I love food! One of the first things I research on a destination before traveling is the type of dishes that I must try, restaurants to visit and delicacies to savor. Travelling to me is about exploring the variety of dishes in a country as much as anything else.

Regardless whether you are a foodie or not, yo

u will certainly find it next to impossible not to try a few of Sri Lanka’s mount-watering, outrageously unique, curiously attractive range of dishes. Ok, so most of our dishes are spicy, but you could also ask for them without the spices…Yes, believe it or not we could do dishes without that bottle of chili!

If you are on a scheduled tour, don’t worry, most hotel buffets offer a Sri Lankan corner, which will offer a range of options. Many will be spicy but there is always that one dish that is not. Ask your waiter which one that is, and dig-in.

Here are some of the authentic Sri Lankan dishes that you should definitely look out for during your stay in Sri Lanka:

Hoppers  – This is an absolutely yummy dish which is a cup-shaped crispy pan cake looking thingy (sorry but that’s the best way I’m able to describe it J ). It’s completely non-spicy and you can try it plain or with an egg dropped in to its center. They will usually be enjoyed with other side dishes such as curries and sambols. That is the best way to have it but they certainly will be hot. If your hotel happens to offer you Hoppers…. DO NOT miss it!

String Hoppers – This is not even remotely close to hoppers, although the name may suggest it. It’s a noodle like pancake which is made of rice flour. It’s made with either red or white flour so you will have the red or white option. Both are great but the red is by-far the healthy option. This is best savored with the side dishes that are offered. The most amazing thing about this is you can have it with different side dishes which will give you completely different and unique flavors each time.

Pittu – This is hands down my favorite! It’s a cylindrical goo of rice flour mixed with grated coconut and then steamed traditionally in a bamboo pipe. Again due to the rice flour you can have it either with the red or white flour. You have to bathe the Pittu with coconut milk (if not its dry and also a little tasteless) and then enjoy it with the sambols and curries on offer. Absolutely nothing short of yumm!

Kiributh – Which literally means “milk Rice” in English is rice which is slightly over cooked in coconut milk to form a sticky goo, which is then patted down in a cake like form and cut into large serving size pieces. This is our most traditional and auspicious breakfast. We have it on Sunday mornings to celebrate the start of the week. On New Year ’s Day, to celebrate an auspicious occasion, to celebrate an anniversary, etc. You will hence only find this offered during breakfast (to celebrate the start of the day). Once again it’s best to have it with the sambols and curries offered.

Kola Kandha – Which means “green Soup” is exactly what it says. It’s a thick soup that is made of dark green healthy herbal leaves and pulped rice. It is outrageously healthy and is a breakfast dish. It is usually offered with a piece of juggery (caramelized coconut honey) which will make the soup slightly sweeter. If you’re not into sweets that early in the morning, drop the juggery and it will still make a yummy and, not to mention, healthy start for your day.

Rotti – The Sri Lankan Rotti is extremely unique compared to the variety of Rottis you will find in India. The Sri Lankan Rotti is slightly thicker and is with a mix of grated coconut in it. We jazz it up every now and then by mixing in some curry leaves, onions, green chilis, etc and call it “Savory Rotti”. This is light and you can enjoy it as your substitute for your dinner roll or even as your main meal. Once again usually serves during breakfast.

These are just a handful of the great “uniquely” authentic Sri Lankan dishes that you must try on your visit to Sri Lanka. If you do have other dishes that you liked during your stay or that you have heard about, please do write to us and let other readers know about your experiences and recommendations.

Bon appétit!