Sri Lankan rice and curry is a delicious and heartwarming meal that reflects the country’s rich culture and traditions. A plate of soft, steaming rice is served with a variety of curries, each filled with different flavors. You can enjoy creamy dhal curry, spicy chicken or fish curry, and many vegetable curries cooked with coconut milk and fragrant spices. Fresh side dishes like pol sambol, made with grated coconut and lime, and katta sambol, a spicy chili mix, add extra taste. Every bite is a mix of spice, sweetness, and freshness, making it a special experience. Whether you eat it in a small village home or a local restaurant, Sri Lankan rice and curry is more than just food. It’s a way to feel the warmth and hospitality of the island.
1. Yellow Rice
Yellow rice is a special Sri Lankan rice, often made for celebrations and special meals. It gets its bright yellow color from turmeric and is cooked with coconut milk, pandan leaves, cardamom, and cloves. This gives it a soft, creamy texture and a nice, warm taste. Yellow rice is usually eaten with curries, fried chicken, boiled eggs, and crispy papadam. Its beautiful color and delicious smell make it a favorite dish in Sri Lanka. If you visit, make sure to try this tasty and special rice.
2. Sri Lankan Red Rice & White Rice
In Sri Lanka, rice is an important part of daily life. There are two main types: red rice and white rice. Red rice has a rich color and a slightly nutty taste. It is very healthy and has been eaten in Sri Lanka for many years. It goes well with traditional curries, soaking up the delicious coconut and spice flavors. White rice is softer and has a mild taste. It is often eaten every day and is a perfect match for Sri Lankan dishes. Whether you try a simple home-cooked meal or eat at a local restaurant, Sri Lankan red and white rice will give you a true taste of the country’s food and culture.
3. Lamprais
Lamprais is a traditional Sri Lankan dish that combines rice, meat, and flavorful spices, all wrapped in a banana leaf. The rice is cooked with special spices, and the meat, usually cubed chicken is cooked with curry spices and sometimes fried. It also includes a golden boiled and fried egg, crispy ash plantain, tangy brinjal moju, irresistible fish culet and spicy prawn blachan for added taste. The ingredients are wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed, giving it a unique aroma and delicious flavor. Lamprais is a hearty and tasty meal, perfect for special occasions. If you want to enjoy high-quality lamprais in Sri Lanka, you can visit The Fab, a well-known shop that also sells cakes and short eats. They have many branches all over Sri Lanka.
To order : https://thefab.lk/
4. Dhal Curry (Parippu)
Parippu, or Sri Lankan dhal curry, is a favorite dish in Sri Lanka. It is made from red lentils cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, garlic, and spices. The curry is smooth and creamy, with a mild, slightly sweet taste. Mustard seeds and curry leaves give it a warm and rich flavor, and sometimes a little chili is added for a gentle spice. Parippu is usually eaten with rice, roti, or hoppers, and it mixes well with other curries. It is a simple but delicious dish that brings comfort and warmth, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Sri Lanka.
5. Pol Sambol
Pol sambol is a popular Sri Lankan side dish full of flavor. It is made with fresh grated coconut, chili, lime juice, onions, and Maldive fish flakes. It has a mix of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet tastes. The fresh coconut makes it light, while the chili adds a little heat. People eat pol sambol with rice, hoppers, roti, or even bread. It makes every meal more delicious. If you like spicy food or want to try something new, pol sambol is a must-try when you visit Sri Lanka!
6.Sri Lankan Chicken Curry
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry, called Kukul Mas Curry, is a tasty dish you must try when visiting Sri Lanka. It is made with chicken, coconut milk, and special spices like curry powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The chicken is cooked until soft and full of flavor.This curry has a rich and slightly spicy taste, making it both comforting and exciting. It is usually eaten with steamed rice, string hoppers , or coconut roti .Whether enjoyed at a local eatery or a fine-dining restaurant, this flavorful curry is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.. No matter where you try it, Sri Lankan Chicken Curry will be a meal to remember.
7. Sri Lankan Polos Curry
Sri Lankan Polos Curry is a tasty dish made from young jackfruit. The jackfruit is cut into small pieces and cooked with spices, coconut milk, and roasted curry powder. It has a soft, meaty texture and a rich, slightly spicy flavor. The curry also includes onions, garlic, mustard seeds, cinnamon, and pandan leaves, which make it very aromatic. Polos Curry tastes even better when cooked in a traditional clay pot (Dara Lipa), as it gives a smoky, deep flavor. This delicious dish is usually eaten with steamed rice, coconut sambal, or dhal curry and is a must-try for anyone who loves Sri Lankan food.
8. Sri Lankan Cashew Curry
Sri Lankan Cashew Curry is a tasty and creamy dish made with cashew nuts and coconut milk. The cashews are cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and spices like cinnamon and curry powder. The coconut milk makes the curry creamy, and the spices give it a nice, mild heat. This delicious curry is usually served with steamed rice, roti, or string hoppers. Cashew Curry is a popular vegetarian dish in Sri Lanka and is loved for its rich, hearty flavor.
Batu Moju Curry is a popular Sri Lankan dish made with eggplant (brinjal). The eggplants are cut into pieces and fried until golden, then cooked in a spicy, tangy sauce made with vinegar, sugar, garlic, onions, and mustard seeds. The dish has a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor that makes it very tasty. Sometimes, it also includes a bit of coconut or curry leaves for extra flavor. Batu Moju is often served as a side dish with yellow rice, fried rice and is loved for its unique mix of flavors. It’s a favorite in Sri Lankan homes and a must-try for visitors.
Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the ocean, so seafood is fresh and full of flavor. Sri Lankan seafood dishes are made with special spices, coconut milk, and herbs that give them a unique taste. Here are some of the most popular seafood dishes you should try.
Prawns are cooked in coconut milk with turmeric, chili powder, curry leaves, and spices. The curry is creamy, slightly sweet, and a little spicy. Some people add tamarind or lime for a tangy taste.
- Crab Curry (Jaffna Crab Curry)
This is a famous Sri Lankan dish, especially in the Jaffna region. Crabs are cooked in a thick, spicy gravy made with black pepper, roasted curry powder, and coconut milk. The curry has a rich, spicy, and slightly sour taste that makes the crab meat more delicious.
Fish curry is a common dish in Sri Lankan homes. Fresh fish like tuna or mackerel is cooked with turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, and coconut milk. The taste can be mild or very spicy, depending on the amount of chili used.
- Malu Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)
This is a special dry fish curry made with tuna. The fish is cooked with goraka , black pepper, garlic, and spices. It has a tangy and slightly smoky taste, which makes it different from regular fish curry.
- Dry Fish Fried (Karawala Baduma)
Dried fish is fried with onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. The taste is salty and crispy, with a strong seafood flavor. It is usually eaten with rice and dhal curry.
- Sprats Curry (Haalmasso Curry)
Sprats are small fish that are cooked in a spicy coconut curry. The curry has a rich, slightly sweet taste. Some people also fry sprats until they are crispy, which makes a great side dish or snack.
