My tips on dishes you have to try whilst visiting this beautiful island.
I have an addiction. An addiction I blame solely on Sri Lanka.
COCONUT, ginger, chilli, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, curry leaves, cumin seeds, tamarind, mustard seeds and lime. I simply cannot get enough of the flavours of this spicy island.
Nothing beats tucking into a local meal after a busy day exploring the island. So to help you get started on your Sri Lankan food odyssey, here are my top five dishes;
Kadala – Found on the road side and served in a cone of newspaper is this delicious snack of chick peas, chili, onion, fresh coconut and of course an array of spices. Grab a packet or 2 of hot Kadala and munch away happily.
Dhal curry/parippu – A creamy, coconutty dhal that is heaven with rice, roti and of course a couple of chutneys on the side. My favourites are Pol Sambol (coconut, chilli and onion) and seeni sambol (sweet onion).
Niek tucking into a Sri Lankan breakfast.
Hopper/Appas – To me hoppers are Sri Lanka. Although there are a few different types, I am cheating and putting them together. Plain hoppers, egg hoppers, string hoppers – make sure you try them all with a delicious chicken or aubergine curry and a spicy sambol.
My mum enjoying a hopper for dinner at a road side restaurant
Short eats – Stop at any eatery at the side of the road and try a variety of snacks known as short eats. My favourites are fish rolls and egg rotis, but I suggest you just take one of each and share them. Wash it down with an Elephant House ginger beer and hit the road again.
Cashew nut/kaju curry – This tempered, creamy curry with coconut milk is so good we had it at our wedding. Just trust me and try it!
So if you’re lucky enough to be heading to this beautiful, tiny island in the Indian Ocean make sure you go hungry and ready to eat!
Jackfruit being sold at the side of the road.
For more about Sri Lankan food check out this link to our story about discovering little Sri Lanka in Naples.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Galle we just cannot recommend Mango House enough.
