chepest time for Durian in SriLanka is the end of the
year
August-december it is a good time to Durian
also you asked gotukola mallum or gotukola sambal…bot hare correct…
Wish u all da best for your further journeys…take care…. sage journey
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thank you very much Rajitha! Good to know the durian season in Sri Lanka – hopefully I
can return during the season for a taste of Sri Lankan durian. Thanks for the comment
and for checking out my website.
Reply
Thanushka says
Mallum and Sambola are two different things. Sambola means it’a made with raw
ingredients. like shredded fresh greens, onion, coconut etc.
But to make it a “mallum” you have to cook it lightly until the leaves are slightly wilted.
Usually people use a bit of oil and sauté the shredded coconut & onion, and then add
shredded greens to it. Squeeze some lemon juice before turning off the fire.
Gotukola is usually made as a “sambola”. Which is my favorite. I make a replica of it with
Kale. But many other greens such as “kathurumurunga”, “Mukunuwenna” and other wild
greens are usually made as a “Mallum”
Reply
vemal Amos says
March 17, 2012 at 8:20 pm
hello,
i need how to make chicken rotti and veg rotti ,let me send,
thanx
vemal
Reply
Mark Wiens says
March 23, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Great Vemal! Hope they all turned out delicious!
Reply
Dini says
April 20, 2012 at 4:58 am

Hi, This is a great summary for some of the best classic Sri Lankan dishes. I hope you were able
to sample the majority of them whilst on your travels. Please can I link it to my blog, because
people ask me about the cusine and your post is a good start.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
April 20, 2012 at 8:28 am
Hi Dini, thanks a lot for reading this article. Yes, feel free to link my article as a link in your
blog. Thanks for your support!
Reply
Kali says
April 30, 2012 at 6:09 am
Hi Mark
I love sri lankan food and the way you trying is fantastic.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
April 30, 2012 at 11:34 am
Thanks Kali!
Reply
Ankie says
May 4, 2012 at 11:24 am
Great article!! AGAIN!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 5, 2012 at 12:02 am
Thanks you Ankie!
Reply
Jeevs says
May 7, 2012 at 3:00 am
Maan the pictures are killing me I can’t wait to go back home.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 7, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Thanks for taking a look Jeevs!
Reply

JPM (Lotus Artichoke) says
July 16, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Great to see all the Sri Lankan deliciousness! Thanks for posting the cool photos. I totally can’t
get enough of this stuff. Can’t wait to visit Sri Lanka someday myself. Been to South India a few
times but just need to get a few extra weeks and cross the waters.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 18, 2012 at 8:01 am
Thank you so much for taking a look at this article and glad you enjoyed it JPM. Hope you
have a chance to visit Sri Lanka soon, and I would love to visit South India as well!
Reply
aynzan says
July 28, 2012 at 5:56 am
Just returned from Sri lanka..These pictures tempt me so much that I want to go back home….
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 28, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Awesome to hear you just visited Sri Lanka. How was your trip? Were you able to eat lots
of food?
Reply
Big Mama says
July 28, 2012 at 7:53 pm
I am visiting your blog again. Just looking at those awesome Sri Lankan food tantalizes my taste
buds. I’m a foodie lover too and proud to be a Sri Lankan.
Reply
Nimali says
August 11, 2012 at 9:02 pm
i was amazed after looking at these pictures. yummy. Next time try some smooth string hoppers
with pol sambol and dhal curry or some fish curry or pol mallun. And some homemade kiribath
with lunu miris. ah, eat pol sambol and fried dry-fish (spiced with onions) with rice. that’s my
favourite. you’ll go mad if you eat them. And rice with fish curry and scraped coconut. i saw here
are lots of suggestions for you. Try them all. We like to see you visiting our country and having
these great experience. Come again to sri lanka.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
August 12, 2012 at 8:42 am
Thank you for your kind comment Nimali, I would love to return to Sri Lankan again! Next
time I will surely eat all the things you suggested, they all sound so fantastic!
Reply

Erica says
August 27, 2012 at 2:24 am
We just returned from a holiday to Sri Lanka, and fell in love with the food, its
very similar to Goan food, which is where i am from, but its got a different twist to
it. I was keen to learn more and bought a cookbook from the airport, but realised
later, than the chef used a lot of local words when he referred to his ingredients.
Have tried to find out what they mean on the internet, but only got a few
common ones. Would you have any idea where i can get a glossary of names of
fruits and veggies that are local there so i can start cooking?
tks a ton
Reply
Julee says
September 8, 2012 at 3:14 am
Hi Mark,
I was so happy to have come across your page on Sri Lankan foods BEFORE I went and tried as
many as I could. I just got back recently….a few pounds heavier I have to admit that I didn’t
like the woodapple juice though. By the way, I also love your videos on YouTube – you might
want to add the links to the egg hopper and woodapple ones to this page.
….and if when you go back to Sri Lanka (’cause I know you will), you have to try the seafood in
the south. I had prawns that were as long as the length between my wrist and my elbow and they
were absolutely deeelicious….and so were the crabs!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
September 8, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Hi Julee, thank you very much for sharing and it’s so good to hear that you had a fun trip
to Sri Lanka and were able to eat so much delicious food. I’ve been meaning to go back in
the article and add more content that has since published, but just havent yet, will do
soon – thanks for the reminder. Wow, those prawns sound amazing, makes me want to
go back to Sri Lanka now!
Reply
Spanish Translator @latinAbroad says
WOW — this is quite the list Mark! I’ve been itching to try some Sri Lankan food, but
unfortunately, there are no restaurants nearby my flat. are the spices similar to Indian or slightly
different?
either way, as I looked at this picture’s, I could smell the curry aroma… Oh my God… *melts*
- Maria Alexandra
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Maria, thanks for checking this article out. Sri Lankan food I think is closely similar to
southern Indian food, yet still quite a bit different. I haven’t been to India yet, so I’m not
fully sure of the exact ingredients that would be different. Do you have plans to visit Sri
Lanka sometime? The food is wonderful, I know you’d enjoy it! Hope you can find some
Sri Lankan food soon!

Reply
Ramon says
I’m making a list as we speak. I hope to try at least half of these during my time in Sri Lanka next
month!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Excellent Ramon, you’ll enjoy it!
Reply
Wendy says
September 26, 2012 at 7:05 am
I will take my time to read all the articles.
I will be travelling to Sri Lanka for my 2nd visit in Nov.
I loved my first trip and also loved the food.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thank Wendy, great to hear you’ll be returning to Sri Lanka. It’s also one of the most
amazing places I’ve been! Have a great trip!
Reply
Champ says
Awesome. I’m a Sri Lankan and even I feel hungry for the way you have described.
Ambul Thiyal (fish slowly baked on low fire in a paste of spices)
Pumpkin Curry
Wambatu Moju
Malay Achcharu (An appetizer)
Mango Curry
Ash Plantain Curry
String Hoppers deserve a separate section.
Sprat curry/ Sprat fried
Are some of my faves that you should try.
Take Care
Reply
Champ says

Not to mention the utterly yummilicious prawn curry / cuttle fish curry and the prawn
wadey (isso wadey) ]
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Champ, thank you for these extra suggestions! My mouth is now watering just
remembering all this Sri Lankan food and these suggestions you’ve mentioned. I hope to
return sometime for more food!
Reply
Indira says
String hopper pilaf and Lump rie need to be mentioned don’t forget to try Love cake and
bibikkan Sri Lankan coconut cake…
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thanks Indira!
Reply
Chitra Perez says
October 19, 2012 at 6:02 am
Wonderful website and video on Colombo (and the food of course!). I really like your
commentaries too, they are informative and accurate! The Colombo video really took me on an
emotional trip down memory lane as it has been almost 39 years since I left as a small girl. We
are going back for the first time in November and your articles and videos now have got me
jumping out of my skin with excitement. Thank you!!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hello Chitra, thank you so much for stopping by, and I’m so glad you enjoyed my articles
and videos. It’s so great to hear that you are going back for a visit soon. Hope you have
an incredible trip, all the best, and be sure to enjoy some wonderful food for me!
Reply
Chanaka_Pradeep says
io sono cingalese di origine ,tra una settimana parto e vado in Sri Lanka non vedo l’ora di provare
ogni varietà di frutta tra cui le mini banane rosse e il coconut ,poi a merenda mangiare l’hopper
accompagnato da un bicchiere di Ginger beer e dimenticavo un dolce che mi fa impazzire è il
wattalapam nessuno di voi l’ha provato è una sorte di budino con la nota della noce moscata

Reply
Swedish in Berlin says
I had Sri Lankan food for the first time today at a restaurant in Berlin. It was soo good and I
would really like to go back to try it out more. Thanks for a great post – I will look at it next time,
so I understand a bit more about the food in the menu
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey, that’s great to hear you enjoyed it so much! Hope you can get some more delicious
Sri Lankan food soon!
Reply
Dilushika says
WOW….! This article is awesome.
I’m a Sri Lankan. Even all these food are very normal to me, I also felt hungry while reading your
descriptions. Now i’m drinking some Woodapple Juice, & amazingly I can enjoy it’s taste more
than normal… Thank u for the information Mark.. & also “GREAT GREAT PHOTOS” This was
very helpful for my project… Tc
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Dilushika! Thank you very much for checking out this article, and glad you enjoyed it!
Woodapple juice sounds great!
Reply
Aruna says
Dear Mark,
Your presentations are amazing regarding Sri lanka. and your ambessidorship is highly
appreciated. Thank you very much. merry christmas and happy new year
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thank you very much Aruna, I really appreciate you checking this out. Merry Christmas to
you as well!
Reply
Sonja says
January 28, 2013 at 12:21 am

These dishes looks so delicious, have to go to Sri Lanka soon. Thanks for this article.
Reply
Ilham Shiraz says
My contribution for this post
http://www.blog.ilhamfx.com/5-awesome-sri-lankan-food/
Reply
Farill Farook says
Hi Mark,
great article…
We would like to publish this article on our magazine Colombo Things to Do with full credits to
you. hope this is ok…Await your feedback asap.
cheers!
Farill Farook
Reply
Valeriy says
Dear Mark, thanks for interesting information about Sri Lankan food! I translated it into Russian
(with links to your site): http://lanka.ru/traveller/cuisine/
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Valeriy, cool to see that, thank you!
Reply
Lahiru says
next time if u travel here let me know…u will have more delicious traditional foods
Thankx
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Lahiru, thanks a lot, would love to visit again, will let you know!
Reply
Lahiru says

U Must visit again our country , because u have missed more food
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Lahiru, I hope to visit again!
Reply
wildrose says
Lovely Sri Lankafood images..mouth watering and thanks for sharing!
Please visit my blog too when you are free…you can have some sri lankan recipes and
food images.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hi, thanks a lot for stopping by, glad you enjoyed this article!
Reply
Shreeja N says
April 2, 2013 at 1:35 am
Tempting! Sri Lankan cuisine is a bit similar to cuisines from Kerala and Tamil Nadu! You have put
out a delicious spread here! All pictures look great!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
April 2, 2013 at 9:57 am
Thank you very much for checking this out Shreeja. Are you from South India?
Reply
Andrew says
April 6, 2013 at 8:46 pm
Hey good site, but what about fresh mango slices with chilli powder and salt?
This is served as a street food in a twist of newspaper and tastes fantasic.
Also the spicy cashew nuts sold on the street.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
April 8, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Hey Andrew, thanks for your extra suggestions. I did have quite a fee mangoes in Sri
Lanka and they were wonderful!

Reply
amiazhar says
April 29, 2013 at 5:04 pm
wow! im so happy that you had a great time in srilanka and yes enjoyed the food…we have all
these curries like every week for lunch! and im kinda fed up of it but its great to know that
people from other countries enjoy eating srilankan food got a sudden urge to visit another
country and experiment on different food,its usually the fun part!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 2, 2013 at 8:20 am
Hey, yah, I really enjoyed Sri Lankan food and especially all the curries. Hope you can do
some traveling in the future, food really is one of the best reasons to travel!
Reply
rajith says
May 8, 2013 at 12:22 am
Wow………………… Great job Mark…………….
Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 8, 2013 at 9:40 am
Thanks Rajith!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 10, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Thank you Rajith!
Reply
Sanjeewa says
July 4, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Good stuff Mark!
I’m a Sri Lankan and most of these are part of my meals on a daily basis, yet your photos and
descriptions makes me wanna dive right into a cheese kottu now!
You must try string hoppers, String hopper kottu and lamprais too. Therese items would surely
make the article more tasty!
Cheers!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 9, 2013 at 8:59 pm

Hello Sanjeewa, thank you very much! You come from a country with such amazing food.
Thank you for the other suggestions, I want to come back to Sri Lanka for lots more
food!
Reply
Dush says
July 18, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Oho so much mouth watering and also must say how come u missed string hoppers, potato curry
with pol sambola.
Good work
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 22, 2013 at 9:04 am
Thanks a lot Dush!
Reply
rebecca says
July 18, 2013 at 5:48 pm
im from Kandy, Sri Lanka and love all these dishes so much. there is a shop down my street that
does a small mix of things im sure you will like it, they take a vegetable roti and a egg roti cut
both in to about 6 pieces and just put some chicken gravy on top it is heavenly specially on the
cold day. and like everyone says stringhoppers with chicken curry,pol sambol and kiri hodi is
something you have to try.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 22, 2013 at 9:04 am
Thanks a lot Rebecca, that sounds absolutely delicious. I hope to visit again!
Reply
Vineetha says
July 19, 2013 at 5:53 pm
Oh……………You have definitely left out the Sri LAnkan CRAB CURRY…….with String hoppers and
Pol sambol……………
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 22, 2013 at 8:59 am
Hey Vineetha, mmmmm that sounds amazing, I didn’t get to have any crab curry, but I’d
love some!
Reply

Priyadarshi says
July 21, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Hi Mark,
I visited your website when I googled to find a recipe from my own cuisine! Ha ha I have
forgotten. Now I feel hungry for my Sri Lankan food. I missed them so much. Specially my mum’s
and aunty’s cooking. Thank you everyone for all nice comments about our food.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 22, 2013 at 8:52 am
Hey Priyadarshi, thanks for checking this out, Sri Lankan food is so good!
Reply
Gillian Careem says
July 22, 2013 at 6:50 am
Amazing foods, amazing pics. You can almost “taste” these delicious dishes. Do these dishes come
with recipes? Where can I get recipes for the foods listed?
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 22, 2013 at 8:47 am
Thank you Gillian! So far I have only made a recipe for pol sambol which you can find on
this site. But if you do some searching I’m sure some others have made recipes!
Reply
basheer omar says
July 22, 2013 at 3:17 pm
Thanks God one
Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 26, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Thanks Basheer!
Reply
Kumudini K says
July 27, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Mark! I think what you’re doing is wonderful! To be able to live to your desire of travelling is truly
the highest blessing one could be bestowed upon with! But you have not included isso wadeeiii!!!
That’s a heavenly food item and probably only here that you get it! I am a hard core fan of it
being Sri Lankan myself! It’s basically a patty with prawns on top. A deep friend and given at the
beaches usually! I cant imagine how you missed it if you went to Nana’s atthe galle face. There
are so many carts which sell them down that stretch! And I am telling you others who are
planning on visiting Sri Lanka, our street food hardly gives you diarrhoea So i say come enjoy
peoples!
much love to everyone!

Reply
Mark Wiens says
July 28, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Hey Kumudini, great to hear from you and thank you for checking out my blog. You know
I saw that many times and somehow I was always just too full to try it, don’t know why I
missed it, but I definitely remember seeing it. Next time I will surely eat it! I agree, street
food in Sri Lanka is fantastic!
Reply
izzy says
August 1, 2013 at 10:57 pm
hey mark i love your article and the pictures made me want to jump through my
computer screen and eat everything! as a sri lankan i think youve pictured many of
my most fave foods. and if you would like recipes to a lot of dishes you tried in SL
i highly recomend Malini’s kitchen.all the recipes are submitted by people and there
are curries,desserts and everything under the sun that is sri lankan. if you would
like to cook some more Sri Lankan foods try it out.great website
Reply
Mark Wiens says
August 7, 2013 at 10:15 am
Hey Izzy, thank you very much for the comment and for checking out this
article. Thanks for the recipes website, I have checked that out and there
are so many tempting things to cook. Sri Lankan food is so delicious!
Thanks again!
Reply
dongfuongbatbai says
August 5, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Very interesting
Reply
Mark Wiens says
August 7, 2013 at 9:59 am
Thank you!
Reply
Ruby says
August 6, 2013 at 11:56 am
Would it be possible to get any of these recipes? I’ve been trying to find recipes for these dishes.
Reply
Hiranya Chandrasehar says
August 17, 2013 at 12:38 pm

Hi Mark!
Just happened to come across this article on facebook…and was really happy to see that no.24
the Soy Rotti is indeed from our family business in Kandy! The shop is “The Soya Centre” and we
specialize in a variety of natural soy based products!
Please do come again! we’d love to have you and thank you for your lovely review
Regards,
Hiranya
Reply
Mark Wiens says
August 21, 2013 at 1:14 am
Hello Hiranya, great to hear from you and that’s awesome that that’s from your business.
It was amazing, I loved it. When I go back to Kandy I will surely return for some delicious
Soy Rotti!!
Reply
RJ says
Here are some things that you absolutely haveeeeee to tryyyy:
1. Biriyani
2. Pol pani pancakes
3. Chicken/cuttle fish devil
4. Lamprais
5. Love cake and Christmas cake
6. SL tamil food – like the masala dosas and sambar
7. Wattalapam
8. Nasi Goreng (SL manner)
9. Rambutan, mangosteen, waraka, jambu (i think)
10. Assorted drinks like avocado, passion fruit, etc
11. Stuffed chilli curry
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey RJ, thank you for all these other delicious suggestions, sound wonderful. I really want
to return to Sri Lanka!
Reply
Niki says
Mmmmm…looks yummy, it should be healthy as they use lot of spices. is it hot?
can any white person have? I love to travel Sri Lanka as its a nice country with lot
of food varieties? have you tried all?
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Niki, food is a little spicy, but not too much. I think you’ll enjoy it!
Reply

Sarmilan says
Hi Mark,
Just came cross this article on Google, you have covered lots of Authentic food of SL, thank you
for that.
Another food you may want to try is called “Odiyal Cool”. this is stew type of food, where full of
unique flavours, Odiyal is a type of flour comes from Palmarah tree. if interested try this link. t
http://serendib.btoptions.lk/article.php?issue=2&id=21
SL also famous for Blue crabs, where crispy crabs or even these get added to this Odiyal Cool
along with fish, prawns, fish heads, salt fish, jackfruits, seeds, etc..
As Sri Lankan food is not well known as India or thai food, so i take this opportunity to say thank
you for doing this article.
Thanks
Sarm
Reply
Mark Wiens says
October 12, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Hey Sarm, great thank you for sharing, that looks tasty!
Reply
Roshen Desilva says
Dear Brother Mark
Are you a mixed SriLankan? It an amazing to watch your website, I am wondering that how you
created this. You have spent years for that. Highly appreciate your great effort and hard works
too. I am very proud of being a SriLankan and I was so happy when you were preparing
SriLankan cuisines and eating them.
I am really happy of you
Please keep your continue love for SriLanka and support for it’s tourism industry also
I know personally there is a big respect for people like you from Ministries of Economic
Development and Tourism in SriLanka
Please link with them, you may go for a long term execution
When you are going to SriLanka again? Because the people are waiting ti hug you
May triple gems
Brother Roshen from Qatar
Reply
Mark Wiens says
October 23, 2013 at 10:38 pm
Hello Roshen, great to hear from you and thank you so much for your kind words about
my site. I’m not sure when I will go back to Sri Lanka again, but I really hope I can in the
future!
Reply

Tom says
Hey Mark;
Just started looking at your site as I was checking out Sri Lankan food in anticipation of a Feb ’14
trip. The food looks incredible and makes me want to leave even sooner, but Mexico is between
now and then. Started to look over the rest of your site and from the way you travel, you are a
kindred soul. My wife and I have been going non-stop for about 7 years. Sri Lanka is a place we
have wanted to go for years. Thanks for getting my taste buds revved up!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Tom, thanks for checking out my site, and great to hear that you’re on your way to
Sri Lanka next year. It’s still one of my favorite countries I’ve visited. Have a great time in
Mexico!
Reply
Reem says
Thanks a lot
Reply
Mark Wiens says
You’re welcome Reem, thank you for checking it out!
Reply
madusanka says
January 1, 2014 at 2:19 am
thanks mark ..
and there are lot of foods in our villages and they are not famous..i have got some of them.and
these are very famous in our country.i think lot of foods in sri lanka. “kola kedha”and “hath
maluva” as exaples ..but if you want to eat tasty foods i think you better to go for the rural areas
in si lanka then you will find lot….see you..come again to sri lanka
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Great, thank you for sharing. I hope to visit Sri Lanka again in the future to taste more
delicious food!
Reply
Kanchana says

Thank for bring my home country foods online
Reply
Mark Wiens says
You’re welcome Kanchana!
Reply
Raji says
Thank you mark for making me realize that i have eaten more than 40 to 50 Sri Lankan food… My
mouth is watering.. for last 5 years I am studying in abroad not many of those dishes i get to eat
everyday… Thank you.. All the best.. If you have plan to visit Korea let me know
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 27, 2014 at 11:07 am
Hey Raji, you’re welcome, thank you for checking this out. Great, will let you know if I
visit Korea!
Reply
Amrita says
January 23, 2014 at 12:12 pm
Don’t forget Sri Lankan Ice Coffee.. delish! When I was in the US, and I ordered iced coffee, i was
given a black coffee with ice cubes! Unfortunately, that is not the same as the creamy goodness
that is ice coffee.. truly a drink worth mentioning!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 27, 2014 at 11:07 am
Hey Amrita, great thanks for the suggestion, would love to try it!
Reply
Charlene says
As much as it’s awesome that you’ve tried to put together the top 40 best foods of Sri Lanka I
have to comment that it isn’t as close to the ‘best’ … I mean vadei? Really? That’s not even Sri
Lankan! And if you are gonna list kotthu I think vegetable kottu doesn’t deserve a spot on your
40!
Is there a reason you’ve gone as far as fish, veg, chicken and prawn in your list?? Have you ever
tried the black pork curry?? Jaffna crab curry? Pulled pork sandwiches? Hot battered cuttlefish? All
of which I’m sure if you’ve tried would be on your top 10!
How about the chutneys and pickles? If dhala curry has made it to the list I’m sure you’ll agree
that the above mentioned should be in too!!

As for beverages … A lion beer is a classic and that’s a big Sri Lankan win don’t you think?
I don’t mean to criticize you .. But I just think your missing the core of the best Sri Lankan
foods!!
Dude you’ve missed out if you haven’t eaten anything of what I’ve mentioned … Visit Sri Lanka
again and make sure to get in touch with someone who can show you the real taste of Sri Lanka!
Good luck!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 27, 2014 at 11:06 am
Hey Charlene, thank you so much for the extra food suggestions. Sri Lanka was one of
the best countries I’ve ever visited, and I hope to go back again in the future to eat more
and take your suggestions, thanks!
Reply
Vijitha says
Mark after watching this you tempt me to eat some Sri Lankan food today, I have to drive 25
miles one way to my nearest Sri Lankan resturant and I am going to go there now, bye the way I
live 29 miles out of London.
Keep up your good work buddy
Reply
madusanka says
see,but we have endemic and special foods.im talking about kottu or modern foods,but
our real sri lankan foods target to make a healthy and strong person.kola kedda is a one
example.there are lot of types,lot of midical plants,as the result of this.our nation said to
be the kada varu…and there are lot of examples.a food need to help for the health and
tasty also..
Reply
madusanka says
i’m not talking about medicine but,some foods had a mixture of medical
plants,that mean about health.cause kottu has not much health effects for us..but
some what..
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 27, 2014 at 11:05 am
Hey Vijitha, haha great to hear that, hope it was delicious!
Reply
T says
January 24, 2014 at 12:55 pm

Hey Mark,
I’m not sure if someone has pointed this out already (there are too many comments for me to
read through!), but Kottu is NOT made of paratha! It is made of a different, thinner roti called a
Godamba Roti.
Great post, do come back and try what you’ve missed out!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 27, 2014 at 10:58 am
Hey T, ok great thank you for sharing that! I had a wonderful time in Sri Lankan and I
hope to return in the future!
Reply
Manoj Siriwardena says
January 25, 2014 at 10:18 am
Heyyyyyyyyyy no.14 is actually sini sambol (litterally sugar sambol)! its not egg plant curry…its
basically sliced onions fried with sugar and cinnamon and an assortment of spices. Tastiest shit
EVER!
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 27, 2014 at 10:55 am
Hey Manoj, ok cool, thanks for sharing. Yes that’s so tasty!
Reply
Shenali says
I’m a Sri Lankan who’s studying away from home right now, and this just made me get so
nostalgic
Thanks for this!
And I’m really glad you enjoyed my country and the things it has to offer, food included!
Funniest thing is I saw your video a long while ago, and im just seeing this post now.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
January 27, 2014 at 10:52 am
Hey Shenali, thank you for checking this out. I had such a great time visiting your country.
Hope you can go back soon for a visit and to eat!
Reply
madusanka says
sorry,this is for the reply..this topic has missed by anyone,roti is the name of indian.but
real ancient name was “Thalapa”.as examples kurakkan thalapaya,mun thalapaya,and I
need to say another thing,asins ..xpecialy the sri lankan Use the corn flour,and kurankan
flour,Udu grant(uludu in india).so can be a similarity as the declining of lot of foods their
fame.but I can say south indian food don’t have much coconut that mean coconut with

the coconut milk.I tasted but I learn that.but I like to say don’t decide the foods with
Sywer(road hotels made of the indian influence) hotels,cause those hotels have lot of
culture,not only indian also chinese,wetern and lot of them.but Like These foods cause I
don’t have any anger with any culture and respect their foods and very taste. but I think
we
have a spesific.kottu roti godhamba has modern culture. and godhamba,paratha don’t
have much coconut milk.but
thalapaya(ancient name).I could heard this from a book. but as some foods don’t insult
for the traditional food in
Sri lanka.and Sri Lankan foods are really different, but can see influence not only in India
but also various culture.
and some of them were modern famous I think so,but I have seen a same thing of south
asia,lot of them like
spicy food…the other thing is godamba roti,paratha has not coconut mixture. but can see
coconut farina(dust).but
in the ancient it had real coconut milk, so there was good healthy and wholesome,todays
foods are going with
economy not with health(mostly),so godhamba is tasty but not much healthfull,cause both
these facts are
important, that’s how food to be great…though I like lot of foods in this post.,cause they
are good.I think some of them was unable to understand about the different between
foods and political reasons. but i don’t remind about anything when I eat something.
I can tell firstly learn about history before talking or debating about food. Food is not only
for any nation or culture it’s only for our life to live,and don’t argue like this..cause it’s not
good for our organs specialy for the digestant.food culture going with admixture as the
globle situation or cultural reasons, and lot of them like to find new and different tastes.
and these foods are related for lot of cultures.and I respect these cultures.and Sri lanka is
a free and open and beautifull country,all belong to this culture,but I don’t like political
revenge.cause some of them try to change sri lankan culture,I can give list of main and
endimic foods of sri lanka,ok think if you are in India,there are lot of chinese foods and
many of them like,how can be the indian food culture related for the china.
that is the willing and selections are given by the people.lot of them like to taste the other
and new influenced foods comes from anywhere.
I like your replies,and Idiappan in S.indian and IDI Appa(Idiyappa).and but both these
make in different ways.but I think and agree a little similar,but totally real sri lanka food
depend on the spices and something like that.yes I like south indian foods but can’t eat
much,cause those are not use much coconut milk and lot spices but too much water
….some of them say make stomachache,and heard lot of them don’t eat when they are
any special moment like a sports,cause too much spices and water is not good for the
foods,specialy for the players.(sport)..I’m sorry if you couldn’t understand.but don’t be
anger I told truth and ..never say south Indian foods are bad.but the matter is too much
spices,it makes lot of diseases. So don’t eat much spicy foods.
Thanks mark,
I think we need to thank for your dedication, finding for lot of important information for
us.and I like your post. well done,and you give us meaningful things always..100%.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Hey Madusanka, thank you so much for your comment and all the great
information. I had a wonderful time eating in Sri Lanka, would love to return and
learn more about the food!
Reply
Near says
I’m really glad that you visited Sri Lanka and enjoyed this beautiful country and its delicious food.
As a Tamil, I am very glad that you go through the north of the country (Jaffna).

Finally someone who discovers the entire country.
(sorry my english is not really good)
Reply
Near says
And if you want to try more things I can advise you: (except if you already have tasted):
Dosai
Idli (I personally don’t like but try)
Idiyappam
Wattapalan
Reply
Thanushka says
If you like a replica of the Gotukola salad, Try kale.. (it’s not the exact same thing but close).
Using a sharp knife Shred fresh 4 Kale leaves (cut off the stems). Add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup
thinly sliced red Onion, 1 thinly sliced pepper of your choice (I use serrano pepper), 1/4 cup
shreaded coconut (optional), Salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything by hand and try with
steamed rice and a meat curry.
Reply
Mark Wiens says
Thank you Thanushka, that sounds great!
Reply
Viragi says
Hi Mark,
Your great work on Sri Lankan food made me homesick.I am in US temporarily and right now
thinking of tasty dishes my mother makes esp.the jack fruit curry(polos),a favorite of mine.
Thank you so much for appreciating my country and it’s people.
Reply
Sonam says
Dear Mark,
I wanted you to suggest me at least 20 main course “fusion cuisine” menu for an eco-friendly
restaurant in Sri Lanka which also uses the local products. It would be really appreciated. Thanks a
ton!
Reply
Piyumi says
March 17, 2014 at 5:43 pm
Hi Mark,

Great piece of work..! you missed “Kokis” (one of Sri Lankan sweets) my favorite. Kokis are deep
fried, made from Rice floor, Coconut milk, sugar and salt (some people add eggs). we use some
molds to get the shape of Kokis. Try once..you would love to have again. (I love home made
Kokis, we prepare Kokis for our Traditional Sinhala New Year Festival in April).
http://www.foodcnr.com/2011/12/kokis-rosette-cookiesrice-cookies.html
Reply
Mark Wiens says
March 20, 2014 at 7:46 am
Hey Piyumi, thank you so much, and for the extra tip as well, sounds great!
Reply
Joey Perera says
April 13, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Hi Mark,
I am from Sri Lanka. I already sent you a mail as well. Don’t you like to visit here and learn more
about Sri Lankan Food?
Reply
Mark Wiens says
April 20, 2014 at 8:42 pm
Hey Joey, thank you for the message. Yes, would love to visit Sri Lanka again!
Reply
Chathuni Ravinga says
April 29, 2014 at 4:06 pm
Helloooo!! I am a student lived in Sri Lanka and I have studied there.But now sadly I am in
Australia….I found this website through searching Sri Lankan food delacacies for my food
technology assessment….I love Sri Lankan food even I am not now in there…Love you Sri Lanka…
I am so proud to be a SRI LANKAN..!!Thank you for enjoying our cultural foods and sharing them
with the world…even our country is soo small..
Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 4, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Hey Chathuni, great to hear from you and thank you for reading this. I really enjoyed
visiting your country and loved the food!
Reply
Sonya says
May 5, 2014 at 12:35 am
Hi Mark, thanks for this site! I’m a Tamil Srilankan living in the States. You brought back lots of
memories of the delicious food I grew up eating. I showed the videos to my kids especially the
traditional way of making Kottu roti. My kids help make it at home and now they want the steel
‘choppers’

Reply
Mark Wiens says
May 8, 2014 at 9:20 am
Hey Sonya, very cool, thank you for sharing, and glad this brought back food memories.
Those steel choppers are awesome!
Reply
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Discovering Sri Lankan cuisine, one dish at a time | Anita's Feast says:
[...] of just how diverse these traditions can be, check out this list of blogger Mark Wien’s list
of Sri Lanka’s 40 best dishes! Several of the dishes listed here feature on Abi’s healthy-eating
blog. Vegetarian dishes from [...]
Reply
31 Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka says:
March 14, 2013 at 10:38 am
[...] Sri Lankan food is both tasty and filling. You’ll find kottu, fried rice, a host of random
curries and a bunch of deep fried snacks. [...]
Reply
SLK food | paradise-fanwenting says:
March 15, 2013 at 1:58 pm
[...] Sri Lankan food is bit of similiar whit south indian food, but it remains distinctly its own
form of cuisine. People there love different spices, fish and coconuts are two of the most
influential components of Sri Lankan cuisine.Rice and curry is the Sri Lankan staple, though
various kinds of flat bread are equally common.
(http://migrationology.com/2011/11/sri-lankan-food-40-of-the-islands-best-
dishes/) [...]
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PHOTO: Pakistani Pakora says:
May 10, 2013 at 9:00 pm

[...] pakora is a deep fried fritter included in Indian food, Sri Lankan food, and Pakistani food
in a variety of [...]
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Dimapur's Local Fresh Market in Nagaland says:
May 28, 2013 at 9:00 pm
[...] similar to the cobra chili that’s used in Sri Lankan food, but the Naga king chili is quite a
bit [...]
Reply
There | thesnorkeway says:
June 1, 2013 at 4:37 pm
[...] fish, some veggies and a coconut thing aside – and its spicy! Mine looked like the Fish
Curry here – just with a piece of chicken instead of fish. Locals would eat it with the right
hand [...]
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PHOTO: Drying Fish in Sri Lanka says:
June 21, 2013 at 9:00 pm
[...] is very common in Sri Lankan food, and one way to preserve it is by drying [...]
Reply
NAGALAND FOOD-By Megomenuo and seyielhounuo | inni75mo says:
[…] meat (either dry or pork with bamboo shoots), boiled vegetables, and spicy chili sauces.
Just like Sri Lankan food or Indian food, meals are eaten with your […]
Reply
7 Super Photo Shots from Migrationology says:
[…] The reason this this photo makes me laugh and smile is because even though these little
guys look small and friendly, I figured out after eating them that they are
actually lethally fierce – and they were so delicious along with Sri Lankan food! […]
Reply
Good Morning Jaffna: Shadows of the Civil War in Northern Sri Lanka says:
[…] I stepped into the sweltering hole in the wall restaurant, ducking to avoid hitting my
head and in just a few minutes I was sipping on a steamy cup of milk tea and munching
down a pile of parathas and pol sambola – 2 of my favorite Sri Lankan dishes. […]
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Sri lankan food 40 of the island's best dishes

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