Sri Lankan rice and curry

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.

9. Batu Moju

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.

10. Seafood Curries

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.

• Prawn Curry (Isso Curry)

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 (Malu Curry)

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.

Sri Lankan Breakfast

• String Hoppers with Curries

String hoppers, or "Idiyappam," are a popular Sri Lankan dish usually enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. Made from steamed rice flour dough, they look like thin noodle discs and are soft, light. String hoppers are usually served with different curries, making them a tasty and filling meal.

String hoppers are great at soaking up the flavors of the curries served with them, and here are some popular choices:

• Chicken Curry: A spicy curry made with tender chicken cooked in coconut milk and spices. It’s rich and savory, adding bold flavor to the mild string hoppers.

• Fish Curry: Made with fresh fish in a spicy and tangy coconut milk, this curry adds a slightly sour and spicy taste that pairs well with string hoppers.

• Dhal Curry : A creamy curry made from dhal cooked with coconut milk and spices. It’s comforting and goes perfectly with the soft string hoppers.

• Potato Curry/Kiri Hodi: A gentle and creamy curry made with soft potatoes in coconut milk, flavored with turmeric and curry leaves. Kiri Hodi, a simple coconut milk gravy, is also popular and adds a rich, smooth taste to the meal.

• Pol Sambal: A spicy coconut side dish made with grated coconut, chili, onion, and lime juice. It adds a fresh and spicy kick to the meal, making every bite more exciting.

Eating string hoppers with these curries is a fun experience where you mix different flavors on your plate. This meal shows the best of Sri Lankan cooking, bringing together the light texture of string hoppers with the rich, flavorful curries.

For tourists, trying string hoppers with curries is a great way to enjoy Sri Lankan food. It’s simple, tasty, and full of the island’s unique flavors.

• Roast Paan, Pol Sambal, and Curries

Sri Lankan food is full of amazing flavors, and some of the best dishes are simple and local, like Roast Paan, Pol Sambal, and curries. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka, these foods are a great way to taste the country’s delicious cuisine.

Roast Paan is a type of bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a smoky flavor. Roast Paan is perfect for dipping into curries and eating with spicy sides.

Pol Sambal is a spicy coconut mixture that adds extra flavor to your meal. It’s made with grated coconut, chili, lime juice, onion, and salt. It’s fresh, spicy, and tangy, making every bite exciting and tasty.

Sri Lankan Curries are full of rich, bold flavors. Curries are made with different ingredients like chicken, fish, vegetables, or lentils cooked in coconut milk and spices. They can be mild or spicy, depending on what you like. The curries are usually thick, creamy, and go perfectly with Roast Paan and Pol Sambal.

Together, Roast Paan, Pol Sambal, and curries make a delicious meal that shows the best of Sri Lankan food. You can enjoy them at local food stalls, small restaurants, or even in Sri Lankan homes.

For tourists, this is more than just food. It's a taste of Sri Lanka’s culture and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to try this delicious combination when you visit!

• Pol Roti/Coconut Roti

Pol Roti is a popular food in Sri Lanka. It is made with flour, grated coconut, and a little salt. Sometimes, people add chopped onions, green chilies, or curry leaves for extra flavor. The dough is shaped into round discs and cooked on a hot pan until it is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, while remaining soft inside. Pol Roti is a simple but tasty meal enjoyed by many.

One of the best ways to eat Pol Roti is with Lunu Miris, a spicy sambal made from crushed red chilies, onions, salt, and lime juice. Lunu Miris is full of heat and adds a burst of flavor to the  roti. The combination of the soft, slightly sweet roti and the spicy sambal makes every bite exciting and delicious.

After enjoying Pol Roti with Lunu Miris, a cup of Sri Lankan Plain Tea is the perfect way to end the meal. This black tea, served without milk, has a strong flavor that balances well with the spicy sambal. The tea refreshes your palate and helps wash down the rich flavors of the roti and sambal, leaving a warm and satisfying feeling.

Together, Pol Roti, Lunu Miris, and plain tea create a true taste of Sri Lanka. Simple, flavorful, and very satisfying.

• Manioc with Pol Sambol

Manioc, is a root vegetable loved in Sri Lanka. When cooked, manioc becomes soft and tender, making it a comforting food. One of the best ways to enjoy manioc is with Pol Sambal, a spicy coconut side dish.

Pol Sambal is made from grated coconut mixed with chili powder, onion, lime juice, and salt. It has a fresh, spicy, and tangy taste that goes really well with the mild flavor of manioc. The soft, creamy manioc pairs perfectly with the spicy Pol Sambal, creating a delicious combination.

For tourists, trying manioc with Pol Sambal is a must. This dish highlights the unique flavors of Sri Lankan food. Dipping pieces of manioc into the spicy sambal is a fun way to enjoy the meal and explore local food culture.

Overall, manioc with Pol Sambal is a simple yet tasty dish that offers a true taste of Sri Lanka, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to try authentic island flavors.

• Pittu

Pittu is a popular dish in Sri Lanka made from rice flour and grated coconut. It is steamed in a special round mold, giving it a soft and crumbly texture that many people love.

To make pittu, rice flour is mixed with grated coconut and a little salt. This mixture is layered in the mold, with more grated coconut on top. The mold is then steamed until the pittu is fluffy and smells great. Once cooked, it is removed from the mold and served warm.

Pittu can be enjoyed in different ways. It is often served with coconut milk, curries, or spicy sambal like Lunu Miris. The combination of soft pittu with rich curries or spicy sambal makes for a delicious meal.

Pittu is a comforting dish that can be eaten for breakfast or dinner. It is also a part of Sri Lankan culture, often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.

For tourists, trying pittu is a must. It showcases the simple rich flavors of Sri Lankan food, giving a taste of the island's culinary traditions.

• Hoppers and Egg Hoppers

Hoppers, or "Appa," are a popular food in Sri Lanka. They are made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk that is fermented. Hoppers are cooked in a special round pan, giving them a bowl shape. They are crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, making them great for enjoying with different sides.

One of the most loved types of hoppers is the Egg Hopper. For this dish, an egg is cracked into the center of the hopper while it cooks. The egg cooks gently, creating a runny yolk that adds delicious flavor. The mix of the crispy edges and the soft yolk makes it a favorite among many.

Hoppers are usually served with tasty sides, such as:

• Lunu Miris: a spicy sambal made from crushed red chilies, onions, salt, and lime juice that adds a fresh flavor.

• Curries: Different types of curries like chicken, fish, or dhal go well with hoppers, adding rich and savory tastes.

Eating hoppers and egg hoppers is a fun experience. You can tear the hopper with your hands and scoop up the sides, enjoying the mix of textures and flavors. The combination of crispy hopper and rich egg yolk is very satisfying.

For tourists in Sri Lanka, trying hoppers and egg hoppers is a must. They provide a taste of local culture and showcase the delicious food of the island. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, hoppers are a true Sri Lankan treat.

• Kiribath with Lunu Miris

Kiribath, or coconut milk rice, is a traditional dish in Sri Lanka. It is made by cooking rice in coconut milk, which gives it a creamy flavor. Kiribath is usually cut into squares or diamond shapes when served.

One of the best ways to enjoy Kiribath is with Lunu Miris, a spicy sambal made from crushed red chilies, onions, salt, and lime juice. Lunu Miris adds heat and tanginess that goes perfectly with the mild Kiribath. The soft, creamy rice paired with the zesty sambal creates a delicious combination.

In Sri Lankan culture, Kiribath is often eaten for breakfast or during special occasions. It is commonly served on a banana leaf for a traditional touch. Mixing Kiribath with Lunu Miris makes for a fun and flavorful meal.

For tourists, trying Kiribath with Lunu Miris is a must. It’s a great way to experience Sri Lankan food and enjoy the island's delicious flavors in a simple and satisfying way.

• Sri Lankan Pancakes and Lavariya

Sri Lanka is known for its delicious food, and two popular sweet snacks that you must try are pancakes and lavariya. These treats are often enjoyed during tea time or breakfast, bringing a bit of sweetness to everyday life. 

Sri Lankan Pancakes (Pol Pani Pancakes)

Sri Lankan pancakes, also called "pol pani pancakes," are different from the regular pancakes you might know. They are thin, like crepes, and filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and treacle, which is a thick syrup made from coconut . This filling, called "pol pani," is cooked with coconut, treacle, cardamom, and sometimes a little vanilla, making it sweet, sticky, and full of flavor.

The pancakes are made by cooking a light batter of flour, coconut milk, and eggs on a hot pan. Once the pancake is cooked, the coconut filling is spread inside, and it’s rolled up like a wrap. The result is a soft, slightly chewy pancake with a deliciously sweet coconut center.

 These pancakes are a favorite because they are soft, sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea. They’re great for breakfast, tea time, or as a simple snack anytime.

Lavariya (Sweet String Hoppers)

lavariya is another popular Sri Lankan sweet. It’s made using string hoppers (rice noodles), which are usually served with curry but in this case are used to make a sweet treat. The noodles are filled with the same coconut and treacle mixture used in pancakes.

To make lavariya, the sweet coconut filling is placed inside a layer of soft string hoppers, which are then wrapped up into little parcels. These parcels are steamed, making the outer layer soft and the inside sweet and sticky.

 Lavariya is loved for its unique mix of textures. the soft rice noodles and the sweet, chewy coconut filling. It’s a simple yet satisfying snack, often enjoyed with tea or as a treat during special occasions.

Sri Lankan Street Food

Sri Lankan street food is full of bold flavors and spices, offering tasty dishes found at markets and roadside stalls. Eating street food is not just about the food; it’s a way to experience local life and culture.

The Street Food Experience

The charm of Sri Lankan street food comes from its authentic taste. Street food stalls are lively, with vendors cooking right in front of customers, filling the air with the smell of spices and grilled food. Eating at these stalls is a shared experience where locals and tourists enjoy tasty, cheap meals in a vibrant setting.

Sri Lankan street food is more than just a quick meal.it’s a look into the country’s culture and everyday life. The flavors are strong, the choices are many, and the experience is unforgettable. Whether you’re eating a spicy Kottu Roti or drinking fresh King Coconut water, Sri Lankan street food promises a fun and exciting food adventure.

Tips for Tourists

• Try Different Foods: Be adventurous and taste different dishes to enjoy the real flavors of Sri Lanka.

• Watch the Hygiene: Choose busy stalls where food is freshly cooked. Look for clean cooking areas.

• Ask for Spice Levels: Sri Lankan food can be very spicy. If you are does not eat more spicy food, ask the vendor to reduce the spice.

• Carry Cash: Most street food vendors only accept cash, so keep some cash in hand.

• Stay Hydrated: It’s hot in Sri Lanka, so drink plenty of water, especially if you’re eating spicy food.

Enjoy the experience and dive into the vibrant world of Sri Lankan street food!

Popular Street Foods

• Kottu Roti

Kottu Roti is one of the most popular street foods in Sri Lanka. It’s made by chopping godamba roti and mixing it with vegetables, eggs, and meat, all cooked together on a large hot pan. The dish is seasoned with spices, soy sauce, and sometimes chili paste for extra heat.The dish is spicy, flavorful, and full of different textures, making it a favorite meal for many people.

Variations of Kottu Roti

There are many variations of Kottu Roti, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite flavors. Some popular types include:

• Chicken Kottu: Made with chicken pieces, this version is flavorful and satisfying.
• Beef Kottu: A heartier option that uses beef, perfect for meat lovers.
• Vegetable Kottu: A great choice for vegetarians, filled with mixed vegetables.
• Egg Kottu: This variation includes eggs mixed in for a rich and tasty dish.
• Seafood Kottu: Made with shrimp or fish, this version offers a unique twist.
• Cheese Kottu: A newer version that adds cheese for extra creaminess and flavor and can add any meat item you want.

Why People Love Kottu Roti

People love Kottu Roti because it’s tasty, filling, and can be eaten at any time of the day.whether for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. It can be customized with different ingredients, allowing everyone to create their own version of the dish.

A True Street Food Experience

Eating Kottu Roti is more than just a meal. it’s an experience. Vendors cook it right in front of you, with the sizzling sounds, the smell of spices, and the quick chopping making it exciting and fun to watch.

Kottu Roti is more than just food.it’s a big part of Sri Lankan culture. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the country, offering a delicious and unforgettable taste of Sri Lankan street life.

• Wade

Wade is a beloved street food in Sri Lanka, known for its crispy  and rich flavors. These deep-fried snacks are made from various ingredients, mainly lentils (dhal), and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists. There are different types of wade, each with its own unique taste.

Types of Wade

• Parippu Wade: This wade is made from split yellow lentils (kadala parippu). The lentils are soaked and ground into a thick batter. Spices, chopped onions, and green chilies are added for flavor. The batter is shaped into small patties and deep-fried until golden brown. Parippu Wade is often served with fried chille.

• Isso Wade: Isso Wade is made similarly to Parippu Wade . Small prawns are then stuck onto the surface of the patties using the batter before frying. After frying, vendors top the Isso Wade with fresh onions, carrots, and spring onions, serving it with a tamarind sauce. This combination makes it a tasty treat for seafood lovers.

• Uludu Wade: This version uses uludu, which are soaked and ground to make a rich batter. It is mixed with spices and fried until crispy. Uludu Wade has a distinct flavor due to the uludu and is often served with a green chili sambal. This type of wade is popular among those who want a heartier snack.

Why Wade is Loved

People love wade for its crunchy outside and tasty filling. Eating wade is a fun experience, as friends and families often share them while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Sri Lankan streets.

In Sri Lanka, wade is often sold from small carts, especially near beaches and busy markets. The sight of vendors frying wade right in front of customers attracts many people, creating a lively atmosphere. The smell of the cooking wade draws in both locals and tourists, making it a popular choice for a quick snack while enjoying the beach or exploring the area.

Wade is not just a tasty treat. it’s part of Sri Lankan culture. Whether you try Parippu Wade, Isso Wade, or Uludu Wade, each bite gives you a delicious taste of the island’s rich food traditions.

• Paratha with Chicken curry

Paratha with Chicken curry is a popular street food dish in Sri Lanka, often found in small Saiwar shops. These shops are simple, affordable eateries where many locals enjoy a quick meal at any time of the day.

Paratha is like a flat bread that is soft  on the outside. It is made from dough that is kneaded with oil and cooked on a hot pan until golden brown. The bread is perfect for dipping into curries and soaking up delicious sauces.

Chicken curry is a curry made with chicken pieces cooked in a creamy coconut milk gravy. It’s full of spices like curry leaves, turmeric, and chili powder, giving it a rich and spicy flavor. The curry is thick, tasty, and goes perfectly with the paratha.

Eating Paratha with Chicken curry at a Saiwar shop is not just about the food. it's also about the lively experience. You can hear the sound of food frying, smell the aroma of spices, and feel the warm, friendly atmosphere. Saiwar shops are often crowded, with people chatting and enjoying their meals together.

This simple but delicious meal captures the heart of Sri Lankan street food, offering a warm and satisfying taste of everyday life in Sri Lanka.

• Sri Lankan Short Eats

Sri Lankan street food is an exciting part of the country’s culture, and one of the best things you can try are the “short eats.” These are small, tasty snacks sold at street stalls, bakeries, and small shops across the island. For tourists, trying short eats is not just about eating. It's about experiencing the real Sri Lanka through its flavors, sounds, and lively streets.

What It’s Like to Try Sri Lankan Short Eats

Imagine walking down a busy street filled with the smell of frying food, spicy aromas, and the sound of vendors calling out to customers. Small food stalls display all kinds of snacks crispy samosas, golden patties, spicy fish cutlets, and soft stuffed buns. The choices are endless, and each one is tempting.

When you take a bite of a hot patty, you feel the crunchy pastry and taste the spicy filling of curried vegetables or chicken. The combination of crispy, warm, and spicy is exciting and delicious. It’s a simple snack, but it’s full of flavor, and every bite feels like a little piece of Sri Lankan culture.

Reasons to Try Short Eats as a Tourist

• Authentic Sri Lankan Taste: Short eats offer real Sri Lankan flavors that you might not find in big restaurants. They’re spicy, tasty, and made using traditional recipes.

• Affordable and Easy to Find: Short eats are cheap, making them perfect for tourists on a budget. You can try a little bit of everything without spending too much.

• Experience Local Life: Eating street food lets you see local life up close. You’ll notice workers grabbing a snack, kids enjoying after-school treats, and families sharing food together.

• Cultural Insight: Short eats highlight the mix of cultures in Sri Lanka, from Indian and Malay to Portuguese and Dutch influences.

Why Tourists Love Sri Lankan Short Eats

For visitors, short eats are a fun and easy way to explore local food. These snacks aren’t just tasty. they also show the mix of different cultures that have influenced Sri Lankan cuisine. Eating a samosa connects you to Indian flavors, while a Chinese roll gives you a taste of something uniquely Sri Lankan but with international roots.

Trying short eats makes you feel part of the local scene. You’re not just watching from the outside. you’re joining in. You grab a snack, chat with the friendly vendor, and move on, maybe stopping to enjoy your food with a cup of sweet Ceylon tea. There’s no need for fancy restaurants. short eats are quick, casual, and full of character.

Sinhala Kevili Table

Special Notice: All rights to the photos are reserved by the Ceylon Sweets .

The Sinhala kevili table is an important part of Sri Lankan culture, especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Kevili are traditional Sri Lankan sweets and snacks made for special occasions. The table is full of sweet and savory treats, showing the country’s rich food traditions.

Some popular items on the kevili table are kavum , kokis , aluwa , and mung kevum . These snacks are made with local ingredients like rice flour, coconut, and treacle, giving them a unique Sri Lankan taste.

Making these sweets is a family activity, with recipes passed down through generations. Families come together to prepare and arrange the kevili table, which represents sharing, joy, and togetherness.

During the New Year, the kevili table becomes the center of celebration, where families enjoy food, follow traditions, and celebrate the start of a new year.

If you are a foreign tourist, tasting these Sri Lankan sweets is a must. They offer a unique glimpse into the country's rich culture and traditions. 

If you're craving traditional Sinhala kevili, you can order and enjoy these delicious treats from various sources. Here are some links to pages where you can purchase authentic kevili in Sri Lanka. 

• Ceylon Sweets
  
• Keum Gedara කැවුම් ගෙදර
  

Some of items of the kevili table,

• Milk rice with Lunu miris

Milk rice, or kiribath, is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk, giving it a soft and creamy texture. It is usually made for special occasions like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, weddings, and birthdays. The rice is shaped into squares or diamonds and can be eaten for breakfast or during celebrations.

Lunu miris, a spicy mix of chili, onions, salt, and lime, is often eaten with kiribath. The creamy rice and the spicy lunu miris make a delicious combination. This dish shows the simple but bold flavors of Sri Lankan food.

• Kawum

Konda kawum is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet made from rice flour, jaggery , and coconut. It is shaped into small, round cakes with a pointed top, like a cone. The cakes are deep-fried until they are golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and sweet inside. Konda kawum is often made for special occasions, like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and is a popular and tasty treat in Sri Lanka.

• Mung Kewum

Mung kewum, also known as mung kawum, is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet made from mung beans, rice flour, and jaggery. The mung beans are cooked and crushed, then mixed with rice flour and jaggery to form a dough. This mixture is shaped into small cakes or patties and deep-fried until golden brown. Mung kewum has a soft, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor from the mung beans, making it a popular and distinctive treat, especially during festive occasions like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

• Kokis

Kokis is a traditional Sri Lankan snack made from rice flour, coconut milk, and spices. The mixture is poured into a special mold and deep-fried until crispy. Kokis has a light, crunchy texture and a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. It is often made during special occasions and festivals, like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and is enjoyed as a popular treat for its unique taste and crispy texture.

• Aluwa

Aluwa is a popular Sri Lankan sweet made from rice flour and jaggery. It is usually made for special occasions like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. To prepare aluwa, rice flour and jaggery are mixed together and cooked until thick. The mixture is then spread out to cool and cut into small pieces. Aluwa has a sweet with a rich, caramel-like flavor from the jaggery. Sometimes, spices like cardamom are added for extra taste. This tasty treat is enjoyed as a dessert or snack during festivals and celebrations.

• Pol Toffee/Coconut Toffee

Coconut toffee, also known as pol toffee, is a popular Sri Lankan sweet made from coconut and sugar. To make it, grated coconut is cooked with sugar until it forms a thick, sticky mixture. The mixture is then spread out on a flat surface and allowed to cool. 

Once it’s set, it is cut into small pieces or squares.Coconut toffee has a sweet and rich flavor. The coconut adds a nice tasts, while the sugar gives it a caramel-like taste. It’s a favorite treat for special occasions and festivals in Sri Lanka.

• Walithalpa

Walithalpa is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet that falls under the category of kevili, which are special treats often prepared for festivals and celebrations. Made primarily from rice flour, coconut, and treacle, walithalpa is known for its rich, sweet flavor .To make walithalpa, rice flour and grated coconut are mixed with treacle and sometimes spices like cardamom.  walithalpa has a caramelized sweetness.

This sweet is particularly popular during festive seasons such as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and it’s enjoyed for its unique taste and satisfying texture.

• Asmi

Asmi is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet that resembles string hoppers but is made with a sweet twist. It is prepared by mixing rice flour with a bit of sugar and water to form a dough. This dough is then pressed through a special mold to create thin, noodle-like strands.

The strands are steamed until cooked and then served with a  syrup. Asmi has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, light texture. It is often enjoyed during festive occasions and special events, adding a unique and tasty treat to Sri Lankan celebrations.

• Naran kewum

Naran kewum, also known as aggala, is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet made from rice flour and jaggery . To make naran kewum, rice flour and jaggery are mixed together and then shaped into small, round cakes. These cakes are deep-fried until they are golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft texture inside.

Naran kewum has a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of caramel from the jaggery. It is a popular treat during festive occasions such as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Its delightful taste and crispy texture make it a favorite among Sri Lankans and visitors alike.

• Bibikkan 

Bibikkan is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet cake made from grated coconut, jaggery , rice flour, and dates. The mixture is often flavored with spices like cardamom and may include nuts or dried fruits for extra richness. To make bibikkan, grated coconut and jaggery are combined with rice flour, chopped dates, and spices. This mixture is then baked until the cake is golden brown and firm. The result is a rich, moist cake with a sweet, caramelized flavor, complemented by the natural sweetness of dates and the warmth of spices.

Bibikkan is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions, such as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and is a beloved treat for its unique taste and texture.

• Milk Toffee

Milk toffee is a popular Sri Lankan sweet made from milk, sugar, and butter. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, caramel-like flavor. To make milk toffee, milk is boiled with sugar and butter until the mixture thickens and starts to caramelize. It is then poured into a tray and allowed to cool and set.

For an even better taste, you can use Milkmaid  instead of regular milk. This substitution enhances the flavor and adds extra sweetness, making the toffee richer and creamier. Once cooled, milk toffee is cut into small squares or pieces. Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and sweet, buttery taste make it a favorite treat during special occasions and festivals.

• Kalu Dodol

Kalu Dodol is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet made with coconut milk, Kithul jaggery , and rice flour. It has a chewy, sticky texture and a rich, caramel-like taste. The mixture is cooked slowly for a long time until it turns dark and glossy. Kalu Dodol is especially famous in the Hambantota area in the south of Sri Lanka, where it's a popular treat during special occasions and festivals, loved for its unique flavor.