TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Sri Lankan Foods
Considered the national dish of the country, Sri Lankan rice and curry consists of steaming hot, fluffy rice (samba or kakulu varieties) that is served with a variety of side dishes commonly called curries. There are typically at least three (ideally five) different curries served along with the rice, one of which is usually based on fish or meat, and the other two are based on vegetables.
Common accompaniments to rice and curry include sambol (a Sri Lankan relish), a gravy or hodda with spices and coconut milk, mallum (chopped leaves with coconut), and fried crispy foods such as papadams. This specialty is a typical home-cooked dish and an undisputed staple on restaurant menus throughout Sri Lanka.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kukul mas is a traditional chicken curry originating from Colombo. This creamy and lightly spiced curry is usually made with a combination of chicken breast that's cut into pieces, onions, ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, coconut milk, tomatoes, oil, and salt.
The onions are cooked in oil until golden brown, and then mixed with the ginger, garlic, ground spices, and chicken pieces. The mixture is stirred over medium heat and covered with water. Coconut milk is added to the curry and the dish is simmered until the chicken is fully cooked.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Curry
Kottu is one of the national dishes of Sri Lanka, a favorite among locals and tourists throughout the country. It employs crucial elements of national Sri Lankan cuisine: roti flatbread, aromatic spices, crispy vegetables, and tasty meat.
Each kottu is prepared individually on a hot griddle. The process starts with spices such as ginger, garlic, pandan leaves, curry, chili, cardamom, and cinnamon, which are shortly fried to release all their intense aromas. The spices are topped and mixed with carrots, scallions, leeks, or other vegetables, while pieces of sliced roti are added on top.
MOST ICONIC Kottu
View moreThis simple combination of rice and coconut milk is a staple dish throughout Sri Lanka. The rice is cooked in milk, and the mix is then left to set in a shallow plate. The dish is traditionally cut into square or diamond shapes, and the pieces are usually topped with spicy lunumiris chili paste, or they can be served along jaggery and bananas.
Kiribath represents prosperity and good luck, and it is an integral part of Sinhalese culture, traditionally served to commemorate new beginnings. It is always enjoyed on Sinhalese New Year, and it is traditionally given to children as their first solid food.
Mutton rolls are Sri Lankan snacks or appetizers consisting of pancakes that are filled with potatoes, onions, and mutton, which are then wrapped and deep-fried. The pancakes are usually prepared with flour, eggs, milk, and water. After they have been shaped into rolls, the pancakes are dipped in batter, rolled in breadcrumbs, then deep-fried in very hot oil.
It is recommended to serve them with chili-based dipping sauces on the side.
Pol sambola is a traditional side dish made with fresh coconut, red onions, red chilis, chili powder, and lime. Optional ingredients include garlic, cured tuna (Maldive fish), and chopped tomatoes. The dish is prepared by crushing all the ingredients in a mortar, and it is usually flavored with freshly squeezed lime juice.
Pol sambola is popular in Sri Lanka, where it can be found anywhere from humble homes in rural areas to high-end restaurants in Colombo. It is typically served as a side to string hoppers, steamed rice, or curry.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kallapam is a traditional coconut pancake that's popular in Sri Lanka and Kerala. It's made with a combination of raw and cooked rice, coconut milk, grated coconut, yeast, shallots, sugar, salt, and cumin seeds. Traditionally, the pancake is made with kallu (toddy or fermented palm wine), which is used as the raising agent instead of yeast, but it's usually not that easy to get a hold of it.
The batter is fried in a pan, and after a minute or so, the pancakes are ready. Kallapam is usually served warm with chicken curry or beef cooked in coconut milk.
Aasmi is a famous Sri Lankan sweet made with a combination of rice flour, coconut milk, okra juice, sugar, and water. Once made, the batter is fried into thin strings which are overlapped. Before serving, aasmi is typically drizzled with sugar syrup, then left to set.
This dessert can be prepared a few days in advance, and it's then kept in airtight containers.
Bibikkan is a traditional coconut cake originating from Sri Lanka. Although there are variations, the cake is usually made with a combination of shredded coconut, jaggery, semolina, wheat flour, eggs, baking powder, cumin, raisins, cashews, ginger preserve, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and lemon rind.
The jaggery is heated and mixed with shredded coconut, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla. The mixture is simmered and removed from the heat in order to cool down. The roasted semolina, wheat flour, baking powder, cashews, raisins, ginger preserve, and cumin are stirred into the mixture.
Helapa is a traditional sweet treat. It's prepared with a combination of kurakkan flour, rice flour, treacle, cardamom, and grated coconut. The ingredients are cooked together and mixed until they develop a doughy consistency. The mixture is then flattened on kanda leaves, which are folded and steamed until the dough firms up.
Before serving, the leaves just need to be unwrapped and helapa can be eaten. It is recommended to serve this traditional dessert with a cup of Ceylon tea.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Sri Lankan Food Producers
Vithanakande Tea is a renowned tea producer in Sri Lanka that blends traditional methods with modern techniques to create high-quality Ceylon tea. Their approach focuses on premium tea leaves sourced from local smallholder growers, ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of their products.
The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant where tea is meticulously processed. Vithanakande offers a range of tea products, including black tea with distinct flavors that cater to connoisseurs. Their commitment extends to prioritizing the well-being of their workers and fostering a dynamic community.
BEST New Vithanakande Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Rockland Distilleries, established in 1924 by Carl de Silva Wijeyeratne, is one of Sri Lanka's oldest family-owned distilleries. Over four generations, the company has maintained a legacy of producing high-quality spirits, including the traditional Sri Lankan arrack, gin, rum, brandy, and whisky.
Their commitment to quality and tradition has positioned them as a leading name in the Sri Lankan beverage sector. In 2012, Rockland Distilleries achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting their dedication to environmental sustainability. This certification underscores their efforts to implement eco-friendly practices in their production processes.
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2020
BEST International Distilleries Limited Spirits
Bogawantalawa Tea Estates is a renowned tea producer located in Sri Lanka, nestled in the picturesque Golden Valley of Ceylon. Famous for cultivating some of the finest teas in the world, the estate is known for its climate-positive farming practices and sustainable production methods.
The tea produced here benefits from the rich soil and misty mountains surrounding the estate, imparting distinct flavors and aromatic qualities to each leaf. Bogawantalawa offers a variety of premium teas and focuses on organic farming, water stewardship, and waste management, contributing to a healthier environment.
BEST Bogawantalawa Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Idalgashinna Bio Tea is a high-quality, organic tea produced in the scenic region of Idalgashinna, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This area is known for its ideal growing conditions, such as high altitudes and a cool climate, which contribute to the unique flavor profile of the tea.
The tea is produced using sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, ensuring that it is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. This commitment to organic farming not only enhances the tea's natural flavors but also helps preserve the surrounding environment.
BEST Idalgashinna Bio Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Basilur Tea Export (Pvt) Ltd is a company based in Sri Lanka that specializes in producing high-quality Ceylon tea. The company sources its tea from various estates in Sri Lanka, known for their rich, full-bodied flavor. Basilur Tea offers a wide range of products, including black, green, and flavored teas.
The company places a strong emphasis on packaging, often incorporating intricate designs and gift-worthy presentations. Founded in 2006, Basilur Tea has expanded its distribution to several international markets.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
BEST Basilur Tea Export (Pvt) Teas and Herbal Infusions
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
BEST Amba Estate Teas and Herbal Infusions
Dilmah Tea is one of the most renowned tea brands in the world, known for its high-quality Ceylon tea. It was founded by Merrill J. Fernando in 1988 in Sri Lanka, with the goal of providing the world with premium tea while preserving ethical values and sustainability.
The Dilmah brand is recognized for its commitment to preserving the authenticity of Ceylon tea, fair trade, and responsible business practices. Dilmah has also dedicated itself to tea education and culture through its tea school – The Dilmah School of Tea.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BEST Dilmah Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Sri Lankan Food Products
Colombo No.7 is a premium London Dry Gin meticulously crafted by Rockland Distilleries in Sri Lanka. Based on a 70-year-old recipe, it is distilled in small batches using traditional copper pot stills. The gin features a unique blend of seven spices and botanicals, including native cinnamon bark, curry leaves, ginger root, and coriander seeds, complemented by juniper berries, liquorice, and angelica.
This combination results in a beautifully balanced, subtly spiced gin that offers a distinctly Sri Lankan interpretation of the classic London Dry style.
AWARDS
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2020
FBOPF Extra Special from New Vithanakande Tea is a high-quality Ceylon tea known for its rich flavor and refined profile. The tea is made from Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings (FBOPF), which are smaller, broken leaves that deliver a robust yet smooth taste.
This particular grade offers a floral, slightly malty flavor with a hint of sweetness and a subtle astringency. The “Extra Special” label indicates a more refined taste with a balanced, complex profile. This tea is perfect on its own or with a splash of milk and sugar.
Basilur Vintage Blossoms Citrus Bliss packet loose tea is a product crafted by Basilur Tea Export (Pvt) Ltd. This product is reputed for its vibrant and refreshing blend that features a combination of fine Ceylon black tea and an invigorating citrus twist.
The tea is infused with natural flavors, lending a delightful aroma and a crisp, zesty taste reminiscent of blooming citrus orchards. The vintage-themed packaging adds an elegant touch, making it an ideal gift or a stylish addition to any tea collection.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Dilmah's Pure Ceylon Green Tea is a premium quality tea made from the finest green tea leaves harvested from Sri Lanka. This tea offers a smooth, refreshing taste with a delicate herbal flavor and mild astringency, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a lighter tea.
The tea is designed to be calming and stress-relieving, with its subtle flavor profile providing a soothing experience, particularly after meals to aid digestion. The tea is made with 100% pure green tea leaves, ensuring no additives or artificial flavors, maintaining the authenticity of Ceylon tea.
Bogawantalawa Legend Green Tea is a high-quality green tea that comes from the Bogawantalawa plantations, one of the most renowned tea estates in Sri Lanka. The plantation is located in the Uva region, known for its ideal climate and altitude for tea cultivation.
This green tea is known for its clean, refreshing taste and delicate herbal notes. The production process is carefully controlled to preserve the natural freshness of the tea leaves, resulting in a mild yet rich flavor. Bogawantalawa Legend Green Tea is perfect for green tea enthusiasts who seek a balance between mildness and deep flavors, with an emphasis on purity and tradition.
Idalgashinna OP is a high-quality, organic black tea grown in the Idalgashinna region of Sri Lanka, which is known for its ideal climate and high-altitude conditions, perfect for cultivating premium tea. The Orange Pekoe grade refers to the size and quality of the tea leaves, specifically whole leaves with a fine, delicate flavor profile, and is one of the most sought-after grades for black tea.
This tea is produced using organic farming methods, which means that no chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers are used during cultivation, ensuring a pure and environmentally friendly product. The tea leaves are handpicked, ensuring that only the best leaves are selected for processing.
Dilmah's Springtime Oolong with Real Ginger is a delicate tea with a mild floral aroma and a hint of warming ginger. Lightly fermented, this Oolong tea is prized for its delicate character and was once favored by emperors. The addition of natural ginger flavor gives it a subtle spicy finish, making it an ideal tea for the evening.
The tea is lightly caffeinated and is best enjoyed straight, offering a soothing and adventurous experience. It is recommended to brew at 80°C–90°C for 2–3 minutes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
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